A Hall of Famer for his ability, former Steelers
center Mike Webster became the most recognizable name and face of
the plight of linemen suffering repeated blows to the head while
battling in the trenches.
The results were tragic for Webster, marring his
post-football existence and bringing his life to an untimely end at the
age of 50.
And it is after his passing that Webster perhaps
has had his greatest impact. Through a landmark effort to win
disability benefits from the league, Webster’s experiences
have helped focus attention on this problem. Analysis of the impact of repeated trauma on brains like his and that of the late Andre Waters has led to the discovery of a link between head injuries and chronic cognitive problems — and that link arguably prompted Congress to force the NFL to begin taking the concussion issue seriously in late 2009.
So for his performances and, more importantly, his
sacrifices, our annual award given to the top offensive lineman in the
NFL is named for Mike Webster.
In each of the first two years we awarded the prize, we gave it to two men — guard Steve Hutchinson and center Matt Birk of the Vikings. So we’ll give it to two men again this year.
They are Saints guard Jahri Evans and Chiefs guard Brian Waters.
Evans’ football career has skyrocketed, carrying him from Division II’s Bloomsburg University to Super Bowl champion and All-Pro. It’s an amazing rise that gives hope to every kid who plays college football, at any level.
Waters, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro in past seasons, won an even bigger prize in 2009 — he’s the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. And for good reason. Waters’ 54 Foundation has awarded 82 college scholarships to low-income
students since 2004. Thousands of children have also benefited from his back-to-school program that
provides backpacks full of school supplies, as well as haircuts, uniforms,
shoes, immunizations, and dental care.
Not bad for a guy who scratched and clawed his way from North Texas State through NFL Europe before earning a spot on the starting offensive line in Kansas City.
So congrats to both Evans and Waters. That love-of-the-game spirit of the Olympic hockey player is thriving in both of them.
“A Hall of Famer for his ability, former Steelers center Mike Webster became the most recognizable name and face of the plight of linemen suffering repeated blows to the head while battling in the trenches.
The results were tragic for Webster, marring his post-football existence and bringing his life to an untimely end at the age of 50.”
Didn’t he die of a heart attack?
As a football player at the D2 level. I have to route cast my vote for Evans.
Brian Waters is a class act. You definitely scratched the surface of his off the field actions, but here’s the published list we saw in KC.
–Brian and his wife, Yolanda, run all foundation activities and have no paid staff. He works closely throughout the year with more than 20 different agencies including: FCA, Habitat for Humanity, Promise House, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Waxahachie Educational Foundation, Waxahachie YMCA and Waxahachie Pee Wee Football. In addition, he has served as spokesperson for NFL and Chiefs campaigns.
–Provides school supplies for over 2,000 children annually, including: haircuts, dental screenings, immunizations, backpacks, supplies, shoes and uniforms.
–To date, Brian has awarded 82 college scholarships.
–Donated all funds to build Habitat for Humanity House.
–Thanksgiving: Chairs the Chiefs Thanksgiving Food Distribution, donates baskets to more than 1,000 families. Sponsors Thanksgiving dinner for 500. Provides sweatshirts, stocking caps, and Thanksgiving dinner for 60 homeless youth. Supports United Believers Church distribution.
–Christmas: Annually adopts more than 30 families for Christmas, personally shopping for each family, providing three toys and five outfits per child, a Christmas tree and lights for decorations. Hosts annual Salvation Army coat collection. Led Christmas Drive for Teenagers. Donates Christmas gifts to the Promise House and hosted a shopping spree for 50 youth.
–Provides 10 Chiefs’ season tickets and has provided more than 40 Cowboys’ season tickets annually for youth incentives.
–Sponsors after school program at YMCA, providing tutoring, snacks and safe activities. Financially supports annual events such as Festival of Trees, Brilliance, Waxahachie Education Golf Tournament, Project Safe Place, Pee Wee Football and Free Football and Basketball Camp for 300 children.
–Hosts Special Olympics annual Punt, Pass, and Kick competition and annually funds and hosts “Appreciation/Fun Day/Health Fair” for entire Waxahachie community.
The real question is whether Evans or Waters will know or care that they were given this “award.”
Conversation between Mickey Loomis and Jahri Evans:
“You know Mickey, I realize we are talking my new contract here, and did you notice I won the Webster Award. That’s gonna cost you another $1.5 mil each year of my contract.”
Evans
Wow, somebody not on the Vikings wins an award here? Guess my crack about “other qualified players outside the Vikings roster for the season awards” must have struck a nerve.
@FriarBob
I sure the next award will go to a Viking, don’t you worry.
Hey Florio – did you clear this with your close friend and blatant Vikings homer Paul Allen? You might have just bought yourself a KFAN ban for not picking a Viking.
NoRingsForYou says:
February 24, 2010 11:00 AM
Hey Florio – did you clear this with your close friend and blatant Vikings homer Paul Allen? You might have just bought yourself a KFAN ban for not picking a Viking.
=================================
If KFAN can ban him, why can’t PFT ban a turd of poster like you?
Seriously, you haven’t had one intelligent thing to say since you started on here.
Fork meet toaster. No one would miss you.
Congrats to both men. Evans is one of the best young guards in the league and a hell of a good guy off the field.
Chickshi……er…..Chickenfoot – Let me guess…..your’e one of those bitter Vikings fans who for sure this time you’d win a Super Bowl. Am I right? Be honest. Your purple mind can’t find one inaccuracy in my posts.
Leave Vikings fans be. They’re not even going to have a team after they come back from the strike.
The Vikings are great at picking up the post season awards, except for the Lombardi Trophy, they can’t even get close to.
Why don’t we have a bone headed move of the year award, we can give it to Childress for having 12 men in the huddle, even after a timeout. That should win it hands down.
Good idea, Jimmy. We can name it after Childress for future years.
While we’re at it we can have a Meltdown Play of the Year and name it after Favre for his NFC title game meltdown.