Many professional athletes give back to the community.
But for the athletes with contracts valued in excess of $1 million, a large part of what makes them special is the drive that got them their in the first place. This drive, and a spot in the public eye, puts them in a perfect situation to give back. This week, the Baltimore-based Ed Block Foundation recognized one player from each of the NFL?s 32 teams with a courage award for aplayer who, in the eyes of his teammates, exemplified a commitment to sportsmanship and courage.
Tampa Bay linebacker Shelton Quarles, 35, thanks God for his chance to be in the position that he is today.
“From those who have much, much is expected,” he said.
Falling out of the NFL entirely at one point, Quarles worked his way back following a stint in the Canadian Football League, where many players end their careers. However, with a strong faith in God that helped him create goals and an inner drive, Quarles made his way back to the league in 1997 with Tampa Bay. In the 2002 campaign, his hard work was rewarded with a Super Bowl championship.
Last week, Quarles got back from the Persian Gulf, where he visited with soldiers as part of a goodwill mission between the NFL and the United Service Organizations (USO).
“Being blessed with what we are given, it?s a chance to return the giving to other people,” Quarles said.
Seattle defensive back and Christian Ken Hamlin, 26, was honored to receive the award that recognized his commitment to his local community.
“I love to be able to come out and do the type of things this foundation does,” said Hamlin of the Ed Block Foundation?s mission to reach distressed and displaced children. “This event really shows the type of [character] that these people have.”
