FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons announced Wednesday that fullback Ovie Mughelli has been named the 2007 Atlanta Falcons Man of the Year for his outstanding performance on the field and commitment to community service. Mughelli joins a list of 31 other finalists from each NFL team, all of whom will be considered for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award to be announced during Super Bowl XLII.
"I'm extremely flattered," Mughelli said. "I don't know other adjectives to use. Such great guys have won it in the past. To be considered at that level is huge to me."
As the founder and chairman of the Ovie Mughelli Project, the four-year NFL veteran works to develop opportunities that improve the quality of life for underprivileged youth in Baltimore, Atlanta and in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. His philanthropic efforts work to support youth in the areas of education, health and sports-related initiatives.
“I was privileged to take advantage of so many tremendous opportunities as a kid,” Mughelli said. “I’m excited to be in a position to help affect change and open doors in the lives of so many young people.”
More than a stand-out athlete and philanthropist, Mughelli is also a proven scholar, maintaining Dean’s List status during his years at Wake Forest University. As a health and exercise science major, Mughelli’s sights were set on medical school before realizing his potential as a professional athlete. In February 2006, Mughelli took part in the Harvard Graduate Business School's Business education program for NFL players, as a part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers.
Since signing with the Falcons in March, Mughelli has made a significant impact in communities throughout metro Atlanta. Wednesday, he said an honor like "Man of the Year" would give his plans momentum heading into next year.
"It gives me a little boost," he said. "I'm no where near where guys like Warrick Dunn are."
Most recently he’s been involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta through the organization’s Youth of the Year program, which honors Club members who are leaders in the class room and the community. He is also an active participant in the Atlanta Falcons Extra Yard Partnership Program. Through this program, Mughelli connects with local youth organizations by visiting them throughout the season and donates tickets for them to attend Falcons home games.
Other Falcons receiving this award in recent seasons include Keith Brooking (2006) and Dunn (2004), who went on to win the 2004 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. As the 2007 Atlanta Falcons Man of the Year, the NFL will donate $1,000 to Mughelli’s favorite charitable organization.
