Quarterback is a position you have to get right. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take a few more days to ensure the correct decision is made.
On Thursday, the Buccaneers announced that they are extending the deadline for citizens to submit nominations for the team's Community Quarterback awards. Nominations will now be accepted through Wednesday, March 2. Learn more below.
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Even when tragedy struck, there was no keeping LaBrawn Saffold down.
A promising athlete, Saffold became the victim of a terrible hit-and-run accident before his final year at King High School in Tampa. The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down, a setback that could have left him utterly devastated.
Amazingly, Saffold adopted a different view.
"I was very blessed to have a second chance at life, despite having a car accident, so I try to live my life with meaning and purpose," said Saffold. "We only have one shot at life, so I do it every day to encourage everyone that's going through it to do the same."
Saffold went on to graduate and start the "Quest for Real Life Success" program. "Quest" helps prepare students for college and career opportunities while developing character and integrity. In addition to mentoring local students about post-high school opportunities, Saffold spent his hours as a tutor to enhance students' FCAT and literacy skills.
For his selfless efforts to help others, he was honored as one of the Buccaneers' 2010 "Community Quarterbacks."
Saffold is not alone. There are countless individuals throughout the Bay area who lend their time, energy and leadership to assist those in need. Some individuals keep the community safe while others work with sick children or bring aid to the elderly. They are quarterbacks in our community, helping those around them find success.
Most of these individuals receive little attention for their efforts. In fact, few of these folks even seek recognition for their work, though it is richly deserved. That's where you - and the Buccaneers - come in.
This spring, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will recognize committed citizens such as Saffold as the 2011 "Community Quarterbacks." Finding the right quarterback to lead your team can be difficult, however, and that's why this team is asking for your help.
Until February 25, fans are encouraged to nominate fellow Bay area citizens for the Community Quarterback Award right here on Buccaneers.com. To jump to the nomination page, please click here.
Anyone can nominate a potential Community Quarterback. Do you have a friend or relative who is a firefighter, policeman or a rescue worker? A champion of a charitable cause? Or just an everyday hero such as a teacher or community leader? The Buccaneers want to hear that story. To make a nomination, simply describe in 1,000 words or less why your nominee is deserving of the Community Quarterback Award. Following a selection process, five individuals will be chosen as the 2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community Quarterbacks.
The award winners will join distinguished Buccaneers representatives for a ceremony and dinner at One Buccaneer Place, the team's state-of-the-art headquarters. All winners will receive a commemorative Community Quarterback football and a $2,000 donation in their name to the local charity of their choice.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community Quarterback awards are given annually to people who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the community. Help us celebrate those who display a unique commitment to others and an unbreakable humanitarian spirit. Nominate your Community Quarterback today!
