Carnival Cruise Line partnered with professional football defensive end and 2023 rookie standout Will Anderson Jr. to welcome local children from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gulf Coast, a local organization that fosters one-to-one mentoring relationships with Galveston’s youth, aboard Carnival Breeze while the ship was docked at the Port of Galveston.
Carnival treated the kids to a one-of-a-kind Q&A in which they had a chance to meet Anderson and ask him questions about his football experience and career journey.
“Supporting our local communities is important to us and since we’ve been homeporting in Galveston for more than 20 years, we wanted to provide a special treat for the children who take part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gulf Coast program,” said Carnival President Christine Duffy. “Will Anderson Jr. is not only a football superstar but a role model to youth growing up in the Houston area. We appreciate Will’s willingness to come aboard and share his story.”
To support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gulf Coast program in Galveston, Carnival also made a $10,000 donation to the organization.
“I feel truly blessed to be able to give back to the community,” Anderson said. “It was a pleasure to spend time with the youth of Galveston and the mentors who are providing them with critical guidance and support. Thank you to Carnival Cruise Line for hosting us and inviting me to be a part of this memorable event.”
A standout defensive end and among the top drafted rookies, Anderson had a stellar professional debut, putting his elite pass rush abilities on display in his first year, generating seven sacks (fourth-most among rookies), 45 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits, the most among rookies. Anderson generated 64 QB pressures and an impressive 17.3% pressure rate, both tops in his class, and was selected to the Pro Football Writers’ Association’s All-Rookie Team.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.