News

Cleveland Browns tight end Benjamin Watson was selected as one of five finalists for the 2013 Byron “Whizzer” White award, the NFL Players Association announced today. The award annually recognizes players who go above and beyond to perform community service in their team cities and hometowns. Charlie Batch (Pittsburgh Steelers), Chad Greenway (Minnesota Vikings), Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears) and Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) join Watson as finalists.

The award was established by the professional football players of America to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to one of their own, Supreme Court Justice Byron Raymond “Whizzer” White—scholar, athlete, patriot, humanitarian and public servant. The NFLPA presents this prestigious annual award to the player that is just as dedicated off the field as he is on the field.

All finalists will receive additional charity donations, and one will be named the 2013 Byron “Whizzer” White Award winner and receive an additional $100,000 for his charity. The 2013 Byron “Whizzer” White judging panel includes – Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk), Kathleen Sebelius (U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services), Jim Trotter (Sports Illustrated), Richard Trumka (President, AFL-CIO) and Brian Waters (Pro Player Insiders, NFLPA Executive Committee, Water Payton Man of the Year).

The winner will be announced at the NFLPA’s State of the Union press conference at the Super Bowl media center in New Orleans.