Anquan Boldin Named 2014 Byron Whizzer White Winner
Orlando, March 20, 2014 – The NFL Players Association announced today an award of $100,000 to the Anquan Boldin Foundation for winning the prestigious Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the highest honor given to a player by the NFLPA. The award is being presented at the annual NFLPA Player Representative meetings in Orlando during the joint session of active and former NFL players and honors the player who serves his team, community and country in the spirit of Byron Raymond “Whizzer” White. The late Supreme Court Justice was a scholar, athlete, patriot, humanitarian and public servant – the personification of the ideal to which professional football players aspire.
Anquan Boldin is an 11-year NFL veteran and four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who has played his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and is now with the San Francisco 49ers. The Anquan Boldin Foundation’s mission is to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged youth. The “Q81 Foundation” is embarking on 10 years this April and has showcased charitable activities in Phoenix, Baltimore, South Florida and most recently in Boldin’s new home of San Francisco. The area where Boldin is truly passionate is his hometown of Pahokee, Florida and the surrounding areas known as “the Glades.” This area is one of an extremely economically-challenged community in the state of Florida. Boldin has also been involved with Oxfam America, Wounded Warriors and the United Way campaigns.
All 32 teams voted for nominees during the regular season and the NFLPA reviewed 54 applications, with each applicant awarded $5,000 for his foundation or charity of his choice. The judges, Domonique Foxworth, Kevin Mawae, Charlie Batch, Mike Kenn and Trace Armstrong, narrowed the applicants down to five finalists. The other finalists were: Davin Joseph (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Stephen Tulloch (Detroit Lions), Matthew Slater (New England Patriots) and Vonta Leach (Baltimore Ravens).
Previous Justice Byron R. “Whizzer” White Award Winners
- 2013 Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2012 Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
- 2011 Tony Richardson, New York Jets
- 2010 Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders
- 2009 Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
- 2008 Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Atlanta Falcons
- 2007 John Lynch, Denver Broncos
- 2006 Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans
- 2005 Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
- 2004 Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2003 Troy Vincent, Philadelphia Eagles
- 2002 Mark Brunell, Jacksonville Jaguars
- 2001 Michael McCrary, Baltimore Ravens
- 2000 Doug Pelfrey, Cincinnati Bengals
- 1999 Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings
- 1998 Hardy Nickerson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 1997 Chris Zorich, Chicago Bears
- 1996 Bill Brooks, Buffalo Bills
- 1995 Derrick Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs
- 1994 Mark Kelso, Buffalo Bills
- 1993 Nick Lowery, Kansas City Chiefs
- 1992 Reggie White, Green Bay Packers
- 1991 Mike Kenn, Atlanta Falcons
- 1990 Ozzie Newsome, Cleveland Browns
- 1989 Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears
- 1988 Deron Cherry, Kansas City Chiefs
- 1987 George Martin, New York Giants
- 1986 Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins
- 1985 Reggie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
- 1984 Rolf Benirschke, San Diego Chargers
- 1983 Doug Dieken, Cleveland Browns
- 1982 Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 1981 Ken Houston, Washington Redskins
- 1980 Gene Upshaw, Los Angeles Raiders
- 1979 Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
- 1978 Archie Manning, New Orleans Saints
- 1977 Lyle Alzado, Denver Broncos
- 1976 Jim Hart, St. Louis Cardinals
- 1975 Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 1974 Floyd Little, Denver Broncos
- 1973 Andy Russell, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 1972 Ray May, Baltimore Colts
- 1971 Kermit Alexander, Los Angeles Rams
- 1970 Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears
- 1969 Ed Meador, Los Angeles Rams
- 1968 Willie Davis, Green Bay Packers
- 1967 Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers
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