JOHN DUTTON NAMED 2007 AL LUCAS HERO AWARD WINNER

Colorado Crush quarterback JOHN DUTTON (6-4, 225, Nevada) was selected as the Al Lucas Hero Award winner for 2007. Keeping in the spirit of fallen Arena Football League veteran AL LUCAS, Dutton was chosen as the player who made the most significant contribution to his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of Lucas, the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.

Duttons 2007 accomplishments are without compare. Perhaps most impressive, he and his wife, Terina, help to financially support Covenant Orphanage in Holeta, Ethiopia through The Dutton Foundation (www.duttonfoundation.org), which they created.

The first of many trips to the country introduced the Duttons to the many orphans, but one in particular, 11-year-old Miki, tugged the Duttons heart strings. Mikis mother died when he was barely two-years-old and his father abandoned him just two years later, leaving Miki, and his older brother to fend for themselves. When the Duttons landed stateside, they initiated the adoption process and have since brought Miki to the United States welcoming him into their family, along with their two other boys, Zachery, five and Drew, two.

In addition to his work with the orphanage, Dutton has also made an impact in Denver. Named as Denver Fans Choice Hometown Hero Award winner for his community involvement in Metro Denver, he spends his spare time visiting schools and hospitals. At each Crush home game, Dutton provides tickets, pre- game field passes and meet-and-greets before and after each game to various youth groups.

Dutton also serves as the Denver spokesperson for the ARC Thrift Stores. Making countless appearances at community events, conducting interviews and appearing in the companys commercials are just some of the ways John helped ARC recently deliver more than 70 tons of food to the Volunteers of Americas City Harvest.

He was one of six AFL quarterbacks who traveled to Orlando last December taking part in a Childrens Miracle Network PSA while also attending the Pop Warner Super Bowl, speaking to various teams about the importance of education, teamwork and integrity.

On the field, Dutton recently completed his eighth season in the AFL and led the Crush to its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. He completed 396- of-635 pass attempts for 4,312 yards and 84 touchdowns. In 2005 he led the Colorado Crush to its first-ever ArenaBowl victory, a 51-48 win over the Georgia Force. Dutton was also named MVP of ArenaBowl XVI when he guided the San Jose SaberCats to a 69-62 victory over the Arizona Rattlers.

Copyright 2007 Courtesy of The Sports Network.