HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
Since their inception, the Steinberg Denicola Humanitarian Awards have been presented to leaders in the NFL and athletics communities, who show selfless dedication to giving back and initiating positive social impact.
MARC H. MORIAL
For the first time in 2025, a new award will be presented to a community leader and humanitarian from the host city where Super Bowl is being held. There is no more deserving recipient for this inaugural award than two-time mayor of New Orleans, civic leader, and President of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial
Marc Morial, one of the few national leaders to possess “street smarts,” and “boardroom savvy,” is the transformative President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization.
He served as the highly successful and popular Mayor of New Orleans as well as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Marc previously was a Louisiana State Senator and was a lawyer in New Orleans with an active, high-profile practice. He is a leading voice on the national stage in the battle for jobs, education, housing, health, voting rights, equity, and entrepreneurship.
Marc is a published author; his leadership book, Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, United, and Achieve has been widely acclaimed, and his column entitled To Be Equal, reaches hundreds of thousands. He is the host of the weekly syndicated television show, America’s Black Forum.
A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, and the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics and African American Studies, he has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine, one of the top 50 Non-Profit Leaders by the Non-Profit Times, one of the 100 Most Influential Black Lawyers in America and he has also been inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, GA.
Marc and his father, the late Ernest “Dutch” Morial, are history makers as the first African American father/son mayors in the U.S. and were the subject of a Double Jeopardy question on the legendary Jeopardy television game show in the 1990s.
DREW BREES
Drew Brees is the former 2009 Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. A native of Austin, TX, Brees attended Westlake High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, while lettering in football from 1997-2000. Drew went on to play five years with the San Diego Chargers and fifteen years with the New Orleans Saints. He has been elected to 13 Pro Bowls while being named 2004 Comeback Player of the Year, 2006 All-Pro Team, 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, 2008 and 2011 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl XLIV Champion and MVP.
As much pride as Brees takes in his on-field performance, he takes even more pride in his community service endeavors. Drew and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 and since then have contributed over $50,000,000 to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need. In addition to his personal foundation, Drew has co-founded SHIELD 1 Foundation to address the greatest needs in our communities including but not limited to housing, healthcare, education, business opportunity, economic development, urban farming, support of HBCUs, social justice and legislative reform.
Brees is a proud partner of the GBX Group, Jimmy Johns, Walk-Ons Enterprises, Football N America, Smalls Sliders, and Franworth. He participates as a Board Member for Surf Sports, Stretch Zone, Franworth and formerly with the NFLPA and President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Brees has also proudly participated in five USO trips visiting Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Turkey, Djibouti, Dubai, Okinawa, and Guantanamo Bay. Drew currently lives with his wife Brittany and children Baylen, Bowen, Callen and Rylen in San Diego, CA.
GAYLE BENSON
Gayle Benson, a native of New Orleans, is not only deeply rooted in the city but is also committed to serving the community through her daily efforts. As the owner of the New Orleans Saints and governor of the New Orleans Pelicans, she continues the legacy of her late husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018.
An accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, Gayle has long been dedicated to enhancing the Gulf South region. Through both personal and professional endeavors, she has made significant contributions to the area. After her husband's passing, Gayle took on the responsibility of furthering his legacy while also forging her own. Community investment and philanthropy have been central to her work. Through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, millions of dollars have been donated to New Orleans, with a focus on healthcare, cancer care, education, the arts, and supporting her Catholic faith.
In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Mrs. Benson has expanded her husband's automotive empire, which now includes eight dealerships across the Gulf South. She also launched a $75 million initiative to support new business ventures, followed by the creation of a nearly $100 million real estate fund and the acquisition of Corporate Realty, a local commercial real estate firm.
A steadfast advocate for economic development in New Orleans and Louisiana, Gayle leverages her leadership on various NFL and NBA boards to benefit her hometown. Notably, she played a key role in securing the historic 11th Super Bowl for New Orleans, which will be held in February 2025.
JOYRX
JoyRx was founded as Children’s Cancer Association in Portland, Oregon in 1995 by the Ellis family after their five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died of cancer. Their goal, together with other trail blazers, was to create an organization with a new vision for what pediatric cancer support services look like. They developed innovative trauma-informed programs based on research and best practices, aligned with healthcare goals, and informed by family feedback and lived experiences. They made a commitment to provide JoyRx programs for free to children, families and healthcare partners, because they knew that joy is an undeniable need for children everywhere, regardless of diagnosis, ability, language, location, age, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity.
