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December 16, 2004
National Quarterback Club Announces Redskins, Ravens and Bears Player-of-the-Year Award Winners - Local Chapters Raise Money for Community Organizations

WASHINGTON, DC - The National Quarterback Club has announced that defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (Washington Redskins), safety Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens) and cornerback Jerry Azumah (Chicago Bears) have been named the 2004 Quarterback Club Player-of-the-Year Award winners for their respective teams.

The 36th annual Quarterback Club TOYOTA Redskins Player-of-the-Year Awards dinner was held on December 14 and net proceeds benefited The Washington Post Newspapers in Education Program. Including Griffin, the four nominees for the 2004 Jack Kent Cooke Award, given annually to the Redskins Player-of-the-Year, were Antonio Pierce (Linebacker), Shawn Springs (Cornerback) and winner of the 2003 award, Fred Smoot (cornerback).

Griffin, a free agent acquisition from the New York Giants this past off-season, has had an outstanding first year with the Redskins. He is the anchor of the defensive line and has helped make the Redskins one of the top defensive teams in the league. Through 13 games this season he has recorded 61 tackles, four sacks and one fumble recovery.

The 9th annual Quarterback Club TOYOTA Ravens Player-of-the-Year Awards Dinner was held on December 16 and net proceeds benefited the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and the Police Athletic League of Baltimore. Ed Reed was presented with the Player-of-the-Year award and was honored along with other members of the defense, including Gary Baxter (Cornerback), Will Demps (Safety), Marques Douglas (Defensive End), Kelly Gregg (Defensive Tackle), Jarret Johnson (Defensive End), Chris McAlister (Cornerback), Anthony Weaver (Defensive End) and Chad Williams (Safety).

Reed was the 24th overall selection in the 2002 draft and has quickly established himself as an elite safety and one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers in the NFL. He was selected to the 2003 Pro Bowl and earned Sports Illustrated and Sporting News All-Pro honors. Through 13 games this season, Reed has amassed 62 tackles, two sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a league leading eight interceptions and one touchdown. The first annual Quarterback Club of Chicago Bears Player-of-the-Year Awards Dinner was held on December 7. Cornerback Jerry Azumah won the inaugural Player of the Year award among nominees, Alex Brown (Defensive End), Michael Haynes (Defensive End) and John Tait (Tackle). Proceeds from the dinner benefited Bears Care (the official charity of the Chicago Bears) and Great Expectations, a not-for-profit organization that enhances the educational efforts provided by schools.

Azumah, a shut-down corner, has had an outstanding season (through 12 games) recording four interceptions, 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a touchdown. He is also one of the top kick returners in the league, amassing 568 yards and averaging 21.8 yards per return.

Founded in 1965 by Robert J. Geoghan, The Quarterback Club of Washington, a non-profit organization, is affiliated with the NFL Quarterback Club and is synonymous with football, prestige, and the National Football League. In the past few years, he founded similar chapters in Baltimore (1995) and Houston (2002), all falling under the National Quarterback Club. Each chapter holds monthly luncheons with NFL players, culminating with local player-of-the-year dinners. The Quarterback Club events provide autograph and photograph opportunities with players, in-depth information on game strategy and an inside "locker room" perspective from players analyzing each week's game.

Now in its 39th year, The Quarterback Club has donated over one million dollars to various children's charities including Alzheimers Association, Metropolitan Boys and Girls Police Clubs, Children's National Medical Center, The Ronald McDonald House, The Make-A-Wish Foundation and many others as well.

For ticket information call The Quarterback Club at 301-279-7900 or visit www.NQBC.com.

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