Since being acquired from the Detroit Lions before the 2016 NFL trade deadline, linebacker Kyle Van Noy has been an integral defensive fixture in the New England Patriots’ front-seven, helping New England win two Lombardi Trophies.
Until Tuesday night, most Patriots fans might not have known how much of a help Van Noy has been off the field and in the surrounding Foxboro area.
During the annual Patriots Premiere inside Gillette Stadium, Van Noy was rewarded for all his valuable community service endeavors within the New England community when he was named the recipient of the 2019 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award.
“I know I’ve been blessed with a lot, and I just want to bless other people,” Van Noy said during an interview with WBZ’s Steve Burton. The award is named in recognition of Steve’s father, Ron Burton, the Patriots no. 1 draft pick in team history who touched the hearts of many Patriots fans off the field.
Van Noy, who was raised by a family that often gave back to their community, and his wife Marissa created the Van Noy Valor Foundation with its vision of helping the lives of children who are adopted, fostered, or disadvantaged.
“Kyle and Marissa chose a cause that is near and dear to their hearts, as Kyle was adopted as an infant and Marissa’s father and younger brother were both adopted,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said, via Patriots.com. “We are proud of his accomplishments on the field as a New England Patriot, but even more so, proud of his character and his contributions in the community.”
In an article on Patriots.com chronicling Van Noy’s commitments off the field, Patriots lifestyle editor Angelique Fiske highlighted Van Noy’s annual celebrity waiter night where his teammates serve dinner to needy children as well as Van Noy providing presents and winter coats to families through his annual tree and coat giveaway.
“It’s the no. 1 thing that my wife and I preach: ‘Much is given, much is required.’ I’m all about giving back,” Van Noy said. “I (got into) giving back at a young age with my family, and it will hold and sustain with my kids.”
