From Professional Football to Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation Through Sports, Mentorship, and Opportunity
Former professional football player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Te'von Coney is proving that an athlete's greatest impact can happen beyond the game. As founder and executive director of Tough Choices Foundation, Coney uses lessons learned through professional sports to empower young people with leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills. His mission is rooted in the belief that mentorship is not a luxury but a necessity. "I didn't just want to inspire young people. I wanted to equip them," says Coney.
Through Tough Choices Foundation, Coney has helped impact more than 500 young people across 10 cities, providing structured youth development programs that combine athletics, mentorship, and practical life skills. The foundation's four-to-six-week programs focus on discipline, accountability, financial education, career exploration, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. By partnering with schools, municipalities, community organizations, and corporate sponsors, Tough Choices Foundation brings these opportunities directly to communities, helping students build confidence, make better decisions, and prepare for successful futures beyond sports.
For Coney, philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions. It means investing time, sharing experiences, creating opportunities, and building stronger communities. Through student sponsorships starting at $100 and partnerships with cities and schools, Tough Choices Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and businesses to invest in the next generation. Coney's journey demonstrates why Athletes Make The Best™ Philanthropists: the discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership developed through sports can become powerful tools for transforming lives. His greatest legacy may not be measured by victories on the football field, but by the young people he helps prepare to succeed in life.
Learn More: Tough Choices Foundation
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