It’s impossible to turn on a TV these days without being let down by your favorite sports figures. In an era monopolized by thugs, steroid junkies, and adulterers, I often find it discouraging to flip on the news. Bad news sells, plain and simple.
I’ve heard it said all too often that athletes are entertainers, not role models. And in most cases, this is probably a good rule to go by, but what about the athletes who are out in their communities leading by example? I want to take a few moments to share some examples of “the exception”, not “the rule.”
Let’s begin with Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl corner back, Cortland Finnegan.
Everyone knows Finnegan as the wiry, fiery, hard hitting defender on Sundays, but seldom do we hear about his soft side. Several years ago, he began his own nonprofit right here in Nashville, TN. After being inspired to work through acts of random kindness, it felt natural for Finnegan (#31) to name his foundation “ARK 31.” This fantastic nonprofit hosts events for children with special needs and disabilities. In November of 2009, ARK 31 hosted the 1st Annual Kid’s Carnival Day at the Nashville Zoo. This offered children in Nashville an opportunity to come out to enjoy the zoo, games, face painting, as well as a chance to hang out with Titans players and cheerleaders. During an ARK karaoke fundraiser earlier in ‘09, Finnegan brought several teammates out in an effort that raised over $32,000 for the foundation. In 2008, Finnegan was a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year campaign which opened his eyes to how these diseases are challenging the lives of children in our community. His older sister, Felicia, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome when Cortland was a child, a condition that would lead to her death at age seven. This has inspired many of the Finnegan’s works, including his volunteer work with the Special Olympics. As a Titans fan, I am proud to have a man like Cortland Finnegan on my team and in my community.
To learn more about ARK31, click here.
Another fine example of an athlete being being a role model first is Arizona Cardinals stellar wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald.
As possibly my favorite professional athlete, Fitzgerald conducts himself in the most respectable manner both on and off the field. With his topnotch sportsmanship, humble attitude, and ability to attack the ball at its highest point, he’s genuinely the kind of player you want on your team and representing your city. Fitzgerald also does a variety of service in his community as a volunteer with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club. He also earned major cool points this season by rewarding his fantasy owners with autographed footballs. For each ball caught by Fitzgerald, an autographed ball was sent to one of his fans. Trust me when I say this, you won’t find a more well-spoken, humble post game interview than one done with Larry Fitzgerald.
To see Larry in action with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club, click here.
These are only a couple of the many fine athletes out there that see themselves as role models/entertainers (and not the other way around). So, the next time you turn on ESPN to find an athlete involved in a drug bust or domestic dispute, don’t be discouraged. Just look deeper and realize there are many Finnegans and Fitzgeralds out there doing the right things both on and off the field. This is the sort of news I like to hear.
