Dalvin Cook and Danielle Hunter are doing their part to help those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pair of Vikings Pro Bowlers announced Wednesday that they each made donations to North Memorial Health so that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers can purchase personal protective equipment.
North Memorial Health consists of two hospitals (one in Robbinsdale and one in Maple Grove), plus numerous health clinics and specialty clinics around the Twin Cities metro area.
"The world is going through a tough time right now, and we all need to stick together," Cook said. "Me having the platform that I'm blessed to have; I feel like it was my need to do it for a good cause.
"This is the cause to do it for, and I'm all for it," Cook added. "I just hope it can change some lives and help somebody."
Cook, who is in Miami for the time being, said he is beyond grateful to those who are putting their own health at risk to take care of others during this pandemic.
"To see them get up every day … everyone just wants to be with their family at this time to make sure their family is safe," Cook said. "They're in the hospital with a lot of people that probably have the virus, so they are risking their lives.
"You take your hat off to the doctors and nurses and everybody that is providing health care for everyone," Cook added.
Cook announced his kind gesture on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, and Hunter responded that he would do the same.
"That's just D's character," Cook said. "You know how he is, and people who have been around D just know that's how D is.
"I tip my hat off to D to be a part of what I have going on, and [hopefully] we can save same lives together," Cook added.
The duo each donated their royalty checks they received from EA Sports for appearing in the "Madden 20" video game.
The 24-year-old Cook made his first Pro Bowl in 2019 when he had 250 carries for 1,135 yards (4.5 yards per carry) along with 13 rushing touchdowns. The 2017 second-round pick added 53 receptions for 519 yards. Cook's 1,654 yards from scrimmage ranked seventh in the NFL.
Hunter made his second straight Pro Bowl after tying his career-best with 14.5 sacks. In December, Hunter became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks.
The 2015 third-round pick has 54.5 career sacks in 78 career games, 49 of which have been starts.
Cook said he's been working out and keeping himself ready to go in these uncertain times.
"I'm down in Miami with my family, making sure they stay safe. But I'm staying on my game 100 percent, and making sure I stay in shape so that when [football] comes back around, I can be ready to go," Cook said.
"I'm pretty much focused on ball, but I'm aware of everything going on around me," Cook said. "I watch TV and read articles, but I'm pretty locked in, man. This thing is going to pass over us, and we'll be ready to shine."
