Current Carolina Panther and former Georgia Bulldog Thomas Davis was named the NFL's Walter Peyton Man of the Year this evening. The award is presented annually to a player who distinguishes himself not only through his play on the field, but also through his charitable activities and community involvement.
Davis is remembered by Bulldog fans as a hard-hitting, merciless defensive warrior. Off the field, Davis's heart of gold is as fierce as his onfield competitive spirit. He founded the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing free programs that enhance the quality of life for more than 2,000 underprivileged children and their families. He's been dogged in his efforts to improve his hometown of Shellman (where his foundation built the only public playground in town). In Charlotte Davis hosts an annual Thanksgiving meal for a local battered women's shelter and a Christmas gift giveaway for needy children.
Thomas Davis is, in short, a credit to not only the Carolina Panthers but also his alma mater. Congratulations to a Damn Good Dawg!