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The JB Awards took place last night in Washington, D.C. as part of the NFL Players Gala which recognizes the NFL athletes who do the most in terms of community service. CBS' James Brown, host of "The NFL Today," led the ceremony along with former Steelers coach Bill Cowher. The festivities benefited the Special Olympics D.C. and many of the players honored even spent the day playing with some local kids at Catholic University.

One member of each team was nominated to be honored and from those players nominated, James Brown personally selected twelve to win a JB Award. In addition to those twelve players, four other athletes were given specific honors.

The biggest name being honored was Dan Marino, former Miami Dolphins star QB and 2005 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marino received the JB Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to fight against autism.

While Marino was honored for a lifetime achievement award, one of the game's brightest young stars on the rise received a JB Award for Emerging Leadership. Read on to hear my tale of how Purple Jesus almost broke my hand.Sorry, No Photos
Adrian "Purple Jesus" Peterson

Being an award gala honoring the game's most generous athletes, it's safe to say every player who stepped into the media room was classy and well spoken. But the most memorable guy was Minnesota's rookie sensation Adrian Peterson.

Purple Jesus was the first athlete to enter the media room while many of the reporters were still shuffling in. Now, I do spend quite a bit of time in front of a computer working on my typing skills, so my hands may not exactly be NFL tough. But I'm being completely honest in saying that when Adrian Peterson shook my hand, I was worried for a few seconds that a bone or two may have been broken. Without a doubt, the strongest handshake I think I will ever encounter.

Peterson was extremely affable and even agreed to let me snap a photo of his impressive bling seen above. Unfortunately, my camera is not used to taking pictures of that many diamonds at once.

With the event being in D.C., one of the common questions asked to the players was what their thoughts on politics were and if they supported a particular candidate. One reporter tried to pin Adrian into selecting a candidate, but the Vikings star said that he respects all of their leadership qualities and hopes he can have similar characteristics on the football field. A.D.'s elusive moves aren't limited to just the football field.

After the political types got their questions out of the way, I focused in on something much more important: his nickname. I asked him how he felt about the nickname "Purple Jesus" and he seemed kind of mixed on the moniker. He was both flattered in its obviously complimentary nature and taken aback at its reference to a higher power. "I'm a Christian but if they want to call me that, I'll let them do it." Fair enough.

I was impressed with Adrian Peterson and think he will be a great face of the NFL for years to come.

Dan Marino, Star of Ace Ventura

My favorite interview of the night was Dan Marino, who when asked whether he'd ever consider running for office, didn't hesitate a second and quickly said, "No." Marino did point out he was more than happy to have been recently named to a task force on Autism Spectrum Disorders by the governor of Florida.

Marino was at his most entertaining when asked about his experience in the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Marino joked Ace Venture was "the best work of my life" and that he made Jim Carey a star. "Before that nobody even knew he was. Not even a thank you, a bottle of wine, nothing from Jim Carey."

While a guy like Warrick Dunn surprised me with his lack of size, Marino impressed me with how big he actually is. Marino is the kind of guy who commands a room with his presence. He's quite soft spoken, and at time even hard to hear, but he speaks with authority and humor. It's no surprise he was one of the game's best leaders on the field.

James Thrash On the NFL Brotherhood

Former Philadelphia Eagle and current Washington Redskin James Thrash made me feel bad for ever calling him a bum on the football field. From the morning workout with the Special Olympic kids to the media session, James Thrash was about as friendly and talkative a guy you could ask for.

Thrash said that the reason these awards mean so much to him is because you are being recognized by your teammates. He stressed the fact that during the season, you spend more time with your fellow players and coaches than your own families. So when people you spend so much time with recognize your good efforts, it means a lot.

When asked about some of the current drama surrounding players like Matt Leinert or Chris Henry, Thrash put much of the onus on their elder teammates. Thrash says when he was young and green, there were guys like Darrell Green who took him under his wing and showed him how to act and how to shape yourself into a good person.

The Friday night activities in D.C. were an opportunity to recognize some of the great efforts put forth by many of the NFL players. While I'm sure they were honored to be recognized, I'd bet they got more out of their Friday morning spent with the Special Olympics Athletes.Sorry, No Photos