Nnamdi Asomugha grabs another award

Oakland Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha added yet another piece of hardware to his already impressive resume.

Asomugha has established himself as the elite cover corner in the NFL. However, his on the field greatness is overshadowed by his off the field pursuits. In an era where players make the news for things like beating their girlfriends, killing dogs, or other criminal activities, Asomugha stands out that much more.

Asomugha, along with Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas were awarded with the Jefferson Award, which is an award given for public service. They were the inaugural winners in the “athlete” category. Past winners in other categories include Arthur Ashe, Jaime Escalante, Thurgood Marshall, and Jimmy Carter.

He has worked with former President Bill Clinton. He also has earned accolades for his program where he takes inner-cty high school students and takes them to visit colleges. he has shown that he is elite not only in football, but off the field.

In 2008, when Asomugha was faced with the exclusive rights franchise tag, he did not complain as so many do. He signed his tender before camp and did not miss a single moment of practice. He showed that his dedication was to the team, and to winning rather than himself.

In 2009 Nnamdi Asomugha the biggest contract in history for a defender, and rather than let that money go to his head he has kept up his work on the field, and was named starter on the AFC All Star team and second team All Pro. He was also named the Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year for 2009.

On the field and off the field, Asomugha is an inspiration that all could aspire to. He is the best at his position. He also gives very freely of his time and money off the field to help others. That is a true role model.