SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Richard Sherman's childhood home was a local hub for the holidays.
"Sometimes we would have friends over and teammates, and they'd stay for a week, week and a half. And people would literally spend Christmas at our house and not at their house at times," Sherman said.
Those holidays spent growing up in Compton set the foundation for Sherman's giving spirit that's remained an important part of his life away from football. The 49ers' Pro Bowl cornerback has prioritized Christmas time to reach out to those in need since entering the NFL. But it began on a modest scale.
"We started with one," said Ashley Moss, Sherman's wife, recounting families Sherman helped earlier in his career as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. "Then we had six."
This week, that number of families grew to 174. The family bought roughly $100,000 worth of gifts for families in need that were distributed at San Jose's Redemption Church on Monday.
"It's always been a time where it's about family and community for me, and not just immediate blood family, just everybody, bringing people together," Sherman said. "So I understand how much joy and how much happiness it can bring people. I just want to spread that."
