IAM Assistant Director of Communications DeLane Adams served as a judge on the panel selecting finalists for the 2026 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Alan Page Community Award. The judging panel included former NFL player Anquan Boldin, national writer Mike Jones, and GoFundMe executive Margaret Richardson. Over 6,000 fans also participated in the selection process through an online voting platform.
The Alan Page Community Award is considered the highest honor given by the NFLPA to a player who demonstrates exceptional community service in their team’s city or hometown. The winner is chosen by a league-wide digital vote among NFL players.
This year’s five finalists were Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos, Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills, Nakobe Dean of the Philadelphia Eagles, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. Garett Bolles was named the 2026 recipient after being selected by his peers. He received a $100,000 donation from the NFLPA for his GB3 Foundation. The announcement took place on February 3 at an NFLPA Super Bowl press conference in San Francisco.
Bolles was recognized earlier in the season as Week 1 NFLPA Community MVP after he and his wife opened a childhood apraxia training center in Colorado through their foundation and personal contributions. The facility aims to train speech-language pathologists and support children with apraxia.
“It was an honor to represent the IAM Union and the labor movement on this distinguished panel,” said Adams. “The commitment these NFL players demonstrate to their communities mirrors the same dedication other union members show every day in serving their neighbors and fellow workers. I want to thank Brandon Parker, NFLPA director of media and community relations, for inviting me to be part of this important process. Congratulations to Denver Broncos’ Garett Bolles on this well-deserved recognition, and to all 18 outstanding candidates who are making a real difference in people’s lives.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has longstanding ties with the NFLPA, including providing office space during its early years at IAM Headquarters.
“The IAM Union is proud to have DeLane representing the IAM in the judging of these remarkable athletes who understand that real leadership means lifting up your community,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The NFLPA’s Community MVP campaign is a tremendous program. I want to congratulate Denver Broncos’ Garett Bolles and all the other finalists. They represent the best of what it means to be a union member, standing up for those who need it most.”
Since its inception in 1967, what is now known as the Alan Page Community Award has been presented annually by the NFLPA. It was renamed in 2018 after Hall of Famer Alan Page, who also served on Minnesota’s Supreme Court and contributed significantly to both football and social justice efforts.
The award forms part of ongoing initiatives by the NFL Players Association aimed at encouraging civic engagement among players throughout each year. Each weekly Community MVP honoree receives a $10,000 donation from the union toward their chosen nonprofit organization.
