Domonique Foxworth, One of the Good Guys

Today's opening of the 2009 NFL free agency period was marked by the usual flurry of news regarding player visits, signings and contract terms. And while many of the players in the news today could probably be described as "good guys," one of them, Domonique Foxworth, is truly one of the game's finest ambassadors.

When he played for the Denver Broncos from 2005 through the 2008 preseason, Foxworth proved not only to be an effective player, but also an asset to his community. He was very visible in trying to improve the lives of Colorado's youth, whether appearing in television commercials for CollegeinColorado.org, teaching a writing class at the Broncos Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, or helping to create the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center at that branch, to honor his former teammate and friend.

Foxworth, after being traded to Atlanta on the eve of the 2008 season opener, was rewarded Friday in his first foray into free-agency with a reported four-year, $27.2 million contract--including $16.5 million in guaranteed money--from his hometown Baltimore Ravens. Foxworth grew up in Maryland and played his college ball at the University of Maryland.

It is the ultimate homecoming for Foxworth, the kind rarely seen in professional sports. And while the money is staggering, this post isn't meant to focus on the money. We all know professional athletes make great money. My point is that today fans can take heart in knowing that one of those who was handsomely rewarded is the kind of player they can get behind and cheer for with no reservations. Domonique Foxworth is truly one of the NFL's "good guys."

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

Farewell, Rocky Mountain News

For anybody who has practiced PR in the Denver area, the final printing of the Rocky Mountain News on Friday brought sadness and reflection on the many friendships and professional acquaintances developed over the years.

Many times the relationship between PR professionals and journalists can be challenging, but the mutual respect developed over the years leaves me feeling a great deal of sadness for the many true professionals who are suddenly jobless. And regardless of whether we agreed in every instance with the handling of a particular story, the presence of two newspapers competing for stories and challenging one another made our community better.

So, thank you to all of you at the Rocky Mountain News who have been a big part of our professional lives, especially our good friends in sports, Sam Adams, Jeff Legwold, Lee Rasizer, Dave Krieger, Aaron Lopez, Lynn DeBruin and Kevin "Moose" Huhn, to name just a few.

Here's hoping brighter days are ahead.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

ProLink Sports Blog

Welcome to the first blog post from ProLink Sports, an athlete representation firm based in Denver, Colo. Launched in 2008 by Paul Kirk and Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports specializes in image management, brand-building, media relations and philanthropy for professional athletes.

We provide clients with services designed to engage them in the community in a more effective and meaningful way, while building brand identity through innovative and professional handling of outreach to media, fans and the local community. Expertise also includes services to guide corporate clients who wish to identify professional athletes for speaking opportunities, and to enhance their company’s products and/or services, as well as fundraising and event planning.

Learn more about ProLink Sports at www.prolinksports.net.
--Paul Kirk