Matt Light Receives Prestigious Humanitarian Award
Shortly after his retirement from football, Matt Light was in Orlando, Florida to receive the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award. Each year, the award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a lasting commitment to youth and the community. Hosted by the Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., the annual Pop Warner All-American Scholastic Banquet was held at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort on May 26th. This year, The Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc., which is the nation’s largest and oldest youth football, cheer and dance organization, celebrated its one-millionth scholarship dollar. On average, the organization gives $110,000 annually in scholarships to Pop Warner and youth sports around the world, and honors over nine-thousand of its young athletes as All-American Scholars.
The organization recognizes notable professional athletes and other industry leaders who inspire and serve as role models to the nation’s youth. In addition to Light, several other sports figures were honored at this year's event, including; Pat Summit -- head coach emeritus of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, Gerald McCoy -- Buccaneers defensive tackle, and DeMaurice Smith -- Executive Director of the NFLPA.
"This is what makes it all worthwhile" said Light. "Whenever you can look at these kids, and realize that what you are doing is really making a difference, it’s an unbelievable feeling. I'm so lucky to be a part of it."