National Football League Alumni
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The NFL Alumni is a 501 (c) (3) charity that is composed of former NFL players and associate members who work voluntarily to raise funds for youth-oriented causes and engage in hands-on service to foster the development of "youth through sports and sports through youth." The NFL Alumni advances its motto of "Caring for Kids" from its national headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and an additional 30 chapters across the country. The NFL Alumni is a dues-paying membership association. Anyone who ever played professional football qualifies to join as a Professional Member. Individuals who did not play in the NFL may enroll as Associate Members [1].
The cornerstone of the NFL Alumni's fundraising efforts is its Charity Golf Classic Tour which began in 1979. Among its programs for former players is the Dire Need Trust that provides financial assistance for former NFL players in need. Another program is the Pro Legends Speakers Bureau [2] which books former NFL players for personal appearances around the country.
Since 1982 the NFL Alumni has held the Player of the Year Awards Dinner honoring the top 10 players and coach from the previous NFL season. The players are honored by a unique voting process in which former players cast ballots for their modern counterparts. Former pros vote only for the positions they once played themselves.[3]
Contents |
[edit] 2007 Player of the Year winners
OFFENSE
- Quarterback—Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
- Running back—Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Wide Receiver—Randy Moss (New England Patriots)
- Tight end—Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)
- Offensive Linemen—Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts)
DEFENSE
- Defensive Lineman—Mario Williams (Houston Texans)
- Pass Rusher—Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Linebacker—Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers)
- Defensive Back—Antonio Cromartie (San Diego Chargers)
SPECIAL TEAMS
- Special Teams Player—Devin Hester (Chicago Bears)
COACH
- Coach—Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)
[edit] 2006 Player of the Year winners
OFFENSE
- Quarterback—Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
- Running Back—LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)
- Wide Receiver—Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
- Tight End—Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens)
- Offensive Lineman—Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota Vikings)
DEFENSE
- Defensive Lineman—Jason Taylor (Miami Dolphins)
- Pass Rusher—Aaron Kampman (Green Bay Packers)
- Linebacker—Zach Thomas (Miami Dolphins)
- Defensive Back—Champ Bailey (Denver Broncos)
SPECIAL TEAMS
- Special Teams Player—Devin Hester (Chicago Bears)
COACH
- Coach—Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)
In addition to the Player of the Year Awards, the NFL Alumni also honors past or current players with its Spirit Award for youth-oriented community service, Order of the Leather Helmet Award for individuals who "have made significant contributions to the game of professional football" and the Career Achievement Award given to those "whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization."
In 2008, Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson and John Madden along with San Diego Chargers Owner Alex Spanos were inducted into the Order of the Leather Helmet. The winner of the 2008 Spirit Award was St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Draft[4].
[edit] NFL Alumni Order of the Leather Helmet
Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of professional football.
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1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 |
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 |
[edit] NFL Alumni Career Achievement Award
Awarded to individuals whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization.
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1981 1982 1983 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1992 1993 |
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 |