Thirty years later, JoyRx has led the way in supporting the emotional well-being of kids facing significant medical journeys, and continues their free programs across the nation. Their dedicated team provides moments of joy to seriously ill children through the flagship JoyRx Music program, reaching a multitude of ages and diagnoses, and filling a critical gap in arts and music program services. Every JoyRx interaction is a way to meet children and families where they are–whether it be an invitation to explore, engage and play, or a way to find a moment of peace. Because when sick kids can be kids rather than just patients, their moods brighten, anxiety and loneliness fade, feelings of pain decrease, and the power of joy shines through – one song, one friendship, one breath of ocean air at a time.
Today, as the organization reaches a milestone thirty years of serving seriously ill children and teens, JoyRx is proud to serve children in treatment at over 50 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 20 states. With regional hubs in Portland, Oregon, Austin, Texas, and New York City, last year JoyRx served 36,738 seriously ill children, and continues its trajectory of national expansion. Learn more at joyrx.org.
SANDRA DOUGLASS MORGAN
Sandra Douglass Morgan was named President of the Las Vegas Raiders by Owner Mark Davis in July of 2022. She has more than two decades of leadership experience in the sports, gaming, legal and corporate sectors, and has served as a chief regulator, director, attorney, and advisor to integrated resorts, casinos, and telecommunications companies. Having an adept understanding of the community as a native Las Vegan, Sandra is incredibly proud to lead the Silver and Black in her hometown.
Prior to her joining the Raiders, Sandra served as Chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. As the chief regulator for Nevada's dominant billion-dollar gaming industry, Sandra led the passage and implementation of cashless wagering regulations, ensured that gaming licensees adopted policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, and led a team of 400 employees in five cities across the state of Nevada. Sandra also served as a Commissioner on the Nevada State Athletic Commission and was the first Black City Attorney in the State of Nevada when she was the chief legal officer for the City of North Las Vegas, where she served from 2008 to 2016.
Widely recognized for her commitment to Nevada businesses, education, and support for local causes, she is the recipient of the UNLV Boyd School of Law's Distinguished Service Alumni Award and the Corporate to Community Connector award from the National Urban League Young Professionals. She was honored to be included in the EBONY 2022 Power 100 List, the most influential "Women in Business and Politics," receiving an award from the Urban Chamber of Commerce in 2015 along with the Ladies of Distinction Award in 2013 from Olive Crest, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting abused and neglected children. In 2012, Sandra was named Attorney of the Year by the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association which recognized her commitment to serving the local community, especially communities of color.
SEAN PAYTON
Sean Payton just concluded his second season with the Denver Broncos after being named the 20th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 3, 2023, by Owner and CEO Greg Penner.
One of the winningest coaches and brightest offensive minds in NFL history, Payton enters his 17th season as a head coach after transforming the New Orleans Saints into a perennial contender for 15 seasons (2006-11, '13-21). Leading the Saints to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV in 2009, Payton has 169 career wins as a head coach (160 regular season, 9 playoffs) that rank 22nd in NFL history (5th among active HCs).
NATE WIGGINS
Baltimore Ravens Cornerback Nathaniel Wiggins hails from Atlanta, GA, with a personal mission to give back while helping the youth through mentorship and community activism. Born on August 28, 2003, Wiggins discovered his love for sports as a 4-year-old little leaguer playing football at Pittman Park. Attending Grady and Westlake High School, he became a standout multi-sport athlete excelling in football, baseball, basketball, and track & field. Winning the 2020 Westlake Football Player of the Year, Wiggins garnered accolades such as Adidas All-American, 1st Team Defense, and 1st Team All-State honors. From the baseball field to the football field, Wiggins was a dual-threat wide receiver and cornerback, leading his team to a Georgia state championship in 2020. Earning a scholarship to play football at Clemson University, Wiggins majored in Sociology with a focus on Business. His hard work on and off the field positioned him as a standout student-athlete. He received awards including the 2021 Defensive Future Impact Player, 2022 Most Improved Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2022 Solid Rock Award. Wiggins also gave back to the Clemson community by volunteering with Dabo’s All In Team Foundation, the Clemson Food Drive, and supporting the Clemson Girls Flag Football Team.
In 2023, Wiggins demonstrated his passion for the community by launching the Wiggs Worldwide Foundation, aimed at providing resources and access to education in underfunded communities. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wiggins is poised to make a significant impact on the field, showcasing his talent as one of the league's rising stars. Off the field, Wiggins is known for his philanthropic efforts, actively giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of athletes. His commitment to service continued as he became one of only three rookies in 11 years to receive the prestigious NFLPA Community MVP Award during the 2024 season. With his combination of skill, drive, and passion for the game, Nathaniel "Nate the Great" Wiggins is set to leave a lasting legacy in professional football.
