Former NFL player who owns OC Christmas tree farm supports special needs community with his business

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- A former NFL player who owns a Christmas tree farm in Anaheim is adding magic to the holidays by picking trees with a purpose: he exclusively hires people with special needs.

Tyrone Rodgers, who played for the Seattle Seahawks in the '90s, has owned Rodgers Christmas Trees for more than 30 years and "purpose" has always been top of mind.

He initially prioritized hiring individuals recently released from jail, but 10 years ago, his purpose evolved. It was inspired by his son, Jhai.

"He's bigger than me now. He is low verbal, high functioning. He can do anything, it's just his verbal," Rodgers said. "I'm gonna make an opportunity for him. My concern was other kids, other families. They don't have a chance."

So Rodgers decided to create that chance for them. He partnered with a local group home company to employ individuals with special needs to teach them skills that extend far beyond the holidays.

"Just because they're diagnosed with special needs, autism or wherever on the spectrum, they still need help. And so if you're able to help in some kind of way with business, you should go out and try to give them a chance," Rodgers said.

Job responsibilities include assisting customers with everything from helping them pick out a tree, cutting and wrapping it up, to checking them out. From start to finish, they do it all.

On Dec. 22, during the final days of the holiday season, Rodgers turns the keys over to them completely. While he is there to help as a safeguard, the employees come together to elect a leader and take over operations of the tree farm. All of the profits earned during that time go directly to them, serving as their holiday bonus.

"The whole year they're talking about working here," Rodgers said.

Rodgers says there are many misconceptions when it comes to the abilities of those with special needs. He hopes to inspire other business owners to extend similar opportunities.

"Teach them that they have something to offer. They can come out and they can do any job that anyone else can do, and they do a great job," Rodgers said. "If you give them a chance, you can see what they can do."