Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images; Go Fund Me
The home of former NFL defensive tackle Fred Robbins burned down this week, and his Florida community is now working to help him rebuild.
According to aGoFundMeset up to raise funds for Robbins and his family, the home caught fire around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday with Robbins and his wife, Tia, as well as their two children inside.
“By the Grace of God they were able to get themselves and their two boys out safely; however, the house is a total loss,” the page’s organizers wrote.
The family was unable to grab personal belongings during their escape and now must put together what they’ve lost.
“As you can imagine, this is devastating,” organizers explained on the donation page. “There wasn’t time to grab any valuables, family photos, keepsakes, or anything! This traumatic experience will live with them forever, and they have a long journey ahead to rebuild everything they’ve lost.”
Robbins — who helped the New York Giants win a Super Bowl title in 2008 — is well known in the area thanks to his longtime mentorship program,Mr. Robbins Neighborhood, thePensacola News Journalreported. He co-founded the organization with his wife in 2014 with the purpose of helping young athletes develop additional paths to success outside of athletics.
“They have faith, and are optimistic and strong,” a description on the GoFundMe says of the family. “They know this too shall pass, they will lean on their family and faith. But right now, it feels traumatizing and overwhelming to say the least.”
“Luckily the family was sleeping together in one room — two children at home with Mom and Dad — and thank God they’re out safe,” he added.
During his NFL career, Robbins also played for the Minnesota Vikings, the team that drafted him in 2000, and the St. Louis Rams.
TheGoFundMeto benefit Robbins and his family has raised nearly $35,000 from 196 donors as of Thursday afternoon.
source: people.com
