It’s been a big weekend for the Cleveland Browns tight end Ben Watson in which he was twice acknowledged for his leadership off the field. On Saturday, he received the 2012 Call to Courage Award at a breakfast held at the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo, NY, and on Sunday he was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the NFL Players Association.
Watson began his collegiate career at Duke University before transferring to the University of Georgia. He was a first round draft pick of the New England Patriots and played six seasons with Tom Brady in New England, including winning a Super Bowl as a member of the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXIX Championship team. He came to the Browns in 2010, and led the team that season in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
The Call to Courage Award Breakfast is sponsored by the Buffalo Pro Ministry of Athletes in Action and was hosted by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich. Reich was the long time backup quarterback of the Bills behind Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and is best remembered for leading the greatest comeback in NFL history (the January 1993 32-point playoff comeback win over the Houston Oilers).
The honorary chairman was Buffalo Bills’ QB/RB/WR Brad Smith, with special speaker Jim Tressel, former Ohio State University Football Coach. The breakfast is Reich’s way of thanking the Western New York Community for all the love, support and appreciation they showed to him and his family while he was the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills during the successful Super Bowl years.
“We are thrilled to have such an outstanding program in our eleventh year with such wonderful individuals like Ben Watson, Coach Tressel and SGT Rieman,” Reich said.
Brad Smith said, “AIA - It’s really good people. To share something I believe in and my faith is why I wanted to be a part of this. To support something that’s trying to help people and be here is what’s important. My wife and I are very much into our faith and to be here and celebrate with others is really special.”
The following words are inscribed on the 2012 Call to Courage Award:
“The Call to Courage Award is given to an athlete who displays exemplary character through adversity and triumph. At the heart of his character is a commitment to Jesus Christ that is reflected in every aspect of his life. On and off the field, he is an impact player who brings out the best in those around him. His pursuit of excellence in every area of his life is inspiring. He does not view his achievements as a platform for personal gain; rather, out of humility he sees them as an opportunity to serve the community and the world to the glory of God.”
The Call to Courage Award is given to a current NFL player who has exemplified outstanding character, commitment and leadership on and off the field and in the community. Past award winners have been Kurt Warner, Chad Pennington, London Fletcher and Jon Kitna to name a few.
U.S. Army SGT Tommy Rieman from Kernersville, NC was also recognized during the event. He was previously awarded the Silver Star in 2004 for his bravery and valor during the War in Iraq in 2003.
Along with the Call to Courage Award honoring professional athletes, high school athletes are also recognized through the High School Call to Courage Award that is given to an outstanding member of a Western New York High School football team. This year’s three finalists were Pat Walch (Wilson Central High School), Mike Grimaldi (North Tonawanda High School) and Erik O’Neill (St. Mary’s High School).
Fred and Kathy Raines planned this annual event and serve as chaplans for the AIA Pro Ministry-Buffalo. The Raines have ministered the Buffalo Bills Players ,their wives, and the Western New York Community for many years. For more information on Athletes in Action visit www.AIABuffalo.com.
