BOSTON — Deatrich Wise and Joe Cardona are always willing to give back to others, but Monday was a reminder of how far both Patriots have come.
The pair, along with Brian Hoyer, was at Boston Children’s Hospital where they made and served pancakes to pediatric patients. Judging by the smiles in the room, the three Patriots players succeeded in giving back.
"It’s definitely a great opportunity to come out and do something in the community that’s a [...]
BOSTON — Deatrich Wise and Joe Cardona are always willing to give back to others, but Monday was a reminder of how far both Patriots have come.
The pair, along with Brian Hoyer, was at Boston Children’s Hospital where they made and served pancakes to pediatric patients. Judging by the smiles in the room, the three Patriots players succeeded in giving back.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity to come out and do something in the community that’s a little bit different,” Cardona said. “But always something that we know we can see how happy these kids are and just to have a break from what they’re dealing with different. It’s something that’s exciting for them.
For Cardona, helping others is nothing new. The long snapper is currently a lieutenant junior in the Navy. On Monday, he spent his time taking photos and signing autographs, but in two weeks, he’ll fly to Korea to help his country. He said he‘ll be there for a “couple of weeks” for “an exercise.”
That, he considers his real job, but on Monday, he received a reminder of how much he can help in the community.
“I never thought I’d be in this situation or position. It’s something I’m extremely grateful for,” Cardona said “Just to be able to do something that can positively impact somebody that’s going through so much.”
For Wise, the day was a reminder of where he’s at in his life. Following his first NFL season, the defensive end is able to use his newfound celebrity to make a positive impact in the community. That’s nothing new, either. The 23-yer-old prides himself in helping others.
“It is new, but I’ve always done community service, even when I was younger and I often think about it – people being happy to see me,” Wise said. “It’s humbling to be around kids and their families. Just to see their smiles is heartwarming.”
Wise stayed in Foxboro for his first officially NFL offseason. He’s staying in shape and getting ready for April when players report to Gillette Stadium. On Monday, he already looked like a veteran as he helped a boy in a wheelchair get some pancakes.
“I like to use my NFL platform to always give back and always make people’s days brighter,” Wise said.