Throwback: When Kawhi Leonard Dressed Up as Santa Claus for the Kids in San Antonio

Kawhi Leonard is usually known as a serious individual. But his signature laugh and claims of being a ‘fun guy’ has led to a lot of Internet trolling, mostly because it goes against his personality. However, a recently resurfaced video on Twitter revealed that the two-time NBA Champion can really spread joy and laughter among people.

In the video, Leonard could be seen wearing the outfit of Santa Claus while distributing gifts to children in underserved communities before Christmas. 

The clip from 2017 shows Kawhi going from door to door in the East side of San Antonio, giving gifts like game tickets and basketballs to children who didn’t receive any Christmas gifts. The pure joy in the eyes of children was apparent in the video.

Many even hugged Kawhi in joy and the then Spurs star reciprocated the bear hug.

The incident happened after Kawhi won the 2014 Championship with the Spurs, bagging the Finals MVP trophy. It was quite obvious that the kids looked up to Leonard as a hero. The tears from the eyes of the children’s parents and family members showed how much the initiative meant to them.

Although Kawhi is now one of the highest-paid stars in the league, the case wasn’t the same back in 2017. Yet, undeterred by his paycheck, Kawhi did not shy away from showcasing his kind side to spread the cheerfulness of Christmas to kids all in San Antonio.

Yet, his narrative doesn’t stop there. A comprehensive dive into Leonard’s philanthropic initiatives showcases his enduring commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s through hospital visits, charity events, or community engagements, Leonard’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court.

From Santa suits to community contributions, Leonard’s narrative showcases the multi-dimensional impact that sports figures can wield beyond the game itself.