Arizona State Football Players Distribute Over 500 Turkeys to Local Families
TEMPE, AZ – November 23, 2025 – Arizona State University football players, led by quarterback Xavion Alford, distributed more than 500 turkeys to families in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, demonstrating a commitment to community service that extends beyond the football field. The initiative was fueled by player fundraising efforts and direct participation in the turkey distribution.
The effort aligns with head coach Kenny Dillingham’s emphasis on developing student-athletes as “good people first and foremost.” ”It’s awesome that those guys wanted to raise money for the association and then not only raise money … go physically do the act of passing out the turkeys to everybody,” Dillingham said. ”Winning and losing games is great, but I think these guys becoming good people and growing up as people has always been a priority for me.”
Alford, who transferred to Arizona State prior to the 2023 season, said the outpouring of support he’s received from the community – even while navigating a redshirt year due to transfer rules and an injury that sidelined him for much of this season - inspired him to give back. Fans frequently greeted players with messages of support for the upcoming Territorial Cup game against the University of Arizona, with “beat U of A” being the most common refrain.
Despite facing setbacks,including missing most of the current season with an undisclosed injury,Alford expressed a deep connection to the Valley.He highlighted the team’s recent successes – including a Big 12 championship and a Peach Bowl appearance – as moments that reignited hope within the university and the surrounding community. “To be able to go to the playoffs and play in the Peach Bowl, (win) the Big 12 championship in the first year in the conference and do something that the university hasn’t done in a while to give people around here hope and something to cheer about,” Alford said.
Inspired by the positive reception, Alford is planning a toy drive in his hometown of Houston around Christmas, aiming to donate 100 items.
Coach Dillingham publicly acknowledged the players’ impact on Twitter, stating, “You started the change.” (https://twitter.com/KennyDillingham/status/1992468878191145339)
