Top Ten NFL Hotties of The Season
JERICHO, NY, February 1, 2005 – As America gears up for Super Bowl XXXIX, WE: Women’s Entertainment names its 2005 Gods of the Gridiron. All-American brawn, and pure sex appeal are just the beginning… the family commitment, charity involvement and social concern demonstrated by these players truly proves that athletes have big hearts too. From their tough as nails performance on the field to their inspiring community contributions off, WE admires these ten men who have what it takes to be superstars – because the NFL is more than tackles and touchdowns.
WE: WOMEN’S ENTERTAINMENT 2005 GODS OF THE GRIDIRON:
David Akers – Philadelphia Eagles – His broken nose in the NFC Championship game doesn’t change the fact that this Eagles kicker is a topnotch babe. During the off season he hosts kicking camps with all proceeds going to his charity “Kicks for Kids” which helps at risk children in the Philadelphia area follow their dreams. He’s also involved in the Cystic Fibrosis Philadelphia chapter’s annual “Evening Out With the Eagles.”
Jason Taylor – Miami Dolphins – He is active in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, but what WE loves about this three time Pro Bowl defensive end is his strong support of US troops serving abroad. He visited military bases and hospitals in Germany as part of the USO/NFL Tour last May and the following month visited troops in Kuwait and Iraq with entertainers including Robert DeNiro, Alyssa Milano and Kid Rock.
Warrick Dunn – Atlanta Falcons – Turning a personal tragedy into a positive community contribution is not only attractive but inspiring. Dunn used his mother’s on the job death during a 1993 robbery as the motivation for his program “Homes for the Holidays.” Helping low-income families buy homes by providing the down payment, adding furnishings and donating food this project has earned Dunn the “Giant Steps Award” in civic leadership by former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey’s “Oprah’s Angel” award.
Tom Brady – New England Patriots – His strong commitment to his profession and desire to excel are what attracts us to this Patriot’s QB. Brady was drafted by New England in 2000 and led the team to Super Bowl championships in 2001 and 2003, both times being named the game MVP. Brady has brought his team to the big game for a third time this year and that type of skill and leadership is what puts him on our list.
Joey Harrington – Detroit Lions – Ya gotta love a guy who loves his mom! And Joey Harrington is that guy. With the support of his family this Detroit quarterback and Oregon Heisman Trophy finalist created the Harrington Family Foundation, which supports charities that promote quality education and health care for children.
Daunte Culpepper – Minnesota Vikings – Since entering the NFL six years ago Culpepper has established himself as a premiere quarterback, starting in two Pro Bowls and about to appear in his third. Associated with the African American Adoption Agency since his rookie year, he recently pledged to annually contribute a portion of his new 10-year contract to the organization. We think Culpepper’s long-term commitment and a willingness to give of himself is very sexy and makes him a Gridiron God.
Emmitt Smith – Arizona Cardinals- With four NFL rushing titles, three Super Bowl rings, and NFL and Super Bowl MVP accolades, Emmitt Smith has definitely made a name for himself in football history. However, his work for organizations like Just Say No, President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Make A Wish, The Salvation Army and The Theater Arts for Youth prove that this gridiron god is a hero to more than those watching on Sunday afternoon.
Donnie Edwards – San Diego Chargers – This Pro Bowl and All-Pro linebacker is a San Diego native that welcomes the opportunity to give back to his community. He was instrumental in the construction of a new weight room at his alma mater, Chula Vista High School, which inducted him into their Hall Of Fame in 2000. He has also started a countywide program called “Jump for Life” that is working to tackle obesity. Not forgetting where you came from and using your success to help others is unquestionably hot.
Donovin Darius – Jacksonville Jaguars – A man who puts his family before himself is a class act and Donovin Darius is just that. His final two years at Syracuse University were spent taking care of his younger brothers. Since graduating he has kept doing whatever he can to help children reach their full potential. Through speaking engagements, football camps, blood drives and other activities this Pro Bowl strong safety continues to focus his off field efforts on serving the youth of Jacksonville.
Tony Gonzalez – Kansas City Chiefs – As one of the top tight ends in Chiefs’ history Gonzalez will participate in his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl this year. Off the field he’s active in the United Way and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer, and also created the “Tony Gonzalez Foundation” which supports the Boys and Girls Club as well as the Shadow Buddies program. To date over 7800 of these smiling dolls have been given to ill individuals to help speed their recovery. Accepting the roll as a leader in the community and on the field is certainly attractive to modern women.
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