Breaking News: Winners Announced For 5th Annual John Wooten Leadership Awards --

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Jan. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- The nominating committee of the John Wooten Leadership Awards announced today the recipients of the 5^th Annual John Wooten Leadership Awards: D’Brickashaw Ferguson of the New York Jets is the winner of the Pro Leadership Award, recognizing his commitment to service and unparalleled leadership on and off the field www.dbrickashawferguersonfoundation.org.; Jerry Reese, General Manager of the New York Giants is the winner of the Executive Leadership Award; Garvey Schubert Barer is the winner of the Community Leader Award in recognition of the efforts of the firm’s late friend and colleague, Keven Davis and their longstanding and unwavering commitment to diversity.  The Lifetime Achievement will be presented to CBS Sports Anchor, James Brown, in recognition of his commitment to excellence and community service.

Nnamdi Asomugha, former All-Pro NFL Player and Chairman, Asomugha Foundation will serve as this year’s honorary host.  “We are honored to have Nnamdi Asomugha join us as we spotlight these outstanding individuals who are making a difference throughout the communities we live in.” says Everett Glenn, President of ESP Education & Leadership Institute.

The 5^th Annual John Wooten Leadership (JWL) Awards will be presented at the awards ceremony on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza located in Manhattan, New York.   Sponsorship opportunities are still available, for more information contact Sheila Gilmore at 818.430.2182 or online at www.thensa.org/jwla.   Only ticketed guests will be permitted at the event.

The Taste of the Game 2014 events we have planned in connection with Super Bowl XLVIII will benefit the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation, Asomugha Foundation and National Sports Authority, a division of ESP Education & Leadership Institute, all 501 (c)(3) organizations.

The John Wooten Leadership Awards are presented annually to the NFL player, executive and personality whose play, community and extracurricular activities, and lifetime commitment best exemplify the leadership and vision of John Wooten, whose NFL career has spanned over 50 years as a player and front office executive.  Affectionately known as the “Godfather”, Wooten’s level of influence knows no bounds and his blessings and endorsement can build a career.  Commissioners, general managers and head coaches seek his advice and to gain his counsel is the key to gaining knowledge and insight that is virtually unparalleled in the NFL.   As Chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, John has been a major instrument behind the successful movement for diversity in the NFL.  The Alliance was established in honor of Fritz Pollard, the first African American to play in a Rose Bowl Game, the first to quarterback an NFL championship team, and the first to coach in the NFL.

The JWL Awards were established by Southern California-based ESP Education & Leadership Institute as a way to recognize the many contributions of John Wooten to the game of football and his efforts in promoting diversity and equality of job opportunity in the coaching, front office and scouting staffs of NFL teams.

“This year's finalists have had an extraordinary year on and off the football field and we're excited to welcome them to New York for what will be an exciting and memorable weekend.  I am honored to celebrate the 2014 winners," said John Wooten.

This year’s 5^th Annual John Wooten Leadership Awards sponsors include National Sports Authority, Gold sponsor; Morgan Bailey Coffee, New York Giants, New York Jets and Xerox official event sponsors; Aglaea Skin Care, E-4 Strategies, Waddell and Reed and CRN Digital Talk Radio, Jimaustinonline.com, media sponsors.