The 72 Fund
Building Stronger Communities for Brighter Futures.
Through The 72 Fund, Taylor Moton is committed to building stronger communities and tackling inequities by investing in education, fighting food insecurity, and promoting active living. With the power of strong partnerships, he works to ensure every individual has the support and opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Because he believes... Great Communities Win When Everyone's in the Game.
The 72 Legacy
Taylor Moton's story begins in Gastonia, North Carolina. The birthplace of his mother and grandparents. His grandfather, Dr. Thomas Gunnings, wore the number “72” during his own football journey before becoming the first Black faculty member in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University, after beginning his career as an elementary school teacher, principal and counselor in Gastonia.
Family
His grandmother, Dr. Barbara Gunnings, taught science in North Mecklenburg County during segregation, shaping young minds before the creation of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Opportunity
Anchored in the belief that education creates opportunity, Taylor earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Western Michigan University in 2016. While completing graduate studies in his final year of eligibility, he was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers—and the journey continued.
The 72 Fund carries that legacy forward through three pillars.
Across Charlotte, Gastonia, and Lansing, these initiatives put the fund's pillars into motion through education, strong community, and opportunity.
A partnership between Classroom Central and Taylor Moton designed to celebrate, support, and retain educators across our community through year-round engagement.
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Free youth sports camps based in Lansing, Taylor Moton's home community. Increasing opportunity and access, addressing health disparities, and building winning communities.
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Strengthening families' access to nutritious food and meals through the distribution of turkeys and healthy foods at community centers, veteran centers, and churches.
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Named after Taylor Moton's son, this initiative provides financial relief, fosters community, brings joy to families, and instills empathy and the concept of 'paying it forward.'
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Proud supporter of Dream Center Academy in Gastonia, North Carolina, providing high-quality summer and after-school programming to empower futures and build communities.
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View Taylor Moton's football statistics and watch game highlights from his NFL career.
Learn more →Stay connected and be part of our community events and initiatives.