Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis has been named the Jacksonville Jaguars/Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Community Leader of the Year for 2008. As a result, the Jacksonville Humane Society received a $6,000 check on Lewis' behalf from team sponsor Morgan Stanley.

Lewis was one of four players receiving consideration for their commitment to community involvement. The other players were offensive tackle Tony Pashos, defensive end Quentin Groves and a group of the Jaguars' linebackers (Daryl Smith, Clint Ingram, Justin Durant, Tim Shaw, Brian Iwuh). The four players were named monthly winners last season, previously directing $1,000 donations to local non-profits.

The Jaguars partnered again with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney to sponsor the Community Leader Award. The award is designed to recognize those Jaguars players making an impact in the Jacksonville community. The award was presented monthly last season.

Lewis established a relationship with the Humane Society by making frequent visits. Lewis spoke to a group of children participating in Camp Kindness, a camp aimed to teach children the importance of respecting animals and also the proper way to care of their pets. He plans to make visits throughout the 2009 season to continue his support.