In January, Alfred Morris was recognized as the Redskins' selection for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, an honor given annually by the league to recognize a player's excellence both in the community and on the field.
So it probably came as no surprise Friday when Morris was given the team's Community Service Award at the 53rd-annual Washington Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon.
The Washington Redskins Charitable and J.K. Livin Foundations present a night at the movies with several Redskins players and Matthew McConaughey on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 to benefit the health and wellness of children.
Morris – a running back with a punishing style on the field, but with a huge heart and contagious smile off of it – told the crowd he's not much for speeches, but was humbled by the award nonetheless.
"I'm just thankful for everyone who does donate, whether it's their time, or money – whatever it is – to the Redskins Charitable Foundation," he said.
On the field, Morris continued what has been a tremendous start to his Redskins career in 2013. He rushed 276 times for 1,275 yards with seven touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl selection.
His 2,888 rushing yards since 2012 are second in the NFL to only Adrian Peterson.
Off the field, Morris made a habit in 2013 of being a special guest at just about every Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation event he could get to.
Morris thanked the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation's staff for their hard work, resulting in amazing opportunities for children and families throughout the year.
"We do the easy part of just showing up, just having fun loving on children, loving on families in need, whatever we can do," Morris said.
Morris also has his own foundation, Change Starts Now, which is based in his hometown of Pensacola, Fla., and serves the community by engaging individuals in groups in charitable, educational and religious activities that increase awareness and promote behavioral changes that have positive lifestyle impacts.
Morris and his teammates have already gotten off to a great start in the race for next year's Community Service Award. He hopes to be in the running for the rest of his Redskins career.
"I've only been doing it for two years," Morris said. "Here's to another year of having fun."
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