Living Legends

By Michelle Harvey

Everyone talks about the Super Bowl, but most people aren’t aware of the exciting events leading up to the biggest game of the year.  I found football greats: James Brown (CBS Sports/Inside the NFL Host); Darren Sharper (Pro Bowl, All Pro New Orleans Saint, Safety); and Joshua Cribbs (Pro Bowl, All Pro Cleveland

Joshua Cribbs

Browns, Wide Receiver/KR) in one program, and it wasn‘t for the CBS Broadcast of the Super Bowl featuring the Browns and Saints.  They are the honorees for The 5th Annual National Football Players Fathers Association Living Legends Awards and Luncheon, being commended for their work extending past the field.  At the luncheon (held on the Saturday before the Super Bowl), I had the pleasure of meeting outstanding individuals supporting the National Football Players Fathers Association, The Future Leaders of America (this year’s title sponsor), and the honorees.

I talked to honoree Joshua Cribbs, the explosive, dynamic, game changing NFL all time leader in kick returns for touchdowns.  Josh started playing football with his older brother, and other older boys most of the time, and he thinks that’s where he got his skill.  He shared that he’s always loved the physicality of football, and considers it a chance to prove how tough he is.  Now we all know he’s tough, but he has a softer side for which he was honored.  It’s not the football records, but the meals he provides for the less fortunate, and speaking out against gangs and violence, which have made him a staple in the Cleveland community.  I spoke with one of his childhood friends, Mack Gaither, about Josh off the field.

Mack, who’s known Josh since 6th grade, attended the luncheon in support of his friend.  He shared that Josh also brought a few other friends to enjoy the week with him.  Josh makes nice gestures like that

Joshua Cribbs, Browns and Jay Richardson, Raiders

regularly, because he “always keeps friends and family in mind.”  He’s very family oriented, and is ever conscious of those around him.  Mack personally believes that learning excellence on the field prepares you to achieve excellence in life.  It’s that combination of consciousness and excellence which inspires his friend Josh to work with various charities and to stay close to those who were there for him before he became an NFL record holder.  As for what it was like to play high school football with Josh, Mack tells me “everyone knew he was a better player than the rest of us.  We knew he was great, but we never knew he was that great, in (a national) perspective…  We didn‘t expect him to get this far, and it‘s truly a blessing.  A blessing for him, and a blessing for us, because he shares that blessing with us.”

Another blessed man I got to speak to was Jay Richardson, Defensive End for the Oakland Raiders.  Unlike most NFL players, he only started playing football in high school.  His mother “made” him play after she decided he needed to get involved in an extra curricular activity.”  Of course he learned to “love the competition” of football.  He loves to compete and believes that playing with other great players drives him to become better.  Jay Richardson is truly an example of “mother knows best.”  From high school he went on to play for ‘The’ Ohio State, for which he is very proud.  For the weekend, he looked forward to watching a good Super Bowl game; and was eager to congratulate his friend, and competition, Josh on his award.

Another supportive friend I met was Mahasin Bentley; a Philadelphia native who spoke with such great passion for helping others better themselves, it seemed only natural I would discover she’s a long time friend of Paige Thompson (co-founder, with husband Jymil Thompson, of Future Leaders of America).  She and Mrs. Thompson attended college together, and when her niece was diagnosed with a learning disability, she became one of Mrs. Thompson’s 1st clients.  Ms. Bentley believes “youth can take us into the future,” and that’s why she supports Future Leaders of America.

Another supporter I met was Kareem Johnson, an Entertainment Lawyer from New York.  He was excited to be of service, and also to support the Saints in the Super Bowl.  Since they won, I’m sure he’s now even more excited about Mardi Gras, which he planned to attend after leaving Miami.

Of course the luncheon was about both football and charity.  For me, both were given a face when I met Kenyatta Marion, a member of the Miami Carol City High School Football Team (which was also honored at the luncheon).  He says he’s been playing football since he was 7, and most enjoys the love of football.  His dad and uncles introduced him to football, so family love is still what he thinks of when he plays.  Even more than the Super Bowl game on Sunday, he looked forward to meeting the pros and getting football tips at the luncheon.

Someone who probably couldn’t care less about football tips was Ingrid Owens, who won a trip from South Carolina to Miami via the Yolanda Adams morning show.  She was asked what band played at the Super Bowl with Prince and was the 1st caller to know the correct answer, The FAMU Marching 100.  She won travel for two, accommodations at the Hyatt, tickets to the Gospel Bowl (which she said was “fantastic”), passes to the luncheon, and the Player Networking Event, later that day.  She brought her brother Tyris with her, and on their trip says they mostly enjoyed sightseeing, the Gospel Bowl, and realizing how down to earth all of the stars were.

Not only were football stars in attendance, local producer Mase was there in support of Future Leaders, with Alexandra and Camille; two of the acts signed to his record label DMS Entertainment.  Alexandra and Camille are both pop acts promoting their new singles “Atten Hut” and “Superman Lover,” respectively.  They were fun to talk to and Mase was sure to plug their web site, DMSentworld.com where you can listen to their singles and find out more information.  I had a chance to listen to their music and think one day we may see them performing on the Super Bowl Half Time Show.

Overall, the 5th Annual Living Legends Awards & Luncheon was more than words can describe.  The event took place on the roof top of RED The Steakhouse, on South Beach, with one of the most beautiful panoramic Ocean and city views in the world. Then with extreme athletes and exceptional honorees like Josh Cribbs who brought friends and family, demonstrating his off field generosity; and other community leaders like Mahasin Bentley with a passion for charity on their minds; this event was certainly an outstanding example of excellence on the field creating excellence in life.