INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin spends a lot of time making an impact in the Central Indiana community.

For instance, Franklin has previously teamed up with Hoagies and Hops to raise money for his foundation, Shelice’s Angels. And just last month, he helped coach a girls flag football game on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium following the Colts’ preseason contest against the Broncos.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Franklin would help fight hunger by making a donation to the Midwest Food Bank of Indiana for every tackle he makes this season.

Franklin, who wears jersey number 44, is pledging to donate $44 per tackle “with Coca-Cola Consolidated contributing a dollar-for-dollar match donation,” according to a news release.

“He’s always out in the community, doing things for the community, helping out,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “He’s a leader on our football team. He’s got that ‘C’ on his chest for a reason. So, that’s a big-time deal for him, for sure.”

Franklin is coming off a career-year in which he finished with 179 tackles, a franchise record.

His work away from the field last year helped him become the Colts’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

“With the Walter Payton Man of the Year experience, my chance to meet and learn from so many other great men in the NFL,” Franklin said. “I was just thinking of how can I do something to go bigger. And what bigger way to do it than to contribute something that helps me work towards my goals as well? Just looking forward to being able to impact the Indianapolis community in a positive way.”

The Midwest Food Bank of Indiana is a “faith-based organization” that hopes “to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination,” according to the organization’s web site.

“We believe that by coming together with a partner like Zaire Franklin, we can support our community and fulfill our commitment to inspire and serve,” Sam Meiner, Vice President, General Manager of Midwest Market Unit, said in the news release.

Fans can also donate directly to the Midwest Food Bank of Indiana using the memo code “ZAIRE.” Click here to donate.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Tucked away between East 46th Street and North Keystone Avenue, sits the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. The home cares for the terminally ill at no cost to those in need.

The Abbie Hunt Bryce Home is run by nonprofit Morning Light, Inc. and is the second largest like it in the country, following one home located in New York City.

It’s been around for twenty years and overall, has cared for 900 people in need. It receives no government funding and partners with local hospitals and hospices to care for 12 people at a time.

Each resident receives a private room with Jack-and-Jill bathrooms, direct access to a large garden, access to kitchens, living rooms, and family spaces. Staff at the house provides full time care to each of the residents and leadership aims to ensure staff is well taken care of, too.

“So they come and they stay here for absolutely zero dollars,” Morning Light’s Executive Director Madison Wood-Gonzalez said. “We are free, completely community supported, we don’t require insurance, or any sort of payment.”

87-year-old Lola Tinsley is experiencing that care and says she is endlessly grateful.

“It’s like living in town in an apartment, like having your own private little place,” Tinsley said.

Tinsley was born and raised in the Indianapolis area and is a mom of seven. She was once a homeowner and General Motors employee, before financial devastation struck.

Tinsley, who is terminally ill, says she lost much of her savings in a banking scam. The scam left her with few housing options she could afford.

That’s when the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home stepped in.

Thanks to the home, Tinsley is receiving end of life care for free in front of a serene backdrop.

“Something that sets us apart is everyone’s room opens up to the back garden, which is a beautiful space, and something that you don’t really get at a hospital, or a nursing home,” Wood-Gonzalez said.

As an avid animal lover, Tinsley is especially grateful.

“But you can see out the back how beautiful it is,” Tinsley said. “I can watch the wildlife and the squirrels. See them play and birds flying.”

As the home’s wait list grows, so does their need for support.

There are several ways for people to get involved, including becoming a Memory Maker Sponsor, which helps grant a hospice resident’s last wish. There are also several volunteer and donation opportunities.

For a full list of ways to help, click here.

A pair of sophomore signal-callers will look to get their season started on the right foot when the Houston Texans (0-0) visit the Indianapolis Colts (0-0).

The hype in Houston is reaching astronomical levels after it went from No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to winning the AFC South. C.J. Stroud proved he is one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the league, and with Stefon Diggs joining the squad, there are expectations of another playoff run.

Indianapolis was one game away from winning the division, falling to the Texans in Week 18 and missing the playoffs. Still, there’s some buzz going on with the Colts with Anthony Richardson back from injury and out to prove he’s one of the next great young quarterbacks against a divisional foe.

PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week 

Colts vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under

The Texans are favorites to defeat the Colts, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

• Spread: Texans (-3)
• Moneyline: Texans (-160); Colts (+130)
• Over/under: 49

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FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week 

NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks

Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers

Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 21, Colts 20

This should be a tough, highly-contested game. Frankly, it’s going to come down to where Anthony Richardson is after spending most of his rookie season sidelined. Houston should take the next step under C.J. Stroud and coach Demo Ryans, but the Colts are a sneaky good team. Playing at home, against a division rival, I think this is a potential upset spot, so I like the Texans on the moneyline with Indy covering as a hedge.

Tyler Dragon: Texans 27, Colts 21

This matchup features two of the most exciting young QBs in the game. C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson will both make impressive plays in this AFC South dual, but Stroud has the better all-around team. Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon are going to make Houston’s offense more potent.

Safid Deen: Texans 27, Colts 23

Houston put the NFL on notice with its playoff run last season, setting the stage for C.J. Stroud’s second season. The Texans are loaded on offense, and appear primed for a Super Bowl run. And a close win over their division rivals will be a nice start of the season for the Texans.

Richard Morin: Texans 31, Colts 28

I think this one could be a bit of a shootout. It’s one of the few games on the calendar I think is a good candidate for the over.

Jordan Mendoza: Texans 24, Colts 22

Houston has all the momentum in the world to propel it toward another division title. The offense will be exciting to watch, but the Colts also have a plethora of talent going under the radar. Expect this game to come down to the very end, with the Texans sneaking out of Indianapolis with a victory.

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