Willie McGinest

Long Beach, California

Professional Football Player

Turning 8 years old was a landmark for Willie McGinest. That year, he started playing football – and he joined the Boys & Girls Club. His football talent took him to the University of Southern California; the NFL’s New England Patriots came next. McGinest helped lead the Patriots to their three Super Bowl Championships in 2002, 2004 and 2005. McGinest credits the Boys & Girls Club with imparting much of his will to succeed. “The Club experience taught me how to work as part of a team.” It was, he says, “a safe place, a positive place, and a great creative learning experience.”