Israel Idonije and Nnamdi Asomugha pose with the Payton family during a press conference. (Doug Pensinger / Getty Images) By Dan Pompei
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Bears defensive end Israel Idonije was introduced as one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL man of the year award at a news conference Friday.
"What an honor it is for me to be here to share this with all of you," Idonije said. "I stand here this morning as a representative from all our people in Chicago that make the programs work. It's only because of a community and a team that we are able to reach out into Africa, and schools in Chicago and Canada and impact lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The other finalists are Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and Vikings safety Madieu Williams. The winner, who will receive a $20,000 charity grant, will be announced Sunday before the Super Bowl.
PHOTO GALLERY: Israel Idonije in action
The Israel Idonije Foundation benefits economically disadvantaged children in Chicago, Nigeria and Winnepeg.
"It's funny how a small dream and small steps continue to grow and snowball," he said. "You look around on a day like today and you're amazed. You say, 'Wow,' and you are thankful."
Idonije reminisced about how initially, in 2007, he and his volunteers stored boxes for his charity in his garage. His foundation has become so much bigger.
"We're just getting started," he said. "We're a young organization. Look how far we've come since 2007. It's very exciting to think where we'll be five years from now."
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/bears-idonije-excited-about-charitys-potential.html
Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts
No comments:
Post a Comment