Jerod Mayo wins 2011 Ron Burton Community Service Award
New England Patriots All-Pro linebacker and defensive leader Jerod Mayo has just been named winner of the 2011 Ron Burton Community Service Award.
The award is named in honor of Ron Burton, who was well known throughout the community for his work with local charities. Burton was the first player drafted by the Patriots.
Robert Kraft said that "In his three short years in New England, Jerod has made large contributions both on and off the field. Both in uniform and and as an active volunteer in the community, he has done everything asked of him and more. He continually makes us proud to have drafted him in 2008. He is a most deserving recipient of the Ron Burton Award."
Pats Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, who now serves as the team's Executive Director of Community Affairs added that "if it helps kids, he’s there. We know him to always roll up his sleeves while getting involved in creative ways, including leading art projects, serving children dinner and playing interactive games. It is clear that he wants to use his experience as a father to make a difference in the lives of each child he meets."
Last year Mayo founded The Mayo Bowl, which is a celebrity bowling event designed to raise funds for Pitching In For Kids, which is a charity that provides grants to improve the lives of children in New England. Mayo is involved with other charities as well. He is actively involved in the Patriots Kids Cafes, which provides hot meals for youths that may not otherwise receive hot meals; the Patriots' annual Children's Holiday Party; and he also regularly visits several local hospitals as part of the Pats' Kick Cancer program.
This is the ninth year that the Patriots organization has recognized a player for this award. The previous winners are:
2003 -- Joe Andruzzi
2004 -- Troy Brown
2005 -- Matt Light
2006 -- Jarvis Green
2007 -- Ty Warren
2008 -- Larry Izzo
2009 -- Kevin Faulk
2010 -- Vince Wilfork
Congratulations to Jerod Mayo for having his priorities set right, and for a job well done both on and off the field.