SIEGFRIED OTHMER
Siegfried Othmer was born in Berlin in 1940. He came to the United States at the age of 11. He received a degree in Physics at Virginia Tech, worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and received his Ph.D. in physics at Cornell University in 1970. After two decades in aerospace research at Northrop and Hughes Aircraft, Dr. Othmer committed himself fully to the emerging technique of neurofeedback, along with his wife Susan. Presently, he is Chief Scientist at the EEG Institute in Los Angeles. The Othmers were drawn to the field through the epilepsy of their son Brian. After an initial focus on ADHD, their work broadened to encompass the more serious childhood afflictions such as the autism spectrum and developmental trauma. Another key focus of the work has been on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance dependency, and chronic pain. Othmers have been active in all aspects of the field: instrumentation development, professional training, clinical service delivery, clinical research, and publication in both professional and popular media. A large practitioner network has been built that now extends to fifty countries around the world. The approach of Endogenous Neuromodulation, now known as the Othmer Method, has been taught to over 10,000 professionals in fifteen countries and in nine languages.
Siegfried Othmer is also Board Chair of the Brian Othmer Foundation, which provides neurofeedback services to our veterans for PTSD and TBI, and to our most troubled children. Siegfried Othmer is the author of two books: “ADD: The Twenty-Hour Solution” (with co-author Mark Steinberg), and “Brian’s Legacy,” the remarkable story of their son who was struggling with epilepsy.
BRIAN NORTON, WELLGISTICS
Brian Norton is a transformative leader in healthcare, driving innovation at the intersection of pharmaceuticals, technology, and policy. As Founder and CEO of Wellgistics, Brian has revolutionized pharmaceutical distribution by creating a technology-driven ecosystem that seamlessly connects manufacturers directly to patients, while fully empowering community pharmacies to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
He is also the founder of MyId, a patented medical wearable platform with over 300,000 users, and co-founder of RxERP, the only serialized ERP system built for the pharmaceutical supply chain, delivering cutting-edge DSCSA compliance and AI-powered analytics.
Brian is the Founder & Chairman of The Rescue Fund, an organization focused on rescuing children from sex slavery and trafficking, and also Executive Producer of the show Sound of Freedom: A global phenomenon with over 100 million viewers, exposing child trafficking.
Known for his bold vision and strategic influence, Brian is reshaping the future of healthcare through disruptive solutions and impactful leadership.
BRETT FAVRE
Growing up in Kiln, Mississippi, Brett Favre enjoyed playing sports, hunting and fishing in the coastal marshlands, piney woods, and sandy beaches of South Mississippi. One of four children to Irvin, a high school football coach, and Bonita, a special ed teacher, football would lead Favre to the University of Southern Mississippi, whose football program was the only to offer him a scholarship.
After starting four years as Southern Miss’s quarterback, Favre was drafted in the second round (33rd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 NFL Draft. After his first season, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he would start in Week 3 after an injury sidelined starter Don Majikowski. During Favre’s 16 seasons with Green Bay, the quarterback took his team to 11 playoff appearances, seven division titles, four NFC Championship games, two Super Bowls (with Green Bay’s 1997 victory over New England in Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans). Green Bay returned to Super Bowl XXXII losing by a touchdown to Denver in 1998. Favre was traded to the New York Jets in 2008 and finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 and 2010, when he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game also in New Orleans.
Favre rewrote the NFL’s record books during his 20-year career, and when he retired, “The Gunslinger” was the NFL leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, quarterback wins, and the record for “most completed passes to opposing teams” (aka interceptions). Favre enjoyed 11 Pro Bowl selections, has been awarded three straight NFL Most Valuable Player awards, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
While Favre’s on field performances shattered records in his individual statistical categories and made history for the Packers and himself, his off-field philanthropy and charitable work through his and wife Deanna’s Favre 4 Hope Foundation has not gone unrecognized. Since inception, Favre 4 Hope has generously contributed more than $10 Million dollars to its charity and educational work for disadvantaged and disabled kids in Mississippi and Wisconsin, including the Brett Favre Scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi as well as his family’s commitment to research and prevention of concussions causing neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In January 2024, Favre was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and he continues to bring attention to the risks and dangers of football head trauma and the need for more preventative equipment and treatment on and off the gridiron.
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