Former Bills quarterback Frank Reich is the engine behind the annual Athletes in Action Call to Courage awards held in downtown Buffalo every March, but there's always a member of the current Bills family participating. This past weekend Bills QB/WR Brad Smith hosted the event with his wife Rosalynn.
The community sports breakfast event, which is sponsored by the Buffalo Pro Ministry of Athletes in Action presented their 2012 Call to Courage award to Cleveland Browns TE and former Super Bowl Champion while with the New England Patriots, Ben Watson.
Off the field, Watson created the One More Foundation which is dedicated to promoting Christian values and beliefs to one more soul. Smith was honored to be a part of the event.
"Athletes in Action – It's really good people," said Smith. "To share something I believe in and my faith is why I wanted to be a part of this. To support something that's trying to help people is what's important. My wife and I are very much into our faith and to be here and celebrate with others was really special."
Three finalists were also selected for the WNY High School Call to Courage Leadership award. Presented to the student athlete that best exemplifies outstanding character, commitment and leadership on and off the field while honoring God in everything they do. This year's recipient was North Tonawanda offensive lineman Pat Grimaldi.
Special speaker at this year's event was former Ohio State Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, who is currently the Vice President for Student Engagement for the University of Akron.
Tressel adapted the common acronym GPS as a way in which life can be followed. The former football coach used GPS to stand for Gratitude, Perspective and Simple, and cited all three as necessities in living a successful life.
Founder Frank Reich also addressed those in attendance with Bills Wall of Famer Steve Tasker serving as emcee of the event with Channel 2 news anchor Jodi Johnston.
