Former NFL player Aaron Maybin now works as an elementary school art teacher, artist, and community activist.
As a former NFL linebacker, Aaron Maybin is a tough guy. But he never faced obstacles on the field like the ones he’s facing as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore, Maryland. This January, he’s teaching his class in what has been described as “life-threatening” sub-zero temperatures, even though the heating system broke down in his school building.
Aaron teaches at Matthew A. Henson Elementary, one of several in Baltimore which continued to hold classes this month, despite the deep freeze. But Aaron has tackled the Baltimore winter weather like a true pro. Through a GoFundMe page, he’s helped raise over $80,000 to pay for space heaters for the city’s schools and to buy winter coats, hats, gloves, and other warm clothes for the students.
Aaron, an artist and poet, teaches visual arts as an independent contractor at Henson three days a week through a program called Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center.
The former pro-football player harbors a deep connection to Baltimore. He grew up in the city, where his father was a longtime official with the city fire department. Aaron attended Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, a suburb of Baltimore, where he played football. Following his graduation, he played for Penn State University, where he earned All-American honors. In 2009, the teacher was named a first-round draft pick for the Buffalo Bills. He played four seasons with first the Bills, and then the New York Jets.
After Aaron’s career as a professional football player concluded in 2013, he launched his career as a professional artist. He also founded Project Mayhem, a nonprofit organization that provides art activities for the public and supports the artwork of students in the Baltimore area. Aaron has also authored a book entitled Art Activism, published in 2017. The volume presents his paintings, photography, poetry, and prose to convey both the pride and pain of Baltimore. The book can be found on amazon at this link: Art Activism.
Aaron Maybin: Our Chalkboard Hero!
Former NFL player Aaron Maybin teaches art to Baltimore students through his Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center.
