Oakland Raiders' Tahir Whitehead Salutes Veterans

EAST BAY — The Oakland Raiders' Tahir Whitehead will host a 5K Run/Walk and Dance Workout this Thursday that will benefit "Back On My Feet," a nonprofit that helps veterans with housing and jobs. It currently operates in 13 cities across the country including the San Francisco Bay Area.

The event will be held at Lake Merritt in Oakland. The 5K starts at 4:30 or 5 p.m., and the Grooves Dance class, led by celebrity choreographer and Grooves founder Kennis Marquis, will begin at 5.

Specifically, registration fees from the event will go "to provide employment training, career counseling, financial literacy to those who are ready and eager to enter the workforce when given the opportunity."

Whitehead is inspired by veterans, saying,"I truly believe the ultimate sacrifice is putting your life on the line to protect and serve others. It takes a special type of person to be that courageous and it deserves high respect and praise. It is only right I give back in this capacity because I remember being in need and feeling like the world was cold and no one cared. When you have fallen on hard times, sometimes the only motivation you need is to experience that the world is not that cold and people actually care."

The NFL player grew up in the inner city and escaped his background through the encouragement of coaches who believed in his talent. They helped him get into college, which led to the NFL.

Back On My Feet CEO Katy Sherratt is grateful for this week's event, saying, "We are so excited and honored to partner with Tahir Whitehead to fight homelessness within the veteran community. Back On My Feet serves members in 13 cities across the US, and we use running as a catalyst to build community, ultimately helping our program participants find sustainable work and housing."

Whitehead will give free Raiders tickets to 20 veterans. The Oakland Raiders Foundation will be providing giveaways as part of the initiative. Surprise guests from the Raiders will be participating in the walk/run and dance contest. All 5K Run/Walk participants will receive a medal.

Register online now.

Learn more about Back on My Feet.