NFL veteran Jon Feliciano returns to Western High School to host annual backpack and school supply giveaway for local students

Davie, Florida – As summer winds down and students prepare for a new school year, a familiar face is stepping up once again to make sure they’re ready for success.

Former NFL offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who recently retired after a decade-long professional football career, is teaming up with his alma mater, Western High School, to host a back-to-school backpack and supply giveaway on Saturday, August 9. The event will take place at the Western High School auditorium starting at 9 a.m., and is open to students within the Western High School zone.

In total, 480 pre-filled backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with no need for pre-registration. The event is open to students from Western High School, as well as Flamingo Elementary, Fox Trail Elementary, Silver Ridge Elementary, and Indian Ridge Middle School.

“I’m excited to host my fifth backpack event. I see so much of myself in these kids, and I’m thrilled to do what I can to ensure they start the year off right,” Feliciano said. “I appreciate the Western High School administration for continuing to provide me with the opportunity to give back.”

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This is more than just another community service event — for Feliciano, it’s personal. He grew up in South Florida, attended Western High School, and knows firsthand how important it is for students to feel supported. Having overcome challenges in his own youth, Feliciano brings both heart and authenticity to every act of giving.

This year’s event marks the fifth time Feliciano has returned to Western for a backpack drive, a tradition he has maintained in various communities he has called home — including Buffalo, the Bronx, and South Florida.

A Legacy of Giving Beyond Football

Feliciano’s football résumé is impressive: he played for the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Oakland Raiders, earning three Pro Bowl nominations and receiving the Ed Block Courage Award from the Buffalo Bills in 2020. But it’s what he’s done off the field that has made him a hero to many.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Feliciano donated $25,000 to Meals on Wheels South Florida and Feeding South Florida. He also gave more than $12,000 to charitable organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Latinos in Action, and The Belle Center — supporting education, youth development, and community empowerment.

Now settled in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife Shannon and their three children, Feliciano continues to invest in communities close to his heart. Despite retiring from the NFL, his drive to serve hasn’t slowed.

Western High Proudly Welcomes One of Its Own

Western High School administrators and staff are proud to collaborate once again with Feliciano, who represents not only athletic excellence but a deep commitment to community values. The school, located at 1200 S.W. 136th Ave. in Davie, is expected to welcome hundreds of families on Saturday for the event.

Though the giveaway is not open to the general public, students and families in the Western High School zone are encouraged to arrive early. Organizers note that once the 480 backpacks are gone, distribution will end.

While the event is not being publicly promoted ahead of time outside the school zone to manage crowd size, media are invited to attend and cover the morning’s activities. The event promises to showcase a true spirit of giving and togetherness, just days before the school year officially begins.

Supporting Students, One Backpack at a Time

This year’s backpack drive reflects a growing awareness of how small acts — like supplying a student with pencils, notebooks, and basic tools — can have a big impact. For many families facing rising costs, these donations can relieve stress and provide a sense of preparedness for the new school year.

Feliciano, who grew up with humble beginnings, understands that feeling well.

His passion for helping young people stems from seeing himself in them — kids who are eager to learn, to dream, and to succeed, if given the right support.

“I see so much of myself in these kids,” he said, echoing what has become a heartfelt mantra of his outreach efforts. And through events like this, he’s showing students that someone believes in them — and that they’re not alone as they head back to the classroom.

A District Rooted in Excellence

The event also reflects the broader values of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), one of the nation’s largest school districts, serving more than 247,000 students and around 125,000 adult learners. With 239 schools and over 80 charter campuses, BCPS emphasizes equity, opportunity, and academic achievement across its diverse student population, which represents 174 countries and speaks 157 languages.

Known as Florida’s first fully accredited school system, BCPS carries the motto: “Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”

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Thanks to partners like Feliciano, that mission continues to thrive — one backpack, one student, one act of generosity at a time.

For updates and more information about Broward County Public Schools, visit browardschools.com. You can also follow BCPS on X @browardschools, Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos.

As for Feliciano, you can follow his community work and family life on Instagram @JonathanFeliciano and Twitter @MongoFeliciano.