This morning, Athletes in Action (AIA) held their annual Super Bowl Breakfast in Atlanta. “Athletes in Action is an international sports organization focused on equipping athletes, coaches, and sport-minded individuals to grow in their relationship with Jesus and multiply their life into others. By serving more than 60 countries, on over 200 college campuses, in 40 professional sport teams, and through digital resources, AIA’s ultimate goal is to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation.”
Aside from the amazing food, the highlight of the annual breakfast is the naming of the Bart Starr Award. “The Bart Starr Award is given to the player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.” The award is named after Hall of Fame quarterback, Bart Starr, for being a positive role model within those three categories.
This year’s winner was Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end, Calais Campbell. From the time his career started in Arizona with the Cardinals through present day with the Jaguars, Calais has always had an impact on and off the field. If there’s a local charity event happening anywhere near Calais, chances are he is there. He may live over 2,000 miles from Arizona now, but he still continues to make appearances at many events in the desert. “There are so many guys out there that I admire that have hoisted this trophy,” Campbell said. “Just to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys is an honor. Knowing that my peers are the ones who voted for me, saying that I deserve this that really means a lot because I try to do things the right way.”
Calais was honored in front of about 1,500 people, six of which were his mother and five siblings. Campbell mentioned how he hoped his late father was able to look down upon him with pride for the man he is today. Campbell’s charity, The CRC Foundation, was named after his father, Charles Richard Campbell. We can assure you he is proud of you Calais, as are the rest of us.
