Raised by a single mom, Jessie Bates pledged $1 million to single mothers when he joined Atlanta; now his Falcons chapter has ended

Jessie Bates III is leaving Atlanta after making a promise that went beyond football. Raised by a single mother, the NFL safety pledged $1 million to support single mothers and their children when he joined the Falcons. His time with the team has now come to an end following an agreement to trade him to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But his work supporting families in Atlanta and his hometown of Fort Wayne remains an important part of his story.

How did Jessie Bates turn his childhood experience into a mission?

Bates grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, Theresa. When he entered the NFL in 2018, they discussed how they could use his career to help families facing similar challenges. That conversation led to the JB3 Single Mother's Initiative. After signing a four-year, $64 million contract with Atlanta, Bates committed to donating $1 million over the four years to organizations supporting single mothers in Atlanta and Fort Wayne, Indiana.


One of the organizations he supported was Solomon's Temple in South Atlanta, which describes itself as a holistic homeless shelter for single mothers. The group says single mothers account for 40% of people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta.

Bates visited the shelter with Falcons teammates Tyler Allgeier and Micah Abernathy. They spent time with families, handed out food and played with children.

"It's always near and dear to my heart," Bates said. "I know how important it is to support to the single moms."

Allgeier also connected with the mission because he was raised by a single mother.

"He came from a single mom and so that hit deep for him, but I also came from a single mom," Allgeier said. "It hit (me) inside as well."

Bates also gave back to children in Fort Wayne

His charitable work extended to his hometown. Bates donated fifty thousand dollars to Bedrock Youth Incorporated. This gift supports the My Brothers Keeper and My Sisters Keeper programs. The organization helps two hundred fifty children. It offers mentorship, leadership development and academic support. The donation helps cover scholarships, sports programs, meals, uniforms and educational supplies.

Bates also regularly invited families supported by his initiative to attend Falcons games. His mother, Theresa, remained involved by taking mothers out for meals and staying connected with the families.

Why is Jessie Bates leaving Atlanta?

The Associated Press reported that the Falcons agreed to trade Bates to the Jaguars for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection. The move closes his chapter in Atlanta, where he led the Falcons in tackles, pass break ups and interceptions during the season described in the supplied report. He also earned second-team All Pro honors for the second time in his career. The information is taken from Atlanta Falcons Football Club, WANE and WRAL News.