Los Angeles Rams linebacker Kenny Young believes teaching kids “Emotional Intelligence” at a young age will create a better future for them.

Los Angeles Rams line-backer Kenny Young hosted his first event from his foundation, Tackle Young. He donated $5000 and over 400 books to Grape Street Elementary to purchase books for teachers and students to promote the importance of financial literacy. Young was motivated to start his foundation by the things he experienced when he was young and how he handles himself on the field by tackling his opponents quickly before they get a touchdown. Young aspire for younger kids to apply that same mindset to the issues they have now. He believes the children should understand and be aware of tackling their problems early before they get older, and the issues will be out of reach to handle.

Kenny Young donates over 400 books to Grape Street Elementary. (Khari Jones Jr./L.A. Sentinel)

Young believes it’s all about the mindset, so instilling this state of mind into the kids now will create a better future for them. Young says, “In my career, I tackle my opponents quickly before they get a touchdown; otherwise, it would be a problem. With little kids, this is an opportunity for them to understand and be aware of tackling issues early. If the drama is at home, internal or the classroom, we are about to handle it early. Being aware of tackling issues early before they get older, and before the issues are too big to handle.” Young goes on to say, “This is something that I apply to my life. I was a dreamer, and I know where I wanted to go in life. I come from a pretty hectic background. I want to share my testimony with kids. It’s all about the mindset. Whatever you’re going through, read about it and learn.”

Kenny Young shares his testimony with the students at Grape Street elementary. (Khari Jones Jr./L.A. Sentinel)

Managing your emotions and self-education is a skill that will take you far in life. Most kids do not learn about emotional intelligence (EQ). Learning EQ at a young age can change a generation. Studies show that having a higher EQ leads to greater success than the actual school curriculum. Kids react to their emotions and sometimes can lead to destruction because they don’t understand why they are having these emotions. Instead of them being confused, not understanding why they are feeling a certain way, Young and The Tackle Young foundation partnered with Wasserman Media Group and provided kids books to read that focuses on controlling your emotions. Young says, “It starts with a choice, but it also starts with recognizing that you have the ability and the power to make a choice. Our hope is that you start making healthy choices in the long run. If you have that approach, you’ll find yourself in a great place in life, and the world will be in a much better place.”

Young takes a group of kids in a classroom and speaks on the importance of financial literacy and literature. (Khari Jones Jr./L.A. Sentinel)

Emotional intelligence is the key to success in this life, as a society we need to make sure kids grasp this concept at a younger age. This is an excellent start for the Tackle Young foundation because kids need help in that area. Now these schools, teachers, counselors, principals because they can implement this in their system.

Kenny Young, Grape Street Keith Nakano and Rams staff(Khari Jones Jr./L.A. Sentinel)

The youth will be excited about reading and utilizing these resources. Young said, “When I got these books and saw their faces, it was breathtaking. They were so excited. This event is one of many opportunities we are going to do with Grape Street.” What they are doing is extremely important for this generation. Young is demonstrating the leadership that kids will continue to follow, and they will do the same for those coming up behind them. Young is empowering the next generation with his giving back spirit.

Students got the opportunity to ask Kenny Young about his personal life. (Khari Jones Jr./L.A. Sentinel)

The primary purpose of these books is to make sure children understand they have power over their emotions. The majority of adults today are just now learning that a critical component to success is controlling your emotions. “We have to tackle the youth, we have to get in their heads awareness is key, self-awareness is key, education is key, and asking questions is ok. Grape Street is a huge opportunity for us to make this dream work. My agency, Wasserman Media Group, partnered with my organization to make this happen.” Young motivations for donating these books is educating these kids, and get them excited about learning. Today’s youth are not as active as they used to be. Nowadays children are more interested in playing video games than learning. Tackle Young Foundation will help shape the future for many generations to come, Young anticipates. Let’s continue to follow Kenny Young as he strives to change the narrative for the youth.

By Khari Jones Jr., Contributing Writer

Source publication: Los Angeles Sentinel