The JB Awards presented by Reebok: April 7, 2005: Washington DC

Sporting News, The, Feb 18, 2005

I am privileged to be a part of the NFLPA's and PLAYERS INC's tradition of honoring the unsung heroes of the NFL. On April 7, in Washington, DC, some of the biggest hearts in football will be honored with a JB Award at the NFL Players Gridiron Gala.

Nominated by their teammates and personally selected by me, the JB Awards recognize NFL players for their commitment to build better communities and stronger families.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the courageous young men and women of Special Olympics DC.

James Brown

Co-Host, Fox NFL Sunday and Host of "The James Brown Show" on Sporting News Radio

Building Better Communities and Stronger Families

2005 Honorees

Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers

Participates in efforts to fund breast cancer research through A Glimmer of Hope foundation. Organizes the annual donation of Christmas gilts for the Mars Youth Home.

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

His PeyBack Foundation helps disadvantaged youth build successful homes. Nearly $1 million has been donated since 1999. Proceeds from the Manning Passing Academy benefit Special Olympics Mega-City Louisiana and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints

Active in helping youth organizations through his Catch 22 Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of SE Louisiana, Children's Hospital of New Orleans and sponsoring of youth softball and basketball teams.

Ricky Proehl, Carolina Panthers

Raised $20,000 for Oak Ranch Home for Abused Kids last year and helped raise $60,000 the year before for Filet Down for Kids. Also supports the local Boys and Girls Club.

Marco Rivera, Green Bay Packers

Since 1998, he has helped raise more than $400,000 for Packerland Ride to benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association. Received 2004 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and created his own outreach program to fund youth sporting activities.

Junior Seau, Miami Dolphins

Created the Junior Seau Foundation to fund programs for child abuse prevention, victims of family violence and education of young people on the benefits of positive choices and good decision making, two sports facilities were built in San Diego under his name to house youth activities.

Will Shields, Kansas City Chiefs

Donated 26,000 library books for children through Operation Breakthrough, a day-care center for 500 kids from working families as part of the Will to Succeed Foundation, run by he and his wife.

Grant Wistrom, St. Louis Rams

Helped raise more than $400,000 Make-A-Wish Foundation in St. Louis last year. Started the Grant Wistrom Foundation to impact positively the lives of children, especially those with cancer.

Bryant Young, San Francisco 49ers

Raises money for nonprofit organizations serving children in San Francisco and Chicago through his foundation, Young Dreams Foundation including covering tuition costs [hr students who finish high school.

One of these nine award winners also will be selected as the 39th Annual Byron "Whizzer" White Award winner by a distinguished panel of judges.

Additional awards of the evening:

Terry Bradshaw will receive the JB Award for Courage for raising public awareness as it relates to the area of overcoming the struggles of clinical depression.

Howie Long will receive the JB Award for Lifetime Achievement tot- his dedication and accomplishments as a professional athlete, his post athletic career success and as a role model in his community.

Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers will receive the JB Award for Youth Development for his dedication to help local under-privileged youth including his own efforts through the Bus Foundation.

Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings will receive the JB Award for Loyalty for the constant theme throughout his life of being true to his roots, his team, his community and his fans.

Warrick Dunn, Atlanta Falcons will receive the JB Award for an Act of Kindness for his countless efforts to help single mothers become home owners and provide for their families through funds raised by his own foundation and Homes for the Holidays program.

Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs will receive the JB Award for Teamwork for his ability to be a team player on and off the field including the creation of Team Priest.

Scott Pioli, New England Patriots will receive the JB Award for Executive Excellence.

The AOL Kid's Choice Award also will be given to an NFL player voted on by kids through AOL's Kids Online website.