Crawford prize awarded to Lott.

The National Recreation Foundation (NRF) recognizes Ronnie Lott for his outstanding leadership for youth with the 2005 Robert W. Crawford Achievement Prize. The award is named in honor of Robert W. Crawford, longtime commissioner of recreation in Philadelphia, Pa., former NRF executive director and an active leader in NRPA.

Lott is much more than a Hall of Fame football player who, as part of his National Football League obligation, has done a few nice things in his community. His career spanned 14 seasons from 1981 to 1995 in the NFL with three different franchises. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Since his retirement from football in 1994, giving back and helping kids has been his mantra. Away from football, Lott is different from the aggressive on-field persona that fueled his reputation. Rather, what you see is a soft-spoken man who has given of his money and his time to a variety of charities. He is one of the most respected individuals in the San Francisco Bay area and an exemplary role model.

In 1989, he founded All Stars Helping Kids, a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged youth in the Bay Area. Ronnie conceptualized the organization on the core belief that it is up to all of us to make sure the next generation thrives. As president, Ronnie plays an active role in the organization, which includes numerous special appearances, fundraisers and site visits to organizations such as the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Children's Hospital.

Since its inception, All Stars Helping Kids has been a galvanizing force and vehicle for individuals and corporate partners to invest in the future of children in the Bay Area. The organization makes grants annually to organizations that are breaking the cycle of poverty through education, supporting early childhood and youth development, meeting children's physical and mental health needs, and making life brighter for seriously ill children and their families.

All Stars many achievements include the dedication of the All Stars Technology Room and a children's garden at the UCSF Children's Hospital. In 2002, All Stars was able to allocate nearly $2 million to organizations to advance the education, development and health of children.

Lott is respected as an outstanding role model for youth and has done so much in leveraging his talents and skills in helping others. For his belief in the future of youth, the NRF is honored to award him with the 2005 prize.

The Achievement Prize recognizes a living person who has dedicated him or herself to enhancing recreation opportunities for youth, making it possible for more young Americans to live healthy and participatory lives. The award is given annually to a professional or volunteer who has made extraordinary contributions in advancing recreation programs for at-risk youth. It consists of a cash award, with a portion designated to support the recreation-related work or project of the recipient's choice.