Hunter Henry Named NFLPA Community MVP After Hosting Second Annual “Freedom to Play” Ping Pong Tournament
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) announced Friday that New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was selected as its Week 6 Community MVP. The honor recognizes his work organizing the second annual Freedom to Play ping pong tournament in Boston. The tournament took place Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at SPIN Boston and raised money and awareness for the International Justice Mission.
Henry and his wife, Parker, launched the Freedom to Play event in 2025 in partnership with the International Justice Mission to spotlight and raise funds against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The Patriots said the event pairs fundraising with public awareness efforts. This year marked the tournament’s second edition, and organizers billed it as both a fundraiser and an awareness event.
The Patriots said the Henrys supported the cause long before Henry joined the team as a free agent in 2021. Last offseason, the couple traveled to Kenya on an 11-day mission trip to observe IJM’s work firsthand, team officials said. After learning of the NFLPA honor, Henry said, “Thankful to be honored and excited to continue to bring awareness to end human trafficking across the globe.”
Multiple Patriots players attended Monday’s event to support Henry’s initiative, the team said. Those in attendance included Drake Maye, Kevin Byard, TreVeyon Henderson, Eli Raridon, Bryce Baringer, Tanner Arkin and Behren Morton, the Patriots said. Two-time Super Bowl champion David Andrews also appeared, and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner and Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza joined to help raise awareness and funds, the team said.
Henry already has received recognition for his community work. The 11-year veteran won the Patriots’ Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2025 and served as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award that same season. The Week 6 NFLPA Community MVP honor follows teammate Mack Hollins’ selection as the Week 4 NFLPA Community MVP, the association announced.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Henry’s NFLPA Community MVP nod highlights a sustained personal commitment to combating human trafficking beyond a single event. By returning Freedom to Play for a second year and traveling to observe IJM’s international efforts, the Henrys have aimed to maintain momentum for the cause. High-profile teammates and local pro athletes helped broaden the event’s visibility, reinforcing how player-led initiatives can partner with nonprofits to raise funds and awareness.