The Good Guy Hall of Fame

The next inductee is one who has spread his great deeds across the two cities in which he’s spent the biggest chunks of his career. He is a man very underappreciated (IMO) for the incredibly sensitive, but necessary work he’s done in his communities. Roberto Luongo’s career as a goaltender in the NHL is undeniably outstanding. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, but he spent the majority of his career with the Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers, his current team. He is a two-time NHL Second All-Star and winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy for helping his team to the lowest goals-against average in the league. He’s also been a finalist for the Veniza Trophy for best goaltender three times, for the Lester B. Pearson Award for the top player voted by his peers, and for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP. Then we have his international recognition, a list including two Olympic gold medals. If you follow hockey in any manner, you know this man. You

"Because I have been able to build a reputation as a talented player, I have been able to build futures. Because I am able to play, I am able to make a difference. Because I have been blessed with a talent, I also have been given a responsibility." That’s it. He wrote my blog for me. These words are what we’re (I am, hopefully you are too) searching for in athletes these days. This is that rare star who puts humanity first. This is a man who sees success as a gift that should be given to others. This is who we want, and need, as a leader in our world. Warrick Dunn’s life challenged him in unimaginable ways. And this man, as soon as he’s given an opportunity in life, feels he has to use it to help others. Most sports followers know Dunn as the Running Back for the Bucs and Falcons with the reputation of excellence in both franchises. Or maybe you were there when his alma mater, Florida State University, retired his jersey after winning a national championship and being a th

            Our next inductee had his roots in surfing but traded his surfboard in for a racecar. This Jersey boy has made his mark in the racing world, first getting his stamp of approval from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Martin Truex Jr. has been the Monster Energy Cup Series Champion and the Monster Energy Cup Regular Series Champion as well. He won the Busch Series twice and many other races and honors. However, his accolades as a driver are matched, if not exceeded, by his outstanding achievements in his community. Truex’s Foundation is about six years old now and has raised over a million dollars for community programs and initiatives. Some of the programs include Second Harvest Food Bank Backpack Program, which feeds hungry children throughout the school year and The Dove House and Pat’s Place, which are child abuse advocacy centers. Truex is actively involved in the medical needs of children as well. He was able to fund and open the Martin Truex Jr. Pediatric Care unit