Former Jefferson County High School and Alcorn State football standout Louis Green has been fittingly named the Denver Bronco’s Ed Block Award winner for the 2006 season.

The Ed Block Award is given each season to one player on each NFL team that demonstrates everything that is positive about being a professional athlete, while being an inspiration in the locker room and making constructive contributions to the community.

Last year the New Orleans Saints were honored with the league-wide award for completing their entire season on the road, and for their relief efforts associated with Hurricane Katrina.

Green said winning the award is the highlight of his career.

“It leaves me speechless because my teammates voted for me,” he said. “But most importantly, it is what the award accomplishes.”

Green said the award represents everything he stands for, and it reflects the perception that his peers have of him.

“It is not just about football,” he said.

Green, who finished fifth on the team in 2006 with seven tackles on special teams, has worked with the National Youth Sports Program for the past six years.

Over the course of his career, Green has learned what it takes to make it in the world of professional football.

Before signing a three-year, $2.5 million contract with a $300,000 signing bonus last month, Green had to earn his way into the league after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens following the 2002 preseason. After his stint in Baltimore Green joined the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe the following spring. He then did two tours on the Bronco’s practice squad before working his way onto the Denver active roster in 2004. Following a Week 1 game in 2004, Green returned to the practice squad, but returned to the active roster in late November 2004.

“As long as you work hard, stay humble and what you are supposed to do, you’ll move up,” Green said. “I just did what my parents have always told me to do.”

Off the field, aside from his charity work, Green has taken up archery. He said he has always liked hunting and fishing ever since he was a kid. Green said even bought a bow when he was a kid with his own money.

“Denver does not have a lot of places to hunt with a gun. Archery is very big in Denver, and I needed a hobby. So I figured it was now or never,” he said.

Green said he is also in the beginning stages of starting his own foundation to help children. He wants to help kids get involved in more outdoor activities in and around Natchez. Green said he is currently working with Deuce McAllister, who already has established his own foundation, and is also looking for more contacts.

His love for kids has also inspired him to pursue a masters in education in administration. “I truly understand that at any given moment my career could be over,” Green said. Whenever his career is over, he said he wants to work with kids.

“I don’t want to be self glorified,” Green said. “With the position I am in, it would be completely wrong for others not to benefit.”