RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Seahawks defensive end 
Kerney is extremely involved and committed to the Pacific Northwest community. He served as grand marshal at the 2008 Special Olympics. He spoke to the crowd and emphasized the importance of making the most out of one’s ability. Kerney spent the day cheering and encouraging more than 2,300 Special Olympians as they competed against one another at Ft. Lewis.
The Seattle Seahawks are extremely active with the United Way of King County and announced a goal to raise $110 million this year to battle homelessness. Kerney has helped spearhead this campaign as has made multiple appearances, comparing football toughness to the daily challenge many local families face to find food and shelter. He has cut multiple PSA’s, donated autographs and uses his image on promotional posters around the area.
In memory of his brother, Kerney founded The Thomas L. Kerney Endowment Fund in 2000.
The fund helps support families of fallen police officers with start-up college funds and college scholarships in the Atlanta and Seattle areas. Along with the primary educational goals, donations are made from the endowment to Special Olympics Georgia, Special Olympics Washington and Eagle Ranch Children's Home in Flowery Branch, Ga. Kerney donated $1,000 per sack from 2000-04 and $2,000 per sack from 2005-08.
Kerney’s love and passion for children was prevalent when he was named honorary chair at the 2nd Annual Seahawks Fish and Feast Charity Fundraiser. The charity bass tournament benefits the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. The foundation was formed to join volunteers who love to fish with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing.
Not only does Kerney take a leadership role in his own service to the community, but he shows support and commitment to his teammates and their efforts in the community as well. Patrick attended former teammate Bryce Fisher’s “Gilda’s Club” Golf Tournament, which raises money for the club.
He is one of 32 finalists, each team honors its Man of the Year, vying for the league’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the only league award that recognizes player off-the-field community service and playing excellence.
The winner is selected by an elite panel of judges including Commissioner Roger Goodell, Connie Payton (wife of the late Walter Payton), former players Frank Gifford, Jack Kemp and John Mackey.
The winner will be announced during the Commissioner’s news conference prior to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida.
