NASHVILLE, TN, Dec. 22, 2008 – Titans Linebacker David Thornton received the distinguished honor of the President's Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding commitment to the health and wellness of America's youth — the message of the NFL's PLAY 60 campaign. !
Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith (right) presents David Thornton with the President's Volunteer Service Award prior to Sunday's game at LP Field.
The award presentation took place on Sunday before the Titans took on the Pittsburgh Steelers at LP Field. Presenting the award to Thornton on behalf of President George W. Bush was Michael W. Smith, Vice-Chair on the President's Council and beloved Nashville Grammy-Award Winning Christian recording artist.
The PLAY 60 campaign, which encourages the importance of staying active for at least 60 minutes a day, brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations. Since the program was launched last year, the NFL has committed $100 million to youth health and fitness through programming, grants, and media time for public service announcements.
Thornton was recently honored as the Titans 2008 Community Man of the Year for his dedication and philanthropic service to the communities in which he lives. In addition, Thornton kicked-off the Titans Play 60 initiative in metro schools this past September as he visited West End Middle School students to encourage them to lead healthier lifestyles and get one hour of active play each day. Various Titans players continued the charge by making weekly visits this season to Nashville middle schools as part of the PLAY 60 campaign.
Around the league, one player from each club received this "lifetime call to service" recognition, the highest service honor one can receive from The White House.
Players that received the President's Volunteer Service Award:
Arizona - Matt Leinart
Atlanta - Keith Brooking
Baltimore - Ed Reed
Buffalo - George Wilson
Carolina - Jordan Gross
Chicago - Roberto Garza
Cincinnati - Brad St. Louis
Cleveland - Kamerion Wimbley
Dallas - DeMarcus Ware
Denver - Rookie Club: Ryan Clady, Carlton Powell, Eddie Royal, Jack Williams and Wesley Woodyard
Detroit - Mike Furrey
Green Bay - Donald Driver
Houston - Vonta Leach
Indianapolis - Gary Brackett
Jacksonville - Mike Peterson
Kansas City - Donnie Edwards
Miami - Greg Camarillo
Minnesota - Adrian Peterson
New England - Matt Light
New York Giants - Eli Manning
New York Jets - D'Brickashaw Ferguson
New Orleans - Drew Brees
Oakland - Nnamdi Asomugha
Philadelphia - Brian Dawkins
Pittsburgh - Brett Keisel
St. Louis - Chris Draft
San Diego - Steve Gregory
San Francisco - Isaac Bruce
Seattle - Bobby Engram
Tampa Bay - Jovan Haye
Tennessee - David Thornton
Washington - Santana Moss
