BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Bills rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter’s parents both worked at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio, and showed him the importance of community involvement.
“They always had tutoring services,” said Carter. “I remember my dad taking a whole bunch of kids to Ohio State football camp growing up. I was a young guy riding around in the back of the truck with all the cool, big, strong football players. And kind of that was the influence of my life to get me not only playing ball, but really see what service is and what it meant to my family.”
While playing college football for Duke, Carter got involved with Habitat for Humanity.
“Very humbling, in a sense, to learn that you can affect somebody in such a little way just by being there, especially because of who you are,” said Carter. “So I think it’s pretty cool for me and that to be my intro.”
While at Duke he was named to the 2022 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, recognizing his community involvement. It was a natural transition when he was drafted by the Bills this year.
“The Bills, we do a great job with the Rookies Club, kind of getting us involved to meet people,” said Carter. “But also on my own, seeing and branching out where there could be a need where I could fit in.”
One area he wants to be involved with is mentoring kids.
“Just the aspect of fun and so many things you learn throughout athletics,” said Carter. “I mean, it’s just a blessing.”
He also wants to impart a larger lesson to kids beyond sports.
“I think my other message is you can do anything you want to do in this life, no matter what life throws at you,” said Carter. “Circumstances might be a little tougher, of course, and some may have it better than others. But at the end of the day, you’re put on this Earth for a reason.”
Bills Make Me Wanna Give
Scott Patterson is a co-anchor on News 4 Wake Up! He joined the News 4 team in 2024. See more of his work here.