Marcell Dareus Donates $125k to Build Classrooms in Haiti

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus donated $125,000 through the Dareus Foundation to build a three-classroom building in Haiti as the Caribbean country continues to recover from natural disasters, including a 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

On Wednesday, John Reid of the Florida Times-Union reported Dareus, whose father was born in Haiti, also made a $25,000 donation during a visit to the nation last year:

"I promised my mom that I would support Haiti in any way I could and now I am using my platform to keep my promise. It's a beautiful country with incredible people and children who need help. I want to make sure I do everything I can to lift them up. This is just the beginning of what we're looking to accomplish here. I plan to come back after next season to see the new school and decide what else I can do to continue to build a legacy of hope for Haiti."

Officials are going to name the new building after Dareus, who's worked with charitable organization Hope for Haiti to provide financial assistance for education. The report noted the donation will also help cover "teachers' salaries, school supplies and some of the necessary infrastructure."

The end result will be the Marcell Dareus School Wing at the Christ-Roi Primary School of Cammy.

"To receive their blessings and hear their words of appreciation directly was something I could have never imagined several years ago," Dareus told Reid. "Their gratitude and happiness was overwhelming and showed me that what I am doing is going to have a tremendous impact on their lives."

The 28-year-old Alabama native has earned two Pro Bowl selections during his eight-year NFL career, which started with the Buffalo Bills in 2011. He joined the Jags in a trade last October.