Toronto Argonauts: James Wilder Jr. getting CFL involved in cancer charity
Toronto Argonauts’ James Wilder Jr. is bringing back his ‘Run Wilder for a Cure’ campaign and has the support of most of the league’s running backs.
After missing the last part of the season with an injury, Toronto Argonauts running back James Wilder Jr. has a little extra motivation to end his season on a positive note.
During the month of October, the 27-year-old along with eight other running backs in the league will donate $1 for every yard they get in a game plus $100 for every touchdown they score. The funds raised will then go towards breast cancer research.
This initiative was started by Wilder Jr. during his rookie season in 2017 and it led to a big recruitment job across the CFL and even the NFL. Teams wear the colour pink during the month of October but the Florida native wanted to find a way to bring action towards the cause.
"“I wanted to take action and do something to raise money,’’ Wilder Jr. said. “Bringing awareness without action does nothing. I wanted to take action and contribute and try to help out.”"
Its October that means its time to #RunWILDERForACure Ill donate $1 per yard n $100 per TD to breast cancer research joining me in @CFL
— Wilder Sports Academy (@IAm_Wilder32) October 1, 2019
Sutton @Ticats
Powell @sskroughriders
Gable @EdmontonEsks
Madu @REDBLACKS
Stanback @MTLAlouettes
Rutley/white @BCLions
Jackson @calstampeders
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
He’s had the support of players like Chris Thompson, Melvin Gordon and Devonta Freeman who participated in the cause back in 2017 and he hopes to have more players get involved this time around.
What makes this year special for Wilder Jr. is having the respect from the fellow CFL running backs despite this being a month where teams and players want to establish their position in the playoffs.
"“We’re all competing and we all want to get the most rushing yards to help our teams win,” said Wilder Jr. “But at the end of the day this shows how all of us running backs are a unit and the brotherhood we have.”"
In 2017, Wilder Jr. played twice in October missing one game against Edmonton and it those contests he rushed for a total of 184 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 174 yards through the air although it is not confirmed whether receiving yards are included in the total for charity.
So far Tyrell Sutton ran for 88 yards while CJ Gable had 47 in Friday’s game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Edmonton Eskimos.
Toronto plays four games in October including two home games against the Ottawa Redblacks who Wilder Jr. to get 87 combined yards and three touchdowns.
Next. Zach Collaros glad to be back on the field. dark
An initiative like this can go a long way in raising money for a worthy cause but also inspire others to consider doing the same.