Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards’ heartwarming gesture after 12-year-old loses mom, sister and grandmother in fire

Published by
Zach Stevens

Pro athletes are sometimes accused of being selfish or narcissistic, but Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards recently did something that is the very antithesis of that stereotype.

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards personally reached out to a young boy who tragically lost his family in a house fire … inspiring the kid with a special message about hope,” wrote TMZ.com.

 

“12-year-old Taeden Johnson was wounded in the Jan. 27 blaze at the family’s mobile home unit in Athens, Georgia. He raced to a neighbor’s house at 3 AM to call 911, but emergency responders were unable to save his mom, 9-year-old sister and grandmother. The fire also destroyed all of Taeden’s personal possessions.”

It would’ve been great enough if Edwards donated money to help Johnson rebuild, but the shooting guard went above and beyond that.

“… he got the kid’s phone number and hit him up on FaceTime on Monday so they could talk … and according to Taeden’s mentor Zac Hendrix, the conversation was incredible,” wrote TMZ.com.

Edwards shared his own experience of losing loved ones and encouraged Johnson to keep pushing forward in life.

“It was incredible,” Hendrix said Tuesday morning according to the OnlineAthens.com. “He just said, ‘Hey, Taeden, look man, I lost my mother, I also lost my grandmother at a young age and look where I’m at now. Never give up. Always give 110 percent to where you eventually want to go. Just follow your dreams and nothing will stop you from doing that.’”

Even better, Edwards told Johnson that he would always be just a phone call away.

“The NBA star then instructed the 12-year-old to save his phone number and welcomed him to ‘reach out any time,’” wrote TMZ.com.

A GoFundMe page has been established that has already raised a staggering amount of money to help Johnson move forward with security and optimism.

Edwards was the top overall pick in last year’s NBA draft. He has been struggling with his shooting efficiency thus far this season, but he is putting up 13.6 points per game.

He is leading all rookies this season in scoring average.

Unfortunately, the Timberwolves are one of the league’s worst teams, but what Edwards did to help a child in dire need will ultimately make a greater impact than anything he or his team ever accomplish on the basketball court.

Zach Stevens

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif. and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA and NFL fan since he was a little kid in the mid-'90s, and he has always loved soaking up knowledge about both leagues and their respective histories. He feels strongly that sports aren't just entertainment, but also a means for learning life lessons.

Published by
Zach Stevens

Recent Posts

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

21 hours ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

2 days ago

Shannon Sharpe implies Jamal Murray defers to Nikola Jokic like Kobe deferred to Shaq: ‘Murray is more than capable’

An ankle injury has kept Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic sidelined for more…

3 days ago

Anonymous coach pushes back on Stefon Diggs’ reputation: ‘He’s a warmer person than the stigma’

An anonymous coach pushed back on some of the criticism that has followed veteran receiver…

5 days ago

Report: Draymond Green defrauded by notorious Crips leader

The Los Angeles Times has reported that Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and Los…

7 days ago

Report: The ‘sense’ is that the Cleveland Browns want Cam Ward

The 2025 NFL Draft is next month, so it's time for teams to get serious…

1 week ago