This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz about his work in the community, earning his first-ever NFLPA Community MVP nomination, and his appreciation for fellow New Jersey native and Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco’s ongoing promotion of Latino culture.
“I think it’s super important, I think it’s special too. Isiah Pacheco is from South Jersey, which is not too far from where I grew up in Camden, so that’s awesome. I didn’t even know that his helmet is in the Hall of Fame for that,” said Ruiz, “I try to rotate the Dominican flag, or sometimes I might try to see if I can sneak both on there. But I like to rotate the Dominican and Puerto Rican flags on my helmet throughout the year.”
Pacheco’s helmet after Super Bowl LVII, which features the Puerto Rican flag, is displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ruiz, along with Pacheco and many players around the league, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15th.
Ruiz hosted“Let’s Ride with Cesar Ruiz,” a family-friendly bike giveaway and celebration in his hometown of Camden, NJ. The event was about more than just bikes: It promoted safety, encouraged active lifestyles, and reminded Camden kids that they mattered.
