The Harrington Family Foundation

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington is a finalist for the 40th Annual Byron "Whizzer" White Award which honors National Football League players who exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to team and community. Harrington is one of 10 finalists for the prestigious award.

The award is named after former U.S. Supreme Court Justice and NFL back Byron "Whizzer" White. He was a college All-American at Colorado before going to the NFL to play for Pittsburgh (1938) and Detroit (1940-41). He died in 2002 at the age of 84.

The NFL Players Association and PLAYERS INC, in partnership with James Brown, formerly of Fox Television, will present the award at the NFL Players Gridiron Gala, in Washington, DC, in April. The annual "JB Awards" also will be presented at the event.

Harrington was the Lions' 2005 Robert Porcher Man of the Year Award recipient for his significant involvement in the community. He helped spearhead the Lions' support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts as well as being active with several Detroit area charities including CATCH, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Catholic Youth Organizations and Special Olympics of Michigan.

His Harrington Family Foundation focuses on programs that promote education, safety and welfare of children. Children's Hospital of Michigan was a recipient last year of a donation from the foundation to its Pediatric Cardiology program.

"Joey truly understands the big-picture commitment of an NFL player," said Tim Pendell, Lions' senior director of community affairs. "He continually steps up to help in the community in many, many ways."

Harrington is joined by nine other outstanding NFL player-citizens as finalists for the award. The others are: Willie Anderson (Bengals), Warrick Dunn (Falcons), Torry Holt (Rams), Kevin Mawae (Jets), Steve McNair (Titans), Shelton Quarles (Bucs), Amani Toomer (Giants), Roy Williams (Cowboys) and Kurt Warner (Cardinals).

The NFL Players Gridiron Gala will be held at the Washington (DC) Hilton on April 18. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit Special Olympics DC.