SAN DIEGO (BP)–Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer was awarded the Bart Starr Award at the 16th annual National Football League’s Super Bowl Breakfast Jan. 25.
More than 1,500 NFL players, former players, coaches and guests honored Dilfer at San Diego’s Marriott Hotel, recognizing his devotion to Jesus Christ and his leadership on and off the football field.
The Bart Starr Award is given annually to the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. The winner is selected by his peers in the NFL.
“I am incredibly humbled by this award,” Dilfer said. “God has used football to break me, and the process can be difficult. But praise the Lord because he has broken, molded and shaped my life.”
A veteran quarterback with 83 NFL starts, Dilfer signed with the Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent in 2001. He led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XXXV championship.
He was drafted by Tampa Bay in 1994 and spent five of his six seasons as a starter. He finished his time with the Bucs as the team’s second-leading passer and the first Tampa quarterback to make the Pro Bowl.
Overcome with emotion, Dilfer thanked several NFL players for their role in his spiritual development. “I really want to thank my wife, Cassandra,” he also said. “Through her example, she has mentored me at home.”
“For all those guys who spent time with this spoiled, arrogant, know-it-all kid, I just want to take a moment and celebrate their investment in my life,” Dilfer said.
The award is named in honor of Starr, the legendary quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Starr was the MVP of Super Bowls I and II. He was selected as a model for the award because of his lifelong commitment to moral integrity.
Starr, now living in Birmingham, Ala., was in attendance to present Dilfer with the trophy.
Off the field, Dilfer is actively involved in his local church and community organizations. He is an active part of Athletes in Action and was the driving force in the completion of the organization’s NFL video, “Spirit of the Game.” Dilfer was responsible for distributing the video to 7,000 Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle groups.
Past recipients of the Bart Starr Award include Steve Largent, Anthony Munoz, Mike Singletary, Reggie White, Cris Carter and Aeneas Williams.
The award is sponsored by Athletes in Action, the athletic division of Campus Crusade for Christ.
–30–
(BP) photos posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo titles: DILFER HONORED and DILFER’S ACCEPTANCE.
