Barack Obama: Chris Long Donating Salary Is Example of What's Best About America

In an effort to end 2017 on a high note, former President Barack Obama provided a Twitter thread Friday of positive stories from the year. 

"For all the bad news that seemed to dominate our collective consciousness, there are countless stories from this year that remind us what's best about America," Obama wrote.

Among those highlights was the story of Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long, who has pledged to donate his entire salary from the year:

Per Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Long has agreed to give away his game checks to those in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as youth in St. Louis, Boston and Philadelphia.

The Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign will promote educational equity in the cities where Long has spent time in his career, playing for the Rams, Patriots and now the Eagles.

"I always thought maybe it would be cool to play for free," Long said in October. "I did. I thought it would be a personal test to see if I’m really the guy I’d like to be."

He has a $1 million base salary this season.

Long has interjected himself into political activism over the past year, refusing to visit the White House after the Patriots' Super Bowl win while also questioning President Donald Trump after the riots in his hometown of Charlottesville.

However, Obama recognized the player's contributions to the various communities around the country as a positive from the year that everyone can respect.