For years now, Nnamdi Asomugha has been considered one of, if not the best cover cornerback in the National Football League. He is right in the same category as Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and anyone else who is in the elite class on the outside of the defense. Nnamdi is a four time All-Pro, three time Pro Bowler, and a former first round pick of the Oakland Raiders. He flat out takes receivers out of the game. Just as impressive however, Asomugha is also one of the most involved and recognized NFL players in the community. Now a ten year veteran of the NFL, Asomugha has been acknowledged for tremendous service as well as exceptional on field play. The list is quite lengthy, but Asomugha is very humble about his off field awards.
- In 2007, he was named a Home Depot Neighborhood MVP for his commitment to community service.
- The following year, Nnamdi was presented with The President’s Volunteer Service Award; an award that was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement.
- Essence Magazine selected Asomugha as one of the “Do Right Men of 2008”, highlighting his success and philanthropic endeavors.
- Asomugha was also nominated for the prestigious Sports Illustrated 2008 Sportsman of the Year award.
- In 2009, Asomugha was named to the “Dream Team for Public Service” by the Jefferson Awards for Public Service.
- In 2010, Asomugha became the ambassador for United Way of the Bay Area; UWBA, dedicated to creating long-lasting change and ensuring all Bay Area residents have access to the building blocks to a better life: education, income and health.
- In 2011, Asomugha was named one of three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
- Finally, this is the 6th time Asomugha has been recognized by fellow members of the NFL Players Association for the Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Outstanding Community Service, including winning the award in 2010.
So what does Nnamdi actually do off the field you ask to take home all those honors? Well, that list also isn’t very short, as he gets involved all over the country. His main priority is his own foundation however, which is founded on one simple vision. According to the foundation’s website, asomughafoundation.org, Nnamdi’s vision is to establish “quality educational experiences that create the tools for spiritual, economic and social empowerment and progress.”
Asomugha’s foundation is separated into two separate programs that follow this vision. The first program is the “Asomugha College Tour for Scholars,” or ACTS program.
Once again, here is how Asomugha describes ACTS on his website. “ACTS is an annual college tour and mentoring program that provides high-achieving high school students of color with the opportunity to visit college campuses across the country. ACTS has provided 36 students with opportunity to tour colleges and universities in Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC.”
The second program Asomugha runs in “Orphans and Widows in Need” or OWIN for short.
“OWIN provides aid to a growing population of widows and orphans who are among the most vulnerable on the continent of Africa.” Asomugha says. “OWIN works to position widows and orphans for economic success and independence through education, spiritual guidance and vocational training.”
After seeing all he does both on and off the field, it should come as no surprise that Asomugha has already taken home this award. Nominated for the seventh time, Asomugha proves how influential athletes can be on everyone in his or her community, including the peers they play with.
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