Coyote Wash hosts 2nd annual Robert Tate Foundation Golf Tournament

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) - Former Arizona Cardinals defensive back Robert Tate returned to Yuma County this weekend to give back to the community and raise money for his charity.

The Robert Tate Foundation hosted the 2nd Annual Robert Tate Foundation Golf Tournament in at Coyote Wash Golf Course in Wellton, drawing more than two dozen former NFL players along with other notable guests. Twenty-six teams competed in Saturday’s event, which aimed to generate support for the foundation’s educational and youth-focused initiatives.

A 10-year NFL veteran, Tate has been open about his personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped his commitment to helping young people overcome challenges.

“Growing up and playing in the NFL for 10 years, I had dyslexia,” Tate said. “Battling through dyslexia, now I want to give back to people who are battling through something and are scared or afraid to talk about it. Helping kids with scholarships, rewarding them with opportunities like going to a football game they can’t afford, or paying for their reading assessments - we’re there to help them out and be a pillar to the community.”

The tournament’s strong turnout reflected months of preparation by the foundation’s team. According to Tournament Director Brenda Landers, interest in the event was overwhelming.

“Of course it’s a lot of fun answering people’s phone calls and stuff like that: ‘Can we get in the tournament?’” Landers said. “This year our tournament was sold out by the second week of January.”

Youth involvement remained a central focus throughout the tournament. The Antelope High School football team and golf teams from across Yuma County participated in the event, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to engaging the youth directly.

“Robert is very much into the kids. That’s what his foundation is all about,” Landers said. “So we try to incorporate as many schools and stuff like that as we could.”

In addition to the tournament, the foundation hosted a meet-and-greet event that drew a capacity crowd.

“Yesterday we had a meet and greet. We sold out the place - it was so crowded that it was standing room,” Tate said.

Landers noted the enthusiasm was mutual between visiting athletes and local residents.

“It’s so exciting because the players are just as excited to meet the people that live here in Wellton and that come out for the tournament as the people are to meet the players,” she said.

By the end of the weekend, the foundation had raised more than $13,000 - a strong showing for both Tate’s cause and the Wellton community.