Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE: Edition 6

The mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE. Each Friday, ProFootballHOF.com features stories from the football world and beyond that illustrate the celebration of excellence!

Archived Editions: 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1

Honor Roll

Life for Andre Reed has been a whirlwind since his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August and things still haven’t slowed down.

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills legend returned to his alma mater Kutztown University to receive more recognition for his excellence on the gridiron. The school renamed their football stadium University Field at Andre Reed Stadium in honor of the Class of 2014 enshrinee.

What a honor and great weekend back at Kutztown.Thanks to the whole Golden Bear family for the appreciation you have given me and my family.

— Andre Reed (@Andre_Reed83) October 22, 2014

The dedication took place prior to kickoff of their homecoming football game. Check out the video of Reed addressing the homecoming crowd.

Giving Back After Receiving So Much

Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Tackle Devon Still and his daughter Leah have received so much support over the past few months as she continues to fight her cancer. Ellen Degeneres recently sent a care package. Watch this.


Also, Gold Jacket Jim Kelly sent his encouragement as he continues his own battle with cancer.

As usual, when I walked into the locker room today my locker was full of packages from suppor… http://t.co/IrJio7kUaL pic.twitter.com/ipez4mOvY8

— Devon Still (@Dev_Still71) October 22, 2014

Still surprised Mount St. Joseph basketball player Lauren Hill of Lawrenceburg High School this past week at practice as she prepares for her team's season opener. Hill is battling an inoperable brain condition called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Still took the opportunity to swap jerseys with her.

 

Had the honor and the pleasure to meet Lauren Hill today at her bball practice..this jersey swap is the most memorable that I will ever have...her strength is beyond inspirational...if you haven't heard her story please don't scroll pass this post without copying this link and watching her story http://youtu.be/hsU24D42PgQ #BeatCancer

A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on Oct 10, 2014 at 5:36am PDT

Devon then made a trip to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to distribute some of his jerseys and spend time with a few kids.

.@Dev_Still71 is beyond awesome! He stopped by today to meet kids on A5 and share #75 jerseys! #StillStrong #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/BXSOOKGv1P

— Cincinnati Childrens (@CincyChildrens) October 21, 2014

Coates Gives Back

Auburn University wide receiver Sammie Coates spent his time off during a bye week doing something special for a 12-year-old girl with leukemia.


Read his story>>>

Overcoming Adversity

The journey to the NFL is a very difficult one. Most players spend their entire lives working and training to play on Sundays. Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Zach Kerr had other obstacles he had to overcome throughout his life to achieve his dreams. Watch his story and how he overcame adversity.

Grant Honored

Before Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant led the Minnesota Vikings to an NFL championship, three NFC titles and 11 divisional championships, he coached the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. He led the Bombers to four Grey Cups during a nine-year tenure with the team.

In recognition of his achievements, the Blue Bombers erected a life size bronze statue of Grant in front of their stadium as part of their Walk of Honor.

Our Bud Grant statue has been unveiled! #Bombers pic.twitter.com/Cek0mKdDRe

— Wpg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) October 23, 2014

Rising Up

Homelessness is a struggle for so many people throughout our country. For many different reasons, there are more than 100,000 students on U.S. youth, public school and college athletic teams that have no stable place to live.

Take a look at how some of these student athletes are overcoming their struggles>>>

Excelling Through Sportsmanship

The National Football League will honor players that demonstrate integrity and honor on the field and serve as role models for other players at all levels. Each team will nominate one of its players for the award during the season. 

A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community will select from the 32 nominees eight finalists (four in the AFC; four in the NFC).  The panel will be comprised of Warrick Dunn, Gold Jacket Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler.

I’m proud the Sportsmanship Award recognizes how excellence in football is not achieved w/o respect for game, opponents, officials, & fans.

— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) October 22, 2014

The winner selected by the vote of the players will be announced during the nationally televised "4th Annual NFL Honors" show on Saturday, January 31 on NBC, the night before Super Bowl XLIX.  He will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.