BINK

Khalen "Bink" Saunders, founder of the Original Element Foundation, is a testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the power of proving doubters wrong.

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Khalen’s journey is that of an underdog turned champion. A high school football standout at Parkway Central High School, he excelled as a running back and defensive lineman. Still, he received only one Division I scholarship offer—to Western Illinois University. Despite the odds, Khalen thrived, playing primarily as a defensive lineman while showcasing his versatility with a rushing and receiving touchdown during his college career.

His determination and talent culminated in a historic moment when he became the first Western Illinois Leatherneck invited to the Senior Bowl, where his performance earned praise from NFL coaches. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Khalen went on to achieve remarkable success, becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion and continuing to make standout plays in the NFL.

Khalen’s story of resilience and belief in his own potential inspired him to create the Original Element Foundation. Recognizing the power of being an “original” who defies expectations, Khalen is passionate about uplifting individuals and communities that have been overlooked or doubted. The foundation’s mission is to instill hope and foster opportunities for those seeking to rise above challenges, just as Khalen has throughout his life. Through the Original Element Foundation, Khalen is dedicated to empowering others to embrace their unique potential and pursue success, no matter the obstacles.