Former NFL Star Todd Heap Launches ‘Hugs From Holly’ Campaign for Daughter Killed Last Month

Ex-Baltimore Ravens tight end asks fans to spread love in memory of the three-year-old, who he accidentally hit and killed while moving his truck

Todd Heap and Holly Cropped
Hugs for Holly

Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is attempting to turn a family tragedy into a positive movement by asking fans to spread love on what would have been his daughter Holly’s fourth birthday.

The toddler was killed last month when Heap, 37, accidentally hit her while moving his truck in the driveway of their Mesa, Arizona.

Heap and his family have now launched the “Hugs From Holly” campaign — asking people to simply hug the ones they love … or even complete strangers.

“Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious,” the official website said.”Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.”

Other ways Holly, who would have turned four on Wednesday can be remembered are the following.

  1. Wear PINK in Holly’s honor
  2. Make a plan to share hugs and spread love & joy through random acts of heartfelt kindness for those in your community.  Smile more.  Compliment somebody.  Write a kind note.  Share treats (or chicken nuggets).  Do a free lemonade stand.  Leave a bigger tip than usual.  Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru.  Donate a book in Holly’s honor.  Turn up the music and dance… the list is endless.  Be creative!
  3. Capture your family spreading joy and post your pictures using the hashtag #hugsfromhollyday

“Shout it from the rooftops! Let’s spread kindness and love and make Wednesday a HOLLYday!” the family asks.

Holly was the youngest of five children Heap has with his wife, Ashley. Police said at the time that there were no signs that Heap was impaired in any way at the time of the accident.

NFL teams, players and sports media personalities were quick to share the Heap family’s message on social media Wednesday.

Heap played for Arizona State University before being picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. As the team’s tight end for 10 years, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown catches, the second all-time in reception and yards, and named NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year in 2006. After being released by the Ravens in 2011, he played for the Arizona Cardinals for two years.

Heap retired from the game in 2013, but was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor the following year.

Please click here to make a donation to the Baltimore Community Foundation in Holly’s memory.

Comments