The NFL Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is composed of former National Football League (NFL) players, coaches, team staff members and associate members who work voluntarily to raise funds for youth-oriented causes and engage in hands-on service to foster the development of "youth through sports and sports through youth". It was founded in 1967.
The NFL Alumni headquarters is in Mount Laurel, New Jersey with an additional 35 chapters across the country. The NFL Alumni is a dues-paying membership association. Anyone who ever played professional football qualifies to join as a Player member while team personnel are Professional Members. Individuals who did not play in the NFL may enroll in a limited category as Associate Members. The cornerstone of the NFL Alumni's fundraising efforts is its Charity Golf Classic Tour which began in 1979. Among its programs for former players is the Dire Need Trust that provides financial assistance for former NFL players in need. Another program is the Pro Legends Speakers Bureau, which books former NFL players for personal appearances around the country.
Since 1982 the NFL Alumni has held the Player of the Year Awards Dinner honoring the top 10 players and coach from the previous NFL season. The players are honored by a voting process in which former players cast ballots for their modern counterparts. Former pros vote only for the positions they once played themselves.
2011 NFL Alumni Player of the Year winners
- Quarterback – Matthew Stafford (Lions)
- Running Back – Maurice Jones-Drew, (Jaguars)
- Wide Receiver – Hakeem Nicks, (Giants)
- Lineman - Chris Long, (Rams)
- Linebacker – Aldon Smith, (49ers)
- Defensive Back – Brent Grimes, (Falcons)
- Player of the Year - Maurice Jones-Drew, (Jaguars)
- Lifetime Achievement - Randall Cunningham[1]
2010 Player of the Year winners
Offense
- Quarterback – Philip Rivers, (Chargers)
- Running Back – Maurice Jones-Drew, (Jaguars)
- Wide Receiver – Roddy White, (Falcons)
- Tight End – Jason Witten, (Cowboys)
- Offensive Lineman – Josh Sitton, (Packers)
Defense
- Defensive Lineman – Ndamukong Suh, (Lions)
- Linebacker – Patrick Willis, (49ers)
- Defensive Back – Aqib Talib, (Buccaneers)
Special teams
- Special Teams Player – Devin Hester, (Bears)
Overall
- Player of the Year - Troy Polamalu, (Steelers)
Coach
- Coach – Todd Haley, (Chiefs)
- Source:[2]
2009 Player of the Year winners
Offense
- Quarterback – Drew Brees, (Saints)
- Running Back – Chris Johnson, (Titans)
- Wide Receiver – Andre Johnson, (Texans)
- Tight End – Dallas Clark, (Colts)
- Offensive Lineman – Steve Hutchinson, (Vikings)
Defense
- Defensive Lineman – Jared Allen, (Vikings)
- Pass Rusher – Elvis Dumervil, (Broncos)
- Linebacker – Patrick Willis, (49ers)
- Defensive Back – Charles Woodson, (Packers)
Special teams
- Special Teams Player – Joshua Cribbs, (Browns)
Coach
- Coach – Sean Payton, (Saints)
2008 Player of the Year Awards
Offense
- Quarterback — Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts)
- Running Back — Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
- Wide Receiver — Andre Johnson(Houston Texans)
- Tight End — Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)
- Offensive Lineman — Alan Faneca (New York Jets)
Defense
- Defensive Lineman — Albert Haynesworth (Tennessee Titans)
- Pass Rusher — DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys)
- Linebacker — James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Defensive Back — Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens)
Special teams
- Special Teams Player — Leon Washington (New York Jets)
Coach
- Coach — Tony Sparano (Miami Dolphins)
2007 Player of the Year winners
Offense
- Quarterback — Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
- Running Back — Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Wide Receiver — Randy Moss (New England Patriots)
- Tight End — Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)
- Offensive Linemen — Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts)
Defense
- Defensive Lineman — Mario Williams (Houston Texans)
- Pass Rusher — Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Linebacker — Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers)
- Defensive Back — Antonio Cromartie (San Diego Chargers)
Special teams
- Special Teams Player — Devin Hester (Chicago Bears)
Coach
- Coach — Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)
2006 Player of the Year winners
Offense
- Quarterback — Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
- Running Back — LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)
- Wide Receiver — Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
- Tight End — Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens)
- Offensive Lineman — Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota Vikings)
Defense
- Defensive Lineman — Jason Taylor (Miami Dolphins)
- Pass Rusher — Aaron Kampman (Green Bay Packers)
- Linebacker — Zach Thomas (Miami Dolphins)
- Defensive Back — Champ Bailey (Denver Broncos)
Special teams
- Special Teams Player — Devin Hester (Chicago Bears)
Coach
- Coach — Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)
In addition to the Player of the Year Awards, the NFL Alumni also honors past or current players with its Spirit Award for youth-oriented community service, Order of the Leather Helmet Award for individuals who "have made significant contributions to the game of professional football" and the Career Achievement Award given to those "whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization." The winner of the 2010 Spirit Award was Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones.[3]
NFL Alumni Order of the Leather Helmet
Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of professional football.
NFL Alumni Career Achievement Award
Awarded to individuals whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization.