When Arizona Cardinals guard Mack Wilson Sr. started his celebrity sports event in 2022, the goal was simple – giving back to the local community while supporting a bigger cause.

At that time, the Montgomery, Alabama native was entering his fourth NFL season with the New England Patriots, starting a celebrity softball game after former Cleveland Browns teammate Jarvis Landry came up with the idea for him.

Now, Wilson is approaching his seventh season in the league, bringing his fourth annual Celebrity Game and Community Day to the Valley after signing with the Cardinals over a year ago. The event is powered by Clear Vision and will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 10 at the Corona del Sol High School in Tempe.

Wilson works with two charities that will benefit from the big day: foster champions, which empowers and supports foster youth, not Wilson's Hometown, an organization that provides educational opportunities, resources and support for young people underprivileged.

Wilson notes that it can be formed into a different foundation in every celebrity game in his celebrity game to date. The charity has a special place in his heart as he witnessed its impact firsthand as it helped him change his life. Now he wants to give others the same chance.

“It was special for Mike to be able to bring the event to the valley and be able to interact with Arizona fans,” said Paige Elliot, a public relations worker at Wilson. “He really hopes to give back to the city and give them a special experience they won’t forget.”

Becoming a professional athlete comes with privileges, one of which is contact. Over the years, Wilson’s connection helped him piece together an exciting roster for his Celebrity Tournament of the Year. This year's lineup includes many names that football fans should recognize, including NFL Hall of Fame members Terrell Owens, James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride from the Cardinals.

The day will start with free community events that include games, food, facial painting, bounce rooms, and more, after which from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Celebrity Basketball Game will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 per person. The game will also feature local high school teams and various games such as three-point challenge and relay races.

“It’s going to be a lot of music, resonance, just seeing athletes outside of the day to day,” Elliott said. “It’s a very unique experience that you’ll be hard to find anywhere else.”

Elliot has held other celebrity sports events in the past, but this will be the first time she has worked with Wilson to do something similar. She is confident that fans will get the most out of their money, especially because of the entire community part before the game.

"It's just something you've never seen before," Elliot said. "Being able to see athletes leave off the field and be able to interact with them. They'll sign and interact with fans and we'll get a giveaway. It's definitely a memorable experience."

Focusing on entertainment makes it easy to forget the bigger picture, but Wilson recalls why he started it all first. Elliot saw his vision and she wanted to do her best to help him.

“It’s really about the fan experience, especially for Arizona fans and bringing everyone together,” Elliot said. “Of course, it’s about the benefits of all these two charities. Any proceeds from this event will go to the sports program costs of foster kids. That’s a good reason why he (Wilson) is very passionate about it.”