In a unique, first-of-its-kind fantasy football tournament for charity, Adam Wainwright bested 31 MLB players and alumni to win Big League Impact’s inaugural Players Only League. For his efforts, Waino earned a $50,000 donation to Big League Impact; runner-up Matt Holliday received a $30,000 donation to his charity of choice, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation.

As ESPN reported, our Players Only League is the culmination of Adam’s passions for charity and fantasy football. The Players Only League brings career-long rivalries out into the open, and each MLB player selected a charity or organization to compete for. This year’s all-star field included 2020 World Series champion Clayton Kershaw, as well as MLB stars like Justin VerlanderMax ScherzerJack FlahertyMike Yastrzemski and more. 

By NFL’s Week 16, though, only four competitors stood: Adam Wainwright vs. Matt Holliday for the grand prize and Luke Weaver vs. Sonny Gray in our Second Chance Bracket. The championship match between Adam and Matt took place through Weeks 14-16.

Week 16 Championship Recap

Waino surged ahead in Week 15, scoring an impressive 153.95 points to Matt Holliday’s 105.10. Though Matt tallied almost as many points as Adam in Week 16, he couldn’t make up the difference.

Adam took a bit of a gamble, going with Eagles rookie Jalen Hurts over more proven QBs. It paid off, as despite a pair of late interceptions and a fumble, he managed 25.00 points in Week 16. Waino got the W despite getting goose eggs from Kenny Stills (free agent) and the Texans defense — as well as a lackluster performance from Derrick Henry.

Matt had a great strategy, going with the steady Kyler Murray, and leaning on David Johnson and Mike Evans. Johnson, Evans, and Dalvin Cook delivered, but the rest of his lineup didn’t come through as hoped.

Week 16 Second Chance Bracket Recap

Luke Weaver continued his late surge, claiming a championship in the Second Chance Bracket over Sonny Gray. Additionally, Luke (the 2019 BLI Fantasy League overall champion) was the high scorer in Week 16. 

He earned $1,500 that week for Consider The Lily, an incredible organization based in the Philippines and Gilbert, AZ, dedicated to rescuing girls and women from human trafficking.

Luke went with Kamara, and also got a big SNF performance from Davante Adams (43.20). Stacking Patrick Mahomes (23.00) with Travis Kelce (22.80) paid off big for Luke.

This season, Luke competed for Consider The Lily. Since their inception in 2011, they’ve rescued 81 girls from trafficking and have 46 girls safely living in their refuge.

Consider The Lily also works to prosecute abusers and traffickers, making the world a safer place for children.

Soon, we’ll announce the winners of the five Rawlings backpacks — chosen from a pool of people who donated to their favorite player’s charity through the Players Only League. We’ll be back next year for more fun and more competition! Thank you to all who participated!