In 2025, the Buffalo Bills made an active effort in prioritizing their Social Justice Committee and its impact in the community.
"It's just crazy how deep the Bills affect this community and how much of an impact we make," defensive tackle DeWayne Carter said. "No matter where the people are [or] what they go through."
The committee includes Carter, left tackle Dion Dawkins, running back Ray Davis, wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, center and guard Sedrick Van Pran-Granger and cornerbacks Ja'Marcus Ingram, Christian Benford and Brandon Codrington. This is the first season that Davis, Van Pran-Granger, Carter and Codrington joined the committee.
"They want to do it. They want to be there. They want to be available. They want to give their energy. That's number one, and honestly, the guys are showing up," Dawkins said. "… that's the initiative: being present, for guys to be available and be present … they're in the community for those couple of hours. Simply that."
The NFL's Inspire Change initiative aims to push forward change in local and state legislation and policies. Partnering with clubs, owners and players, the league focuses on four priority areas to encourage and contribute to reform, social justice and racial equalities. The four pillars of Inspire Change are criminal justice reform, education, economic advancement and community-police relations.
Teams and their players work with public officials, law enforcement, academic institutions, community partners and others. Throughout all 32 clubs, players lead initiatives to improve voting laws, juvenile justice, educational funding and other legislation. These initiatives are meant to reduce barriers, open opportunities for people in the community and create positive change.
"The impact goes beyond football and playing well on the football field," head coach Sean McDermott said. "It's what you can do in a community and how you can impact the community in a positive way. Providing hope, your time, all those things are important. So, … we are here to win games, but the kind of footprint you leave on a city, in a community lasts forever."
On Oct. 28, the Social Justice Committee worked with LECOM to assist with Buffalo's Code Blue initiative – a cold weather emergency plan that provides outreach, transportation, shelter and a meal to unhoused individuals in the community.
In New Orleans where Van Pran-Granger is from, he said there's a large population of unhoused people. When coming to Buffalo, he immediately developed concern for those in the area, especially when facing brutal winter conditions. Joining the Social Justice Committee, he took that step forward to ask what the committee can do for the unhoused population in the area and what resources the Bills can provide.
"When I got here, I can only imagine what people go through in the winter, going through harsh conditions – because I don't want to be outside half the time," Van Pran-Granger said. "So, it was really just thinking about that and thankfully, God put it in my heart."
The Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee visits Code Blue. This gallery is present by LECOM.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
Social Justice Committee visit to Code Blue, October 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.
The Social Justice Committee partnering with Code Blue provides warm shelters for unhoused people in the winter. On that Tuesday, the committee gave out backpacks with resources and essentials as well as warm clothes to wear in the cold.
Van Pran-Granger, Ingram and Carter took that time to be listening ears for everyone there. Ingram said the experience was genuine, learning about their stories and having heartfelt conversations with them. He focused on learning about them as individuals as the committee shared a meal with them.
"I hope they don't see necessarily me, per se," Van Pran-Granger said. "I'm a Christian, so I really just hope that they saw that God loves them. That's the biggest thing: just trying to spread love and hopefully point them in the right direction."
Carter felt like he made a difference and impacted the community in a way that went beyond donations, charity and money. That's part of the "legacy" Carter said he hopes to leave on the community beyond being a football player or one of the greatest on the field. Connecting with people and showing them that the Buffalo Bills are there for and care about them is what Carter holds close to his heart.
"The homeless population, they're often viewed as not people and it's sad because at the end of the day, the reality is, we're all one thing away from being homeless, being in the same position they are," Carter said. "… There were just so many different stories … The main takeaway was they're just normal people."
On Oct. 7, the Committee visited McKinley High School in Buffalo, NY to learn more about the trade programs available for students in the public school system.
"Any opportunities that we have with education is key to show the kids that it's okay to be smart, it's okay to learn, it's okay to aspire, to achieve great things as far as trades, history, math, science, becoming an engineer or anything," Ingram said. "Anything that they put their mind to, they can do it; and so I'm always down for education and I'm always advocating for kids too."
In Buffalo, there are no designated, public vocational schools for high school students. Trade schools can cost families up to $10,000 to attend per year. While financial aid and scholarships are available, trade and training programs are not readily available for families at a financial disadvantage. The Buffalo Public School system, however, aims to provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities through programs and electives.
At McKinley, minorities make up 90 percent of enrolled students and 91 percent of students are financially disadvantaged. CTE programs and electives are prioritized alongside standard high school curriculum. The school also assist students financially who plan to enroll in a college, trade school or law, firefighter or medical program after high school graduation through access to scholarships.
The Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee visited McKinley High School to learn more about the trade programs available to Buffalo Public School students.
Ray Davis (22), Christian Benford (47), Brandon Codrington (29), DeWayne Carter (90), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62), Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ray Davis (22), Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47), Michelle Roberts. Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46), Christian Benford (47), Brandon Codrington (29), DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62), DeWayne Carter (90), Brandon Codrington (29), Christian Benford (47), Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Social Justice Committee Trade School Visit, October 07, 2025 at McKinley High School.
After the event, Ingram felt inspired to challenge himself. Since then, he attends an electrician class every Tuesday with the students, pushing himself to learn something new and get out of his comfort zone. He said he also enjoys seeing the students excel in other areas of life, not just traditional schoolwork.
Working with kids often, Ingram wants to motivate them in return to achieve whatever they're interested in in life. His book, The Lil' Player That Could, encourages that mindset.
"Just showing them that I could be an author, I could play football, I could be an electrician, I could be a musician, I could be an artist, I can do so much stuff and be so versatile … Just using a platform that I have with football, I wanted to get out in the community and just show others that they could do anything that they want in life, and use my story to inspire that," Ingram said. "So, any time and any chance that I get, I try to be involved in book events and youth literacy … having kids come out and do story time … sitting down with kids and seeing their faces light up through story time is amazing."
The Social Justice Committee saw the house the students built at McKinley, and in groups they helped the players build different parts.
At Carter's station, he and the students put together a toilet, something Carter never did before. He was impressed with their level of confidence and expansive skillset that stretches beyond traditional education. The ability to rely on themselves for trades skills whenever they or their families need the help also stuck out to Carter.
Education, even in trades, is something Carter said no one can take away. Those skills are power. He said that exposure and having opportunities to explore other areas of education were important to advocate for, not only to have those skills in their back pockets, but to embrace their interests.
"I think that's the cool thing about education because it can go so many different routes and it opens so many doors. I think it's a confidence builder. It's just opportunity for expression in a world where everyone's trying to be the same or be the coolest. I think you should just be you," Carter said. "That's how I was raised and … one day when I have kids, that's how they're going to be raised. That's the message I try to spread."
