Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was recognized on Friday as the recipient of the 2025 community service award by the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce during the team‘s annual Welcome Back Packers Luncheon. Kraft earned this honor for his extensive charitable work both in Wisconsin and his home state of South Dakota.
Charitable Efforts Reach Across States and Communities
Kraft, originally from Timber Lake, South Dakota, a small town on the Cheyenne River Reservation, has demonstrated significant dedication to local causes. Last season, he supported the Cheyenne River Youth Project through the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats initiative. This nonprofit connects children with holiday gifts, benefiting around 1,000 to 1,500 youth on the reservation. Several children from the Cheyenne River Reservation even traveled to Green Bay to participate in a commercial with Kraft, aimed at raising awareness for the nonprofit.
As a mark of appreciation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe named Kraft an honorary member. Since being a third-round draft pick from South Dakota State in 2023, Kraft has quickly emerged as a key player and a leader for the Packers, gaining attention as one of the promising talents at his position.
Kraft’s Message and Wider Community Involvement
When accepting the award, Kraft shared a meaningful message with the crowd:
Where you’re from can never set a limit on where you want to go.
—Tucker Kraft, Award Recipient
Throughout his three-year NFL career, Kraft has engaged in numerous community activities. He has visited patients and families at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee, participated in a charity golf event supporting pediatric research at the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and worked alongside families of fallen military members by painting and assembling flags. Kraft has also taken part in the Packers’ annual Tailgate Tour, traveling across Wisconsin to meet fans and help raise funds for local causes.
Commending Kraft’s Leadership On and Off the Field
Head Coach Matt LaFleur praised Kraft’s character and growth, encouraging the crowd to recognize his contributions:
It’s an honor to work with a guy like that each and every day,
and,
Tuck, we can’t have enough guys like you on our football team.
—Matt LaFleur, Packers Head Coach
Significance of Kraft’s Recognition for Community and Team
Kraft’s receipt of the 2025 community service award highlights his commitment to making a positive impact beyond football. His leadership extends from his hometown in South Dakota to various communities in Wisconsin, exemplifying the ideals the Packers organization values off the field. As he continues his promising NFL career, Kraft’s engagement with charitable causes is likely to inspire others and strengthen the bonds between professional athletes and their communities.