Home Depot Neighborhood MVP

In addition to his own the field talents Brian Dawkins has been named as one of the eight finalists for the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP Program written about in the following press release:

"EIGHT FINALISTS SELECTED FOR THE HOME DEPOT NFL NEIGHBORHOOD MVP PROGRAM
NFL Players Honored For Their Commitment In Giving Back To Their Communities


ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2007 – The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer and ‘official home improvement sponsor’ of the National Football League®, today announced the eight finalists for The Home Depot NFL® Neighborhood MVP award. The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP is a national program that recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities through charitable programs and contributions.

The eight finalists, narrowed from a field of 17, will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice and are now in the running to be honored as The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP. The national MVP winner will receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice and will be recognized during the week leading up to Super Bowl® XLII, which will be held Feb. 3, 2008 in Arizona. Starting today, Nov. 16, fans can go online at homedepot.com/NFL to vote for the finalist they think is most deserving of the national award. Fans can cast their votes through Dec. 31, 2007.

"Our inaugural field of finalists embodies The Home Depot and the NFL’s long-standing commitment to giving back to local communities,” said John Ross, vice president of Advertising and interim head of Marketing for The Home Depot. “We are proud to be associated with these players and applaud their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.”

Throughout the 17 weeks of the regular season, The Home Depot associates work alongside the local MVP and community volunteers to refurbish football fields and build playgrounds at schools and community centers in the home market of each player. The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP finalists include:
Isaac Bruce – In St. Louis Bruce was selected for his support of health and wellness programs for youth. Through the Isaac Bruce Foundation, which is focused on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education, Bruce reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Brian Dawkins – In Philadelphia Dawkins was selected for his support of the Burn Prevention Foundation, dedicated to the ongoing care of burn survivors, facilitating the training of emergency service personnel and delivering burn prevention education to those at greatest risk to injury. Dawkins also supports YMCA programs, the United Way and the Maternity Care Coalition, among other local charities.
Warrick Dunn – In Atlanta Dunn was selected for his work in assisting single parents achieve first-time homeownership. Through the Warrick Dunn Foundation, he provides opportunities for economically-disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieve financial independence and stability.
John Lynch – In Denver Lynch was selected for his work with student-athletes in the greater Denver area. Through scholarship programs, regular school and hospital visits, and his work with local Boys & Girls Clubs and the United Way, Lynch has made a tremendous impact in his community.
Jason Taylor – In Miami Taylor was selected for his work in founding the Jason Taylor Foundation, which supports and creates programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.
Marcus Trufant – In Seattle Trufant was selected for his work in founding the Trufant Family Foundation that focuses on supporting scholarships, financial aid, children's and family centers.
Kurt Warner – In Phoenix Warner was selected for his work in founding the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation, an organization that promotes Christian values and blesses the lives of those less fortunate.
Roy Williams – In Dallas Williams was selected for his work in founding the Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation, which helps ensure low-income single mothers in the Dallas area receive support, guidance and assistance to enhance their quality of life.

Through the Neighborhood MVP program, The Home Depot has also teamed with United Way® to recognize consumers who are making a positive impact in their local communities. In addition, The Home Depot will also honor one of its store associates as the Associate Neighborhood MVP. Both MVPs will receive an all-expense paid trip to Super Bowl XLII.

The Home Depot became the ‘official home improvement sponsor’ of the National Football League through a multi-year integrated marketing partnership in late 2006. Through this agreement, The Home Depot became the official postgame sponsor of NFL Network's eight regular season games, called "The Home Depot Postgame Show," which will begin on Thanksgiving night and run through the final week of the regular season. Also under the agreement, The Home Depot has the right to use the following trademarks: NFL Kickoff, NFL Playoffs, Super Bowl XLI, XLII, XLIII, the 2007, 2008 and 2009 NFL Pro Bowls."