Domonique Foxworth was so taken aback by being named the Broncos’ Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient Friday that he had no clue that he was now a nominee for the league-wide award, bestowed upon one player during Super Bowl week.
“Wow,” he said, laughing. “It hasn’t even crossed my mind. Technically I’m in the running for that?”
Indeed he is, I told him.
“That’s a good one,” he said. “We all know that’s not happening.”
Ah, humility. It’s one of my fellow blogger’s finer traits.
Sure, it means he’ll dismiss his chances of winning the league-wide Payton award.
But I would personally beg to differ and claim that no one could be more deserving this year, not with a flood tide of off-field activites that range from teaching a writing class to promoting collegeincolorado.org and even opening his life to fans via his blog.
But above all, there’s his work in raising money for the construction of the Darrent Williams Teen Center at the Broncos Boys and Girls Club. What he does there isn’t about an award from his team or the league, or seeing his name in newspapers and magazines and on televisions or Web sites. It’s about turning his grief into action, ensconcing himself in an endeavor that all involved believe can help a generation of local youth avoid the scourge of gangs — while at the same time continuing the work that Williams himself did at the Club before he passed away New Year’s morning.
“I feel like I hope it will give me the final bit of closure that I need,” Foxworth said. “I feel like we’ve accomplished something. It still hurts to think about (it), and when the whole thing happened with Sean Taylor, it just hurts.
“That’s how I’ve been mourning — (by) working there. I feel that it would just be the crown jewel on all of our hard work around there.”
Even before the galvanizing effect of Williams’ death on him and others in the Broncos’ locker room, Foxworth has long been hip-deep in community work, dating back to his matriculation at the University of Maryland when he started a mentoring program, inspired by one of the first courses he took after arriving on campus.
“One of my classes — which really got me kick-started my freshman year — we were in a soup kitchen and we helped renovate old retirement homes; we did a lot of things,” he said. “While so much good is being done, it’s kind of a selfish feeling. You feel so good while you’re doing it. Community service is just one of the few things in this world to me that makes you feel like you’re doing something.
“You feel like you’re living out the reason why you’re supposed to be on this earth.”
That’s the best award of all.
Mazel tov, Fox.
Tags: Boys and Girls Club, Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth
Go Foxworth!!!!!!!
Fox is awesome. I hope he’s here for a very long time.
well, keep hoping, because it’s not going to happen, this might be his last year as a bronco, he wants more money and he’s not going to get it here. he says he can be a starter anywhere else, so i guess he’s gone
well, keep hoping, because it’s not going to happen, this might be his last year as a bronco, he wants more money and he’s not going to get it here. he says he can be a starter anywhere else, so i guess he’s gone……
Fox is a real Class act from a fan’s point of view.
Out of curiosity . . . what exactly is the Payton award given for??
I hope the team does whatever it takes to lock him up for years to come. Either way, this puts things in perspective. I want the team to win every game and every SuperBowl every year, just like everyone who visits this site. Win or lose, though, I am proud to call myself a lifelong fan of this organization. I always sing the praises of Rod Smith, John Lynch, Al Wilson, etc. Foxworth has proven to be just as classy and impressive as all of these men. They are all champions off the field, and more attention should be given to the positive things they do. The athletes and celebrities who get in trouble are always in the news, but it’s guys like Fox who should be getting some props for what they do. I would like to give him a huge MileHighSalute, and an “ALL READY”!
Oh, and Mason…..lest I forget, we appreciate the work you do, and the fact that you DO actually bring these positive things to light….and the fact that you take the high road and give Fox the credit he is due, even if he does take some uncalled for shots at you from time to time.
Well, I have to admit that Fox and I have a little bit of fun with the back-and-forth … we like anything that draws more attention to our work in the blogosphere.
BroncoHyde:
The Payton Award used to just be called the “Man of the Year” … given to a player who succeeds on the field and provides contributions in the community and to society at large.
Well, that’s quite impressive then. And I’m sure he deserves it. Thanks for the info.
Congrats Fox, a well deserved honor. No one deserves an honor quite like this than our Foxy D!! I hope Fox wins the award, its people like him and the work he does that deserves the attention not celebs or other nut jobs that only get in trouble like vegasbronco42 said. For once, something positive should be spread nationwide and Fox should get the recognition he deserves.
GO BRONCOS!!!!
If we were smart we would cut bly..and sign fox to what he wants and let him handle opposite of champ..but it always seems shanny would rather spend money on old free agents then pay our young upcoming stars….But i do hope fox is with us for many years…we need him..especially since our other class acts are gettin ready to retire and ride off in the sunset…but we’ll see….anywyas Fox good luck..and congratulations
I think what he is doing and has done… is well deserving of that award!!!
To take his time out to help others, especially young children is special to me!! 2 Thumbs up for Dom and good luck!!!
Fox is the man!!
DOmi congrats man you deserve it man, i wish al lthe gangs would take a step back and realize how dum they are, and all the harm they cause communities, usually people in gangs are trying to make up for something, like a broken home, the ones that do it just to do it i don’t understand these people are throwing their lives away they will never accomplish anything good. Domi, keep dping what your doing man stay positive u will get what you want and morre…. all-ready
Wow!What an honor! Congratulations to Fox.
Well deserved…
~ChocolateQT
GREAT IDEAS SHANAHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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