Filed for intro on 05/21/2003 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 598 By Naifeh A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Eddie George for his service to the people of Tennessee. WHEREAS, it is appropriate that this General Assembly should honor those citizens who through their dedication, determination and commitment to excellence exemplify and embody the very essence of a Tennessee Titan; and WHEREAS, no other but Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans can fulfill that description, having shown himself time and again to be a warrior on the field of play and a true gentleman and compassionate, caring individual in his everyday interactions with his family, friends and the public; and WHEREAS, a champion on and off the field, Mr. George has succeeded in life by always focusing on his goal when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge; and WHEREAS, Eddie George has overcome each and every challenge set before him, earning a starting position in high school; obtaining a college scholarship offer when none was received after his senior year; becoming a serious offensive threat for the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes; being named an All-American and winning the Heisman Trophy Award as the HJR0598 00797236 -1- best college football player in the land; being taken as the fourteenth pick in the NFL draft, yet distinguishing himself as the NFL Rookie of the Year; and WHEREAS, today his courage and hard work have been rewarded, and Eddie George is highly respected and recognized nationally as an All-Pro running back who leads by example and motivates his teammates with his heart and desire; and WHEREAS, Head Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans has said, "No one has talked to him and told him how to be a role model. It's a natural thing for him. He is caring, compassionate, and he has a clear sense of responsibility."; and WHEREAS, with a deep sense of duty to his community, in 1999, Eddie George established a nonprofit corporation, Visions with Infinite Possibilities (VIP), to help foster the artistic and educational dreams of children and to help them develop a sense of purpose, a determination to succeed and hope for the future; and WHEREAS, Eddie George continues to give back to the Nashville community and the entire State of Tennessee by assisting and lending a hand to numerous charitable organizations and events throughout the State with special appearances, donations of items for charity auctions and visiting hospital patients, as well as hosting the annual Dream It! Do It! Teen Event in Nashville; and WHEREAS, always supported by his biggest fans, his beloved mother, Donna, his wonderful sister, Leslie, and his much adored son, Jaire, Eddie George exemplifies the spirit and allegiance to family that are characteristic of a true Tennessean; and WHEREAS, throughout his estimable career, Eddie George has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, ability and integrity, winning the unbridled respect and admiration of his teammates, coaches and fans and the good people of Nashville and the entire State of Tennessee; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE - 2 - 00797236 CONCURRING, that we hereby honor and commend Eddie George for his service to the people of Tennessee, his commitment to excellence and his unrivaled determination to succeed. We wish him much continued success with the Tennessee Titans and in all his future endeavors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy. - 3 - 00797236.