According to documents released today:
Nolan Arenado has personally donated over $8.7 million for disaster relief efforts.
He has funded rescue missions using private helicopters and boats to save people and transport supplies.
He has secured and delivered more than 500 tons of relief goods, including food, blankets, drinking water, insulin, and infant formula.
Arenado sponsors temporary shelters and provides grants for rebuilding homes for families who lost everything.
He works directly with local churches and first responders, making daily calls to coordinate logistics, confirm delivery routes, and assess real-time needs on the ground.
All of these activities are carried out under the name “Red Glove Campaign” — a codename coined by Arenado, inspired by the color of his glove and team.
Instead of keeping it secret, Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly revealed the truth — that Nolan’s secret humanitarian work was discovered, verified, and is now officially honored with the Medal of Honor for Civilian Humanitarian Service.
When the medal was placed around his neck, Arenado, normally reserved, showed strong emotion.
Arenado said:
“I’m not doing this for attention,” he said quietly. “I do it because I can’t sit by while others suffer when I have the ability to help. We talk a lot about leadership in sports. But leadership means standing up when it’s uncomfortable. When no one is cheering. When it’s not about you.”
He looked at the audience, which included many flood survivors invited by the Department of Justice.
He continued:
“If I can ease your pain even just a little — if I help a child sleep safely, a family get a meal, a town get rebuilt — then I’m not just playing baseball this year. I’m truly living.”
Response from the baseball community: “He’s always been this kind of person.”
Tributes from players, coaches, and fans poured in:
Albert Pujols: “I’ve always respected his glove. Now I respect his heart even more.”
Yadier Molina: “Nolan doesn’t need the spotlight. He needs the work. That’s who he is.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: “Today, we witness a player become a national symbol of courage, humility, and service.”
Even rival players expressed admiration on social media:
Kris Bryant tweeted: “We compete on the field, but off it? Nolan Arenado is a hero.”