In an inspiring act of humanity and global solidarity, NFL stars Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney have donated $175 million to build a resettlement village in Colombia for children who lost their families in the country’s brutal anti-drug conflict.
The village will be named “Raíces Blancas” — Spanish for “White Roots” — a powerful metaphor representing the hope of new beginnings. It’s a vision to help children find a place to take root and be reborn from the darkness.
“We wanted to give these kids more than just a roof,” said Jacobs. “We wanted to give them a foundation — emotionally, spiritually, and physically — to build a life beyond trauma.”
Raíces Blancas will be located near Medellín, once one of the epicenters of Colombia’s drug-related violence. The village will feature more than 300 eco-friendly homes, schools, health and trauma recovery centers, sports and recreational facilities, and creative arts spaces — all designed to foster healing, education, and growth.
For McKinney, whose advocacy for youth empowerment has been a hallmark of his off-field legacy, the project reflects a deep belief in second chances.
“These kids didn’t choose the violence that changed their lives. But we can choose to show them love, consistency, and hope,” McKinney said. “White Roots is about planting something pure in a place that’s seen too much pain.”
The duo has partnered with international aid organizations, local Colombian NGOs, and child development specialists to ensure the village meets the long-term needs of its residents — not just as survivors, but as thriving individuals with futures full of potential.
The announcement has earned widespread praise, with #WhiteRoots trending across social media as fans, teammates, and humanitarian leaders celebrate the players’ extraordinary gift.
Construction on Raíces Blancas is expected to begin later this year, with the first families scheduled to move in by 2027.
In a world where headlines are often filled with division and despair, Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney have given us a moment to believe in something better: a future built not on fear, but on compassion and community.
