6B - December 30, 2020 www.charlestonchronicle.net The Chronicle Dedication To Community Names Pro Football Hall of Famer, NFL Player Relations Pioneer Donnie Shell as Executive Advisor, Sports Division CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Ded- ings both nationally and glob- ication To Community (D2C) ally, a core pillar for D2C, are today announced the addition being conducted by the organ- of pioneer and innovator in ization across the U.S. law en- player development and 2020 forcement industry, and member of the Pro Football currently include Connecticut, Hall of Fame Donnie Shell has Delaware, Florida, Missouri, joined the foundation as Exec- South Carolina, North Car- utive Advisor to their rapidly olina and Virginia, all with a growing sports division. focus on addressing the void that exists in the relationship Shell will join National Direc- between law enforcement and tor, Sports Division, Lamonte the communities they serve. A Winston in the proactive efforts number of professional teams to grow relationships between have become integrated into teams, athletes, law enforce- the program as well, the most ment and community of all expansive of which is the ages and sizes. Shell, a five-time Miami Heat, who began their All-Pro selection as part of the trailblazing partnership with legendary “Steel Curtain” de- the Miami Police Department fense of the Pittsburgh Steel- Donnie Shell in mid-September. ers, left an even more impactful imprint on player development may be damaged, and there is in professional sports during a no better way than by having About Dedication To Com- 15 year post-playing career with teams and athletes of all walks munity (D2C) the Carolina Panthers. of life be part of this program.” Dedication To Community “Bringing one of the most re- Shell was named to five consec- (D2C) is a non-proft organi- spected voices and leaders on utive Pro Bowl teams as a zation missioned to educate, and off the field to D2C is an member of the Steelers, led the enlighten, and empower honor, and a privilege, as Don- team in tackles in both 1982 and communities through leader- nie’s trailblazing work, not just 1984, and was the leading tack- ship/law enforcement/rela- with athletes but with commu- ler in the Steelers secondary for tionship building-training nity leaders, is unparalleled,” six consecutive years (1981- sessions, community forums, D2C Founder M. Quentin 1986). His 51 career intercep- strategy consultations, and Williams said. tions rank him third in Steelers lowing their on-field careers by Scholarship Program to pro- been honored countless times facilitation models - thus en- history, behind Hall of Famer assisting them with financial vide scholarships for students for his work. He has furthered gaging individuals, commu- “Pairing him with Lamonte Mel Blount (57) and Jack But- education, family assistance, ca- who attend South Carolina that work by also leading his nities and organizations in and others who have built a ler (52), and his 19 opponent reer internships and continuing State University whose parents successful consulting group systematic approaches to reputation for excellence well fumble recoveries are just be- education. In 2002, the NFL cannot afford to pay for their since 2010, which deals with building substantive, suc- beyond a field or a court is a hind Hall of Famer Jack Ham Player Development Depart- college tuition. athletes on all levels of career cessful and sustainable solu- dream come true for us as a (21) as a second-best perform- ment honored Shell by creating transition. tions regarding today's most service provider, and that com- ance by a Steeler. A durable the Winston/Shell Award “Donnie Shell is a leader of peo- relevant issues. This includes bination is already paying divi- player, Shell is tied for second (with Lamonte Winston) ple from all walks of life, and Williams is a Yonkers, New D2C’s law enforcement and dends with action and most seasons played behind which has been presented an- makes everyone around him York raised, Boston College community training/educa- engagement, which is needed only Hall of Fame center Mike nually to the club with the most better,” Winston added. “I am (where he played football) and tion sessions at the global, much more than talk, not just Webster. creative player development proud to be able to work St. John’s University Law federal, state and local levels. now but well into the future.” program. closely with him in this next School grad, and a former FBI D2C focuses on heightening After wrapping up his playing stage of our collective careers agent and federal prosecutor awareness about relevant, “We are at a critical point in our days, Donnie served as the di- Upon retiring from the Pan- to continue to impact the lives who has also held senior com- critical issues regarding di- culture where we must increase rector of the Panthers' player thers front office, Shell became of others in a positive manner.” munity and business positions versity, belonging and equity and amplify the good work development program from the Director of the Spiritual with the Jacksonville Jaguars, – with measured strategic done by athletes in the commu- 1994 to 2009 and is seen as a pi- Life Center for Johnson C. Shell joins Winston, who the NBA, and the NFL, and ACTION plans. D2C exposes nity, and D2C’s mission, espe- oneer in the player develop- Smith University from 2010 to began with D2C this past Au- has brought all of those skills audiences to an expanded, cially tied to the inclusive ment field. In both 1998 and 2015. He and his wife Paulette gust. Lamonte has spent over and relationships together to comprehensive, and creative listening and interaction with 1999 he earned the "Best Player are active in a variety of civic thirty years as a coach, scout, grow D2C in the past years. methodology for serving or- law enforcement, is essential to Programs" award from the and cultural organizations in- and personal developer of ath- D2C's presence has never been ganizations’ personnel and the process,” Shell said. “I am NFL before taking home the cluding The Mel Blount letes, primarily with two organ- more important than it is their communities. For more eager and excited to work "Most Outstanding Player Youth, John Stallworth Schol- izations, the Oakland (now Las today. information, please visit again with Lamonte Winston Programs" honor in 2000. arship Foundation and The Vegas) Raiders and the Kansas www.DedicationToCommu- and the rest of the team Q. Donnie Shell Scholarship City Chiefs. He is one of the D2C has already begun to de- nity.org. Williams is building to proac- His programs emphasized set- Foundation, which partners most respected mentors and velop a new set of key goals and tively build relationships that ting players up for success fol- with the Presidential Promise teachers in football and has actionable outcomes. Train-