So when Phillips got the chance to collaborate with Hippy Feet, who financially supported Harrison’s Playmakers, on her own clothing line, she happily embraced the new endeavor.
Phillips this week spent time with Jenna, Jason and Aidan, who have intellectual or developmental differences and are part of Best friendsa national nonprofit organization near and dear to Phillips.
When the youngsters got a chance to join in on photo shoots with Phillips, Jenna and Aidan helped the lineman model some of his new Hippy Feet items.
“Give me your best pose,” Phillips encouraged Aidan, who didn’t shy away from a big pushup.
Phillips hoisted Jenna over his shoulder, both wearing matching “Horrible Harry” hoodies.
The trio then took a seated position, laughing heartily as they showed off three different Horrible Harry sock designs.
“Come on dude! I’m trying to smile and you keep making me laugh,” Jenna teased Phillips.
Eric Perkins, Jenna’s father and a former sportscaster for KARE 11, smiled as he watched the entire interaction.
“Jenna has fun with almost everything she does, but the access he gave her had an indelible impact,” Perkins said. “She’s still talking about it, and she honestly thinks of him as her friend now.”
Perkins explained that Jenna got involved with Best Buddies during the COVID-19 pandemic when, like people across the country and the world, she struggled with a lack of connection.
“Jenna discovered Best Buddies through some of her friends at the Special Olympics,” Perkins explained. “During the pandemic, she felt isolated like so many others, and Best Buddies intensified with many fun and interactive online meetups that she became a part of. Since then, she has been active on their shows, galas, and events. “
Since Phillips signed with the Vikings last spring as a free agent, Perkins has been impressed by his ongoing commitment not only to Best Buddies but to the special needs community at large.
Source: news.google.com