Interview: USC's Matt Leinart shares important message for 'We Give Blood Drive'

Football fans around the country are preparing for the games to start back up again. During the season, however, there is a different competition that will be taking place throughout the conference.

The Big Ten, along with Abbott, is hosting the 'We Give Blood Drive.' It is an effort that brings fans together to donate blood while also being able to have their donation be tied in to their favorite school.

USC's own Matt Leinart is heavily involved with the project and spoke about the importance of the campaign.

While acknowledging that there may be some understandable reasons for someone to be hesitant to donate, the former Trojan quarterback also pointed out just how much good can come of someone being willing to help.

"If I can give blood, I'm saving up to three people's lives. That's pretty remarkable, and it's really easy to do."

This becomes even more so the case when factoring in the current blood shortage that is prevalent in medical facilities nationwide. It is a need that can come for anyone or their loved one at any point for a variety of reasons.

The actual donating process itself takes less time than a quarter in a football game. What results is something that can make 'the' difference for someone in need.

This is where the 'We Give Blood Drive' plays an active part in joining the interests of fans with one of the single most impactful deeds that can be taken by an individual.

This is an important undertaking by the Big Ten and has become a major point of emphasis for all programs. For Leinart, being able to bring some football enthusiasm with the blood drive can only bring the best out of everyone's fandom.

"If I can give blood, I'm saving up to three people's lives. That's pretty remarkable, and it's really easy to do."

As Leinart mentioned, the winning school at the end will receive the top dollar prize at the end, to be used for community life and health initiatives of their choosing. The winner will be announced on December 6, the day of the Big Ten Championship.

From August 27 to December 5, people can have their donation tallied for their school of choice. The website BigTen.Org/Abbott conveniently lists the nearest available blood stations and tells fans how to make sure that their effort is counted toward their team's total. Fans also have the choice to text DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).