Brian Griese’s Broncos career might have ended in 2002, but his involvement in Denver hasn’t stopped.

In 2002, Griese’s founded Judi’s House to help children and families grieving the death of a loved one find hope & healing within themselves.

His work with the organization, which he created in honor and in memory of his mother, who died when he was 12 years old, has earned him the 2011 Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, presented annually by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The award acknowledges professional sports organizations and individual sports philanthropies that have made an exceptional effort in deploying all their unique resources toward a mission that serves and improves the lives of others.

Judi’s House is located in Denver, and more than 2,600 children and their adult caregivers from the metro area have participated in groups since the organization began.

Griese is currently in his second full season working alongside Dave Logan in the 850-KOA radio booth during Broncos games.