NORMAN, Okla., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Former Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly has endorsed the global charity Mercy Ships before the start of his potential NFL career.
The 21-year-old, 6-foot-4 native of Longview, Texas, has decided to apply for the 2008 NFL draft and also has committed to help Mercy Chips, a charity founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens that provides hospital ships to deliver free world-class healthcare and community development services to the poor in Africa and elsewhere.
Kelly said his goal is to make a difference in the lives of others.
"I wanted this to be the first thing I did to begin my career as a professional athlete," the All-Big 12 performer said. "I'm not even in the league yet, but I know how important it is to do the right things in the right way (and) Mercy Ships is all about that."
"Malcolm Kelly is already a local football hero in east Texas," said Mercy Ships Chief Executive Officer Sam Smith. "His compassion and commitment to bring hope and healing to the world's poor is extraordinary for someone his age."
