Dover, DE --- Former Delaware State University football great
Darnerien McCants has been selected by the National Football
League's Washington Redskins as the team's 2003 Walter Payton
Man of the Year, an NFL award that recognizes a player's off-the-field
community service, as well as his playing excellence.
As a result of his nomination, NFL Charities donates $1,000 to a nonprofit
organzation of the honoree's choice. McCants selected the Delaware State University
football program as his recipient.
According to a statement by the Redskins, McCants participated in all of
the community events with the Washington Redskins Leadership Council, the nonprofit
foundation of the team, this past season. His charitable work includes participation
in Knock Out Abuse (benefit for battered and abused women and children), Taste
of the NFL (benefit for DC Central Kitchen), Rally Round the Redskins (benefit
for McDonald's House Charities) and Quarterback Club Luncheons. McCants also
makes regular visits to Washington's Children's Hospital, and distributes goods
to needy families.
In addition, through the Redskins Read program, McCants has made several
visits to local libraries and schools to read to youngsters while donning his
Dr. Suess "Cat in the Hat" head gear.
McCants is a 2001 Delaware State University graduate, earning a bachelor's
in General Art. The Odenton, Maryland native competed for the Hornets from
1997 to 2000. As a senior, he was a Division I-AA All-America and All-MEAC
First Team selection after leading all I-AA players with 18 touchdown catches,
setting DSU and MEAC single-season records. He also set school and conference
records by hauling in five touchdown passes in two games during the 2000 season.
McCants has made regular donations to the university since his graduation.
In 2003, his third year with the Redskins, McCants recorded 27 catches for
360 yards, while tying for the team lead with six touchdowns.
