Michael Carter II’s work away from the field is getting the spotlight it deserves.
The Philadelphia Eagles safety has been named the Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP after hosting Baby Shower on the Block, a maternal and infant health event in Philadelphia for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid members. Carter, 27, has been productive on the field in 2026, but this honor is for what he’s doing in the community.
The event itself drew a strong turnout. According to the NFLPA, "The event welcomed more than 100 moms, support persons and children, including 40 expectant moms, and featured a maternal health panel as well as a fatherhood panel led by the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback," according to the NFLPA. "All attending moms received car seats, Pack ’n Plays, diapers and other essentials to help address barriers to care and health-related social needs in at-risk communities."
For Carter, it was the third Baby Shower on the Block he has put on since launching the Michael Carter II Foundation in 2025. He has also donated 15,000 items to families in need this year alone.
His community efforts stretch beyond Philadelphia, too. Last summer, his foundation teamed up with Wellstar Health System for a free community baby shower in Smyrna, Georgia. When he was with the Jets, the foundation held similar events in the New Jersey area, offering families items like diapers, wipes and more.
The foundation is also scheduled to host its annual football camp next year and continues to support community initiatives tied to local schools.
Carter’s work has even shown up in the commercial space during the 2026 season, with appearances in "It Takes All of Us: Gamechanger" ads alongside Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.
The Eagles traded for Carter from the New York Jets at last season's trade deadline, and he has become a key role player. This season, he has stepped in as a starter at safety and, even while dealing with an abdominal injury, has remained one of the steadier pieces on the defense.
For a player making an impact on Sundays and in the community, this award fits. The MCII Foundation says, "The MCII Foundation exists to make sure families have access to the resources they need and the information that empowers them to advocate for themselves.
Maternal health is at the center of everything we do - because when mothers are supported, whole families are stronger. Too many people, especially those on Medicaid, are navigating pregnancy and postpartum without knowing what they are entitled to or where to turn.
We bridge that gap, in the community, in a way that meets people where they are."
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