New England Patriots WR Ty Montgomery sending foster children to Israel
Former Green Bay Packers wideout Ty Montgomery is using his charitable organization to send foster children who are aging out of the system on a “transformational” trip to Israel this year. The effort, titled “Project Holy Land,” already has some financial support from NASCAR stars Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace but Montgomery is continuing to fundraise via his My10Percent charity.
The group trip is run through FIRM, Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries, a non-profit based in Jerusalem, Israel. Guests on the trip will “discover God’s heart for Israel and the nations, connect with Israeli believers and others from around the world and engage with what God is doing in Israel today.”
Montgomery, who grew up surrounded by foster children who were cared for by his mother, believes the trip can dramatically impact the children who are exiting the system as the transition to life on their own.
“I want to send these people to Israel because God has asked me to, and I believe this experience will transform their lives,” Montgomery wrote. “Those who have been in the foster care system will always hold a special place in my heart. I know the love they need. I saw it firsthand as my mom raised 17 foster youth alongside me.
“What better way to impact the lives of those exiting foster care than providing this experience of a lifetime.”
Montgomery is hoping to make the trip an annual event. According to the Project Holy Land website, the expense for the trip is approximately $5,000 per person. The organization plans to send 17 people to Israel, including 13 young adults who recently aged out of foster care.
The current New England Patriots receiver took a trip to Israel in 2022 and called it one he’ll never forget.
Montgomery readies for Year 10 in NFL
The 2022 season was a tough one for Montgomery. He appeared in just one game, snagging three passes for 15 yards and a touchdown. He signed a two-year deal worth $3.6 million with New England last March.
After leaving Stanford and going No. 94 overall to Green Bay, Montgomery played four seasons for the Packers. He then moved to the Ravens for a year, then the Jets, before landing with the Saints for two seasons in 2020 and 2021.
In his career, Montgomery has racked up 1,302 kick-returning yards, 1,119 receiving yards and 1,178 rushing yards. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, including a high-ankle sprain last season.