Packers kicker Mason Crosby on giving back to the community

GREEN BAY -- Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby finally reached his vast potential last year. It coincided with the security of a new contract. However, it took family and a desire to make a difference off the field to make Crosby feel complete.

Last July, the Green Bay Packers rewarded kicker Mason Crosby with a five-year contract worth close to $15 million. Crosby rewarded the team with an excellent 2011 season.

"I was so happy to be able to re-sign here for another five years, and go out and have a year like I had this past year - the best year in my career so far," Crosby said.

Crosby does have a booming right leg, but after his solid rookie season in 2007, the 27-year-old native Texan was inconsistent and often criticized. However, Crosby's wife, Molly and two-year-old son Nolan have brought peace and perspective to Crosby's life.

"I look at it and I am like, I get to play football for a living. I get to go out and have fun and enjoy the time with my teammates. There is pressure, but no pressure amounts to raising a child, and the responsibility that comes with that. I think having a son and building my family has kind of put a peace on my heart, and I just go out and make kicks," Crosby said.

Crosby is a spiritual man who believes that to whom much is given, must is expected. That's why he's become so involved in the community, with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and as co-chair of the upcoming Lombardi Charity Classic, which raises funds for cancer treatment, and helps people cope with the disease.

"Any time I see something where kids are involved and are in need of help, I try to be there for that. Every time I look at my son, every morning, we have been so blessed. He is healthy, and that is something that you don't take for granted," Crosby said.

Crosby will be the first to say his wife, Molly has been instrumental in his success. She has a degree in Mandarin Chinese and lived in China. Molly actually started law school at Marquette University before becoming pregnant with Nolan. For now, her husband and son are her top priorities.

"I saw a lot of dignity in doing what you can do to help your husband do what he has chosen to do. For me it is just a privilege to get to be a part of," Molly Crosby said.

Molly calls her parents her role models, and she's found others along the way in Green Bay. "Whether it be coaches' wives or players' wives who have been here for longer than I have, and I can see clearly, the difference that they make, and really, the class that they do it with," Molly Crosby said.

Like her husband, Molly Crosby feels an obligation to use the platform they have to make a difference."Being able to take this step with the Lombardi Foundation where you can specifically give back to an organization and a fan base who have given so much to us," Molly Crosby said.

Molly knows that life in the NFL is fleeting, so seizing the moment is important. "We know that this platform is temporary, but there have been legacies of Packers players that have come before who have done incredible things in the community," Molly Crosby said.

Mason Crosby hopes to have plenty of his Packers teammates join him at the Lombardi Golf Classic Saturday, June 9th at North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls. The event is open to the public for a $10 donation which goes to the Lombardi Cancer Clinic.