Temple University Athletics
Football Gives Back to the Community on MLK Day
1.17.22 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – The day started with a funeral service at Temple University's Liacouras Center for 12 victims of the recent Fairmont fire.
The damage to the homes that went up in flames on January 5 serve as a daily reminder to those lives lost. Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects. Attendees were asked to wear white to honor the victims as memories were shared of the mothers, brothers, sisters and other family members who died.
It's a strong reminder of how dangerous fire can be.
On the same day, the Temple Football team was scheduled to participate in a community service event focused on giving back to the North Philadelphia community, working alongside the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Valiants (fraternal society of Black and Latino firefighters in Pennsylvania, with the mission of encouraging urban youth to pursue public safety careers and promoting public safety and fire prevention through education).
"It's a blessing to be able to use our platform to be able to give back to the community that we're a part of," said defensive tackle Xach Gill. "I really appreciate Coach Drayton for this because following the tragic fire in which twelve people lost their lives, this is something essential that we are providing so that it hopefully doesn't happen again."
Honoring the promise he made when he was hired last month, new Temple Football head coach Stan Drayton led 84 members of his Owls' team to Broad and York, just blocks off the Temple University Main campus, working with the Philadelphia Fire Department to install smoke detectors in residential homes on the 2400 blocks of Carlisle, 15th, and 16thstreets.
Upon arrival the team was given a gameplan by Philadelphia Associate Fire Commissioner, Troy Gore. He instructed the team before they embarked, "We are going to install smoke alarms in the neighborhood. If they already have smoke alarms, we're going to provide fire safety literature. I appreciate every one of you today being here as an extension of the Philadelphia Fire Department, and helping us and the local community out."
"We are here installing smoke alarms with Coach Drayton," said fifth year senior offensive lineman Isaac Moore. "We are all so very happy that so early in his coaching tenure, he's making it a point to help the community. We always try to help the local community in Philadelphia because they do so much to support us, so it is good to give back to them. What we are doing here today is important because smoke alarms can save lives."
As the student-athletes made their way up York Street and knocked on doors to introduce themselves and inquire if the home needed a smoke detector, the energy and excitement was palpable. The street was overwhelmed with foot traffic, and many residents were curious to see what was taking place. Residents began opening their doors and windows to interact with the football team and get information. Those who did were given a brief introduction and explanation of what all the commotion was about and quickly heard, "I got one!" That was the message to signal the PFD to come to that home and install the safety equipment.
"It's been a great experience today, getting out in our own community, and helping our neighbors out," said senior offensive lineman Adam Klein, who served as team captain in 2021. "It's been awesome since Coach Drayton got here. He's only been here for a couple weeks and he's already trying to make sure that we're making an impact in the community."
Drayton addressed the team after they were done helping for the day. "I want to thank you guys for coming out here and making a difference in this community. Having the community behind us is critical to your success. Don't forget the good service you just did for the community and grow from it."
As the team distributed the last of the smoke detectors, they made their way back down York Street. Local residents were still on their porch watching and discussing the event they just witnessed.
The partnership with the Philadelphia Fire Department will continue. More days like this will happen throughout the year.
The damage to the homes that went up in flames on January 5 serve as a daily reminder to those lives lost. Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects. Attendees were asked to wear white to honor the victims as memories were shared of the mothers, brothers, sisters and other family members who died.
It's a strong reminder of how dangerous fire can be.
On the same day, the Temple Football team was scheduled to participate in a community service event focused on giving back to the North Philadelphia community, working alongside the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Valiants (fraternal society of Black and Latino firefighters in Pennsylvania, with the mission of encouraging urban youth to pursue public safety careers and promoting public safety and fire prevention through education).
"It's a blessing to be able to use our platform to be able to give back to the community that we're a part of," said defensive tackle Xach Gill. "I really appreciate Coach Drayton for this because following the tragic fire in which twelve people lost their lives, this is something essential that we are providing so that it hopefully doesn't happen again."
Honoring the promise he made when he was hired last month, new Temple Football head coach Stan Drayton led 84 members of his Owls' team to Broad and York, just blocks off the Temple University Main campus, working with the Philadelphia Fire Department to install smoke detectors in residential homes on the 2400 blocks of Carlisle, 15th, and 16thstreets.
Upon arrival the team was given a gameplan by Philadelphia Associate Fire Commissioner, Troy Gore. He instructed the team before they embarked, "We are going to install smoke alarms in the neighborhood. If they already have smoke alarms, we're going to provide fire safety literature. I appreciate every one of you today being here as an extension of the Philadelphia Fire Department, and helping us and the local community out."
"We are here installing smoke alarms with Coach Drayton," said fifth year senior offensive lineman Isaac Moore. "We are all so very happy that so early in his coaching tenure, he's making it a point to help the community. We always try to help the local community in Philadelphia because they do so much to support us, so it is good to give back to them. What we are doing here today is important because smoke alarms can save lives."
As the student-athletes made their way up York Street and knocked on doors to introduce themselves and inquire if the home needed a smoke detector, the energy and excitement was palpable. The street was overwhelmed with foot traffic, and many residents were curious to see what was taking place. Residents began opening their doors and windows to interact with the football team and get information. Those who did were given a brief introduction and explanation of what all the commotion was about and quickly heard, "I got one!" That was the message to signal the PFD to come to that home and install the safety equipment.
"It's been a great experience today, getting out in our own community, and helping our neighbors out," said senior offensive lineman Adam Klein, who served as team captain in 2021. "It's been awesome since Coach Drayton got here. He's only been here for a couple weeks and he's already trying to make sure that we're making an impact in the community."
Drayton addressed the team after they were done helping for the day. "I want to thank you guys for coming out here and making a difference in this community. Having the community behind us is critical to your success. Don't forget the good service you just did for the community and grow from it."
As the team distributed the last of the smoke detectors, they made their way back down York Street. Local residents were still on their porch watching and discussing the event they just witnessed.
The partnership with the Philadelphia Fire Department will continue. More days like this will happen throughout the year.
Players Mentioned
Allen Haye, 10/20/25
Monday, October 20
Diego Barajas, 10/20/25
Monday, October 20
K.C. Keeler, 10/20/25
Monday, October 20
Evan Simon, 10/18/25
Monday, October 20
