Out of this desire to a “pay-it-forward” Cory created the Cory Redding Foundation. The 501(c) (3) organization is the home of the Hearts Outreach Program which reaches out-to at-risk youth. Cory is devoted to affording youth the same opportunities he had.

He points out that many people helped shape his life along with his mother, and he feels it is a privilege to give back and to make a difference in the lives of those he is fortunate enough to touch. “Cory says “I am a product of where I came from, and because so many people wanted to see me become a successful and productive person, I want to offer the same to children so that has a ripple effect, and one day, I hope those children will also want to give back and pay-it-forward.”

Cory, a family man who loves God, always knew God was protecting and guiding him in his life and in his career, but he had no idea just what God had in store for him when the Detroit Lions assigned him the number 78. As he looks back he now realizes that his number symbolizes the two phases he often emphasizes in his life – the old and the new, the past and the present. In biblical terms, the number “7” represents the number of completion, and the number “8” represents new beginnings. His well-guided youth, high school and college careers were successfully completed and his call to the NFL signaled his new beginning.

To insure that as many children have the same guidance and opportunities that he has had, Cory established a football camp which he says is designed to give the participants” a better knowledge of football, while instilling integrity, a good work ethic, discipline and courage.”

The Houston native held his first camp in 2006 in his hometown. The event became an annual event in 2008. The one-day camp which is held in Houston brings together 8 to 17 year olds who get to interact with and learn the basic skills of the game of football from NFL greats from the past and the future.

Cory was born in Houston, Texas on November 15, 1980 to Mary Zerlene Brantley and Carl Benjamin Redding. He is a very proud and doting father and husband, who place his family first.

Cory’s documented stats are vast and can be found on many football websites, and his list of socially responsible activities is rapidly catching up to his long list of football accomplishments. In addition to being active in his church, Cory participates in a host of charitable events. He donated tickets to each home game to the Methodist Children’s Home through the Lions Caring Athletes Ticket Service for Kids program. In 2006, he made time in his schedule to visit patients at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital.

This man, who lives the “play-it-forward” philosophy every day, also volunteered his time to the “Give the Gift of Sight” programs. The tireless Redding got involved with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Service Center in Detroit where he helped load turkeys which were delivered to families in need during Thanksgiving.

Also in 2006, Cory served as Honorary Chair for the Bocce Ball Tournament which raised over $110,000 for the Detroit Lions Charities. In 2007 he took part in the Lions Pet Calendar benefiting the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

Loyalty, fierce talent, integrity, commitment, dedication and devotion all wrapped up in number 78, and it is just the beginning for Cory “C-Redd” Redding.