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Tucson native Wallace using NFL platform to raise money for charity

Posted at 12:26 PM, May 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-04 15:26:13-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Non-profits are getting creative with fund-raising during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the American Cancer Society, that includes virtual fund-raising with a Tucson native now playing in the NFL -- Levi Wallace.

"I'm not bad, but I'm not great," said Wallace. "I'm above average."

The former Tucson Badger is describing his skills as a Fortnite player, not as a cornerback with Buffalo Bills.

Tuesday at noon, he will put those gaming skills to use in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The non-profit finding a unique way to involve the Tucsonan in virtual fund-raising.

"I wanted to reach out and see what I could do, said Wallace ahead of the event. "They're so innovative over there. They came up with this idea to play video games. I was all for it."

Wallace will face some of his former teammates from Alabama, where he won a national championship in 2016.

Plus, several of his current Bills teammates will take part in the event Tuesday streaming on Twitch.

Viewers of the game will be asked to contribute to the fight against cancer.

"Cancer doesn't stop just because this pandemic's going on. Any way I can help and try to raise money or help out any families going through this, because it's not easy. I've seen it in my family personally. I know others are going through it as well."

Wallace lost a grandfather to prostate cancer.

But he says losing his aunt to breast cancer here in Tucson, when she was just 49 years old, left a lasting impact on him.

He will share that experience while raising funds for the American Cancer Society through this Gamers vs Cancer event.