Frederick D. Baxter was the youngest of three children born to Betty and Eddie Baxter on June 14, 1971. His earliest childhood memories were in Clio Alabama. But, when his parents divorced in 1982, Fred moved to Brundidge Alabama with his mother and siblings to begin life in a single parent household.
Life was a struggle for the Baxter family. Making ends meet was hard. It seemed there was only enough money to pay the bills. And, the neighborhood was “tough”, especially for a young man whose mother worked long hours outside the home. But, with hard work and dedication to each other, the family grew strong and survived.
For Fred, sports were the source that kept his attention. Basketball, baseball and football kept him off the streets and focused on school. His talents on the field were amazing; Fred’s football team won the High School State Championship in 1989. As his athletic ability began to grow, so did his achievements at Pike County High School.
He joined the ROTC program with achievements including Drill Team Commander, Battalion Commander and being honored as one of the highest ranked cadets in the program. For fun, he joined the marching band and played the bass drum.
Fred’s leadership abilities began to mature. By his senior year at Pike County High School, he was SGA president, senior class president and had graduated from the advanced academic placement program.
Fred’s academic, leadership and athletic achievements earned him a full scholarship to Auburn University to play football. At Auburn, Fred continued his academic and athletic excellence.
He began coursework towards a BS degree in Adult Education while lettering in football and baseball. Athletic abilities were far outshining Fred’s college achievements. By 1992 Fred’s talent was noticed by NFL scouts for the New York Jets.
Baxter entered the league as a fifth-round draft choice (115th overall) by the Jets in the 1993 NFL Draft. He is a proven special teams performer, collecting 51 career stops and earning Jets special teams MVP honors in 1996 when he led the team with 18 tackles.
Baxter, 6’3” and 268 pounds, is a 12-year NFL veteran having appeared in 134 games with 50 starts. He has recorded 100 receptions for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns during his time with the New York Jets (1993-00), Chicago Bears (2001-02) and New England Patriots (2002-03). As a Patriot, Fred earned the coveted Super Bowl XXXVIII victory.
The Fred Baxter Foundation was founded in 2000 to support the academic and physical development of disadvantaged youth and families through existing charities nationwide. And, to provide programs that educate, support and empower adults thereby increasing their ability to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. Support was given in the past to the American Cancer Society and Chicago’s homeless shelters,
Work began in 2003 to support many of Alabama’s underprivileged youth. Support has already been given to Pike County High School, Bellingrath Junior High School and needy families in Brundidge Alabama.
In 2004, the mission and vision became more refined and geographic areas of support were secured for future support. Now the foundation is as a venue to dedicate time and support through agencies and programs with a record of success helping families that live at or below poverty level in Alabama and New Jersey.