AP photo Quarterback (5) Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after the 49ers defeat the Houston Texans 23-7 in an NFL game on Jan. 2.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Marshall native Trey Lance participated in the first-ever Bitcoin Quarterback Challenge, presented by Cash App. According to Cash App, the challenge was created in effort to raise bitcoin for the charities of choice for four quarterbacks during the holiday season and is the number one finance app in the U.S. Additionally, the event reinforces Cash App’s mission to make the world’s relationship with money more available, instantly available and universally accessible while paving the way for athletes to educate their fanbase on bitcoin. Lance was joined by three other competitors in the event: Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow, New York Giants’ Daniel Jones and the University of Alabama’s Bryce Young. Lance was first approached with this event idea and immediately was interested in participating. Lance spoke on his why of getting involved.

“I’ve always wanted to partner up with Bitcoin, because Bitcoin is where money is headed,” Lance said. “To be able to trade on Cash App is super easy and being around the guys is great to raise money for a good cause.”

The challenge took place last July at a high school in South Pasadena, California and consisted of a series of throwing challenges with each player picking a charity of their choosing. Lance picked the Big Buddies of Southwestern Minnesota. Lance advocated the reason behind picking them.

“Always wanted to support them, had a friend of mine that was involved with the organization,” Lance said. “Anytime I have an opportunity to give back, it means everything to me. This is my hometown, the people, the city of Marshall, I’ll always love.”

Lance ended up winning the challenge by raising $740,000 dollars in Bitcoin to help the Big Buddies program. Executive Director of United Community Action Partnership Debi Brandt spoke on what it meant to be selected by Lance and what the donation can go towards.

“We are thrilled that United Community Action Partnership’s Big Buddies Program was selected by Trey Lance to be the recipient of this generous donation from CashApp,” Brandt said in a press release. “We will be using it to enhance our current programs and develop much needed future programming for local youth. The stability this donation gives Big Buddies will positively impact the program for years to come. Our heartfelt thanks to Trey and others involved with the Bitcoin Challenge, as together we are making a difference by investing in our youth. We’ll be adding you to our list of #UCAPHeroes!”

Creating the event has reminded individuals about Bitcoin and the importance of it. Furthermore, the heart that Lance exhibited and the love he will always have for his hometown, the city of Marshall, it is a reminder that giving back in some way is important because one can’t move forward if someone isn’t paying it forward. We never stop learning in our growth as people and we always should take advantage of an opportunity to give back, it means everything to do so.

— Chris Drummond is a sports

reporter for the Marshall Independent.

Email: cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

Follow his social media sites and podcast shows:

Instagram: CDsports28, link to

website, podcast shows in my bio

Twitter: Ksusportschris

LinkedIn: Chris Drummond