A Friends of the Children – Chicago youth, Tylen, and his professional mentor (called a Friend), Timothy, recently shared a once-in-a-lifetime moment in the national spotlight, bringing the mission of Friends of the Children to millions of football fans across the country.

In April 2026, Tylen and Timothy took the main stage at the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Draft to help announce the Chicago Bears’ third-round draft pick: Stanford tight end Sam Roush. Standing side-by-side under the lights, their prime-time appearance marked a major milestone for Friends of the Children as a new grant partner in the NFL’s Inspire Change program.

The NFL invited Friends of the Children to join Inspire Change, a program that recognizes a select group of nonprofits working to reduce barriers to opportunity in communities across the country. Tylen and Timothy’s unforgettable moment on the draft stage is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people have someone who shows up for them—through the hard days and the celebrations alike. It is exactly the kind of moment that 12+ years, no matter what is built to inspire and create.