Jaguars second-year cornerback Fernando Bryant is the first recipient of the Jacksonville Jaguars-Robert W. Baird Community Leader Award, presented monthly during the NFL season to the Jaguars player that demonstrates exemplary community involvement.

In partnership with Robert W. Baird & Company, Inc., a $500 donation in Bryant's name will be made to Jacksonville's Hubbard House, his designated local charity. Four players will be named during the 2000 season, culminating in December with a year-end luncheon at ALLTEL Stadium and an additional $3,000 charity donation for the player selected as the 2000 Community Leader of the Year.

Bryant volunteers regularly at Hubbard House, a shelter for battered women and their children. He

recently filmed a public service announcement for their Men Against Violence Against Women (MAVAW) pro- grain, hosted Hubbard House children following a training camp practice and has pledged $ 1 00 for each tackle he makes during the season to the MAVAW program. This spring he appeared on a live town hall teen foram in Jacksonville that was simulcast on 0 local television stations, participating in a discussion addressing the facts, myths and consequences of teen sex, including pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. He also visits sick and injured children at Wolfson Children's Hospital and makes numerous charity appearances to support local fundraisers

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"I've seen so many underprivileged kids while growing up," said Bryant. "I know it's hard. Everybody needs somebody to look up to. I know I'm not perfect. I fall short of things like everybody else. You don't have to be a football player to be a good person and care about people or give back to the community. If all it takes is to sit down and talk to some kids for a few minutes and show some interest to brighten their day and to make them feel a little better, then why shouldn't you?"

Bryant will be presented with a commemorative plaque later this month. The 2000 Community Leader of the Year will also be presented with a special plaque with a duplicate made to be displayed in the Jaguars' offices at ALLTEL Stadium.

For more information, contact the Community Affairs Department at (904) 633-6582.

Jacksonville Jaguars o One ALLTEL Stadium Place 0 Jacksonville, Florida 32202