The 2nd & 7 Foundation was developed by three former Ohio State student-athletes, Mike Vrabel, Luke Fickell and Ryan Miller. The three were college teammates who decided to continue to give back once their playing days in Ohio Stadium were over.  They realized that taking a little time out of their day to spend with the kids in the community could make a big difference.

In 2000, the foundation sponsored its inaugural FUNdamental Football Camp for young kids and the proceeds were used to purchase books for second graders in seven Central Ohio elementary schools (thus, the creation of the foundation's name). Since that time, The 2nd & 7 Foundation has grown as its founders’ passion to "Tackle Illiteracy" has increased.

The "Tackle Illiteracy" program now includes reading to second graders in classrooms all over the country and provides each of the children in those classrooms with a book to take home. The foundation targets schools with economically disadvantaged kids and communities where its founders feel they can make the biggest impact. The Ohio State University, the University of Toledo, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin and the University of North Carolina have all been involved in reaching out to the community through this program, by allowing student-athletes to participate in the readings.