Rob Canton

Rob first developed Athletes+Causes as a way to bring attention to and raise money towards finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. He enlisted the support of others in the sports industry affected by Type 1 Diabetes, including Tampa Bay Lightning Forward BJ Crombeen, Rays Outfielder Sam Fuld, and Buccaneers Tight End Tom Crabtree and in January 2014 hosted the first Athletes+Causes event.

In March 2015, Athletes and Causes was granted non-profit status as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity by the IRS and the proceeds of the event were directed to five distinct charities including DeBartolo Family Foundation, Derrick Brooks Charities, JDRF, Make-A-Wish, and Toby Hall Foundation.

Rob presently serves as Senior Advisor to Ownership for Vinik Family Office, having recently transitioned from his position as Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prior to his work for the Lightning, he consulted on projects across the country involving the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Denver Broncos, Miami Heat, San Diego Padres, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Nationals, and dozens of other professional sports teams. He has also consulted on sports projects for Louisiana State University, the University of Oklahoma, Duke University, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Texas Tech, The Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Louisville.