Write a commentCommunity members will have a unique opportunity to meet former NFL players and celebrities while supporting a critical local cause during the NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter Charity Golf Classic, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, and Monday, June 15.
The two-day event begins with a Celebrity Meet & Greet on Sunday, June 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Collegian Hotel in Syracuse. Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, live music, a silent auction and the chance to interact with former NFL players and notable figures.
The event continues Monday, June 15, at Drumlins Golf Course, where participants will compete in a captain and crew-style tournament alongside NFL alumni and celebrities. Proceeds from the event will benefit Erin's Angels of CNY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting childhood food insecurity and ensuring that no child goes hungry in Central New York.
Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for unique prizes and give back in a meaningful way. The winning foursome will have the option to donate $1,500 to a charity of their choice in their team's name or receive a complimentary entry into next year's tournament. In addition, attendees will have the chance to win a 2026 Hyundai Tucson, adding excitement to an already impactful event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Erin's Angels of CNY, while also contributing to a scholarship or charitable donation established in memory of Arthur Jones. A two-time New York State wrestling champion and standout defensive player at Syracuse University, Jones went on to win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and served as a member-at-large with the NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter. He passed away on Oct. 3, 2025, at the age of 39 due to heart complications. This tribute honors his legacy of excellence, service, and commitment to the community.
"This event is about more than golf. It's about making sure every child has access to the food they need to grow, learn and succeed," said Sheila Dion, founder and executive director of Erin's Angels of CNY. "When people come together like this, they are directly helping children in our community feel supported and cared for."
Gene Mills, director of events for the NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to local impact.
"We bring people together through football and community, but the real purpose is giving back," Mills said. "Supporting Erin's Angels allows us to turn this experience into something that changes lives for kids and families across Central New York. It also gives us an opportunity to honor not only a champion on the field, but a leader and friend within our NFL Alumni family. Honoring Arthur through this event ensures his legacy continues to inspire and support the next generation, especially the children and families we are coming together to serve."
Featured Guests and Participants
A wide range of former professional athletes, coaches and local sports figures are expected to attend the June 14 Celebrity Meet & Greet, including:
- Anthony Averette, Baltimore Ravens; current Syracuse University coach
- Rashad Barksdale, New York Giants
- Alex Bayer, St. Louis Rams; current Syracuse University coach
- Craig Bingham, Syracuse University, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Ryan Blackwell, Syracuse University basketball standout and coach
- Roosevelt Bouie, Syracuse University basketball, drafted by Dallas Mavericks, played professionally in Europe for 23 years
- Myron Brown, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Mitch Clark, Ohio State University NCAA Div 1 Wrestling
- Leroy Collins (NFL Alumni Upstate NY Chapter President), Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dan Conley, former Syracuse University linebacker
- Dyshawn Davis, Washington Commanders and CFL; current Syracuse University coach
- Mike Dotterer, Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl champion
- Robert Drummond, four-time CFL MVP and Philadelphia Eagles
- Gerry Feehery, Syracuse University, Philadelphia Eagles
- Josh Gattis, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears; current Syracuse University coach
- Morlon Greenwood, (NFL Alumni Las Vegas Chapter President) Syracuse University, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl selection
- Will Hicks, Syracuse University Strength & Conditioning Coach, currently Special Assistant to Head Coach Fran Brown
- Dave Jacobs, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles
- Marc Jones, CBA, University of Tennessee, German Football League "Mr. Touchdown"
- Andre Kates, Baltimore Ravens; current Syracuse University coach
- Rubio Lindo, CFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals
- Deon Maddox, Syracuse University, Detroit Lions, currently coaching at Syracuse University
- Michael Michaelides, World's Longest Drive competitor
- Mean Gene Mills (event coordinator), world champion wrestler and Olympian
- James Mungro (NFL Alumni Upstate NY Chapter Vice President), Syracuse University, Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl champion
- Adrian Murrell, New York Jets
- Carl Petetti (NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter President), University of Miami (National Championship), Philadelphia Eagles
- Frankie Savannah, Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee
- Jude Waddy, New York Jets
- Dennis Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs, Syracuse University coach
- David Walker, Syracuse University coach, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions & Chicago Bears.
- Marcus Walker, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers & current Syracuse University coach
- Michael Wiley, Ohio State University, Dallas Cowboys
- Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets Pro Bowl selection, Syracuse University coach
- Wendall Williams, Houston Texans
- Rodney Smith, World Champion Wrestler and Olympic Bronze Medalist
Organizers note that the final lineup is subject to change. The event also features raffles, prizes, entertainment and opportunities for participants to engage directly with athletes, all while supporting programs that provide meals and resources to children and families in need.
Community members can register, sponsor or donate by clicking: NFL Alumni Charity Golf Classic 2026 | NFL Alumni Upstate NY Chapter
Erin's Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to students in need in Phoenix, NY. While Erin's Angels currently serves children in the Phoenix Central School District, the long-term vision is to expand their reach and provide food to kids experiencing food insecurity across Central New York through its Community Outreach program ensuring that no child goes hungry. For more information or to donate, visit www.ErinsAngels.com.
