Our Donor Family
Tackle Jeff Backus Has Proven His Loyalty to the Lions and the Community
ALLEN PARK, Mich. --In many cases our actions speak louder than our words.
Backus and wife, Regan, began involvement with
Mott's when they were students at the University of
Michigan.
For left tackle Jeff Backus – the soft spoken leader of the offensive line – nothing could be truer.
After playing through a majority of last season with an ankle sprain and dealing with the injuries that have plagued the offensive front this season, Backus has proved his dedication, ability and loyalty to the Lions’ organization.
“He’s very loyal. He bought a house before he even got his contract, so he knew he wanted to be here,” Lions’ center Dominic Raiola said. “Playing every game with an ankle injury – I’ve seen him play with different types of injuries, so that shows a lot of his loyalty right there.”
While Backus has undoubtedly proven his dedication on the field – extending his contract and keeping an optimistic view on the direction of the team –he has also dedicated much of his time off the field here in Michigan.
He is a native of Norcross, Georgia, but relocated in 1996 to play football for the University of Michigan. Now, 11 years later, Backus has directed much of his dedication toward giving back to the place he now calls home.
Backus has fully absorbed himself within the community and in particular with the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
“I think it’s really important (to be involved). I’m familiar with the area and the community. This area means a lot to me because it’s given me so much,” said Backus.
“I’ve been able to be a part of something like raising money for the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and getting involved in other aspects of the community. It makes you feel like you’re part of something – something that’s bigger than just yourself.”
Backus and his wife Regan originally became involved with the children’s hospital when they were students at the University of Michigan. Since then they have donated their time and money to help the cause.
“No. 1, I felt this was a way to get involved in the university without necessarily concentrating on the athletic department," said Backus.
“Also, being a student athlete there you get the opportunity as a student athlete to visit the kid's at the hospital, and my wife was a big part of that when we were students there. We thought it was important and meaningful. It’s a way to give back.”
With his ties running deep with Michigan’s football program, Backus can attribute much of his involvement to head football coach Lloyd Carr who has long been involved with the organization and is a co-chairmen of the fundraiser for the buliding of the new Mott Children’s Hospital.
“He originally got me involved a couple of years ago,” said Backus. “He invited me to a couple of fundraiser dinners where I ended up meeting people that are involved in raising money for the new hospital and are participating on a daily basis with the kids there.”
For Backus, it’s not his obligation as a high-profile athlete to give back to the community. Instead he feels that his position has given him so much, that’s only right to do what he can to help others.
Over the past six seasons that Backus has been a Lion, he has been able to get involved with a handful of affiliated charities. Mott’s, however, has been the one thing that Backus has found to be his main focus.
“I’ve finally found something that means a lot to my wife and I and we plan on being a part of what they’re doing over there for a long time,” said Backus
As the 2006 season continues to roll along, Backus remains a dedicated leader both on and off the field, not only hoping to continue to on the path to success for the Lions but to continue contributing to the community that he has become so much a part of.
