Hines Ward: The Steelers wide receiver turns 31 today. Ward was MVP of Super Bowl XL and has made four Pro Bowls. But he’s also a big humanitarian figure in his native South Korea. He’s tried to spur reform in Korea for the often discriminated mixed races. He’s donated $1 million to start the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which helps mixed-race children.
Juan Encarnacion: The Cardinals outfielder is also 31. Despite having loads of talent and touted as a potential superstar, Encarnacion has never found a permanent team, jumping around to the Tigers, Dodgders, Marlins, Reds, and Cardinals. He’s won two World Series rings, one with the Marlins in 2003 and last season with St. Louis.
Jason Elam: Denver’s veteran kicker is 37 today. He was drafted in the third round of the 1993 draft and has kicker for Denver ever since. He’s most known for his record-tying 63 yard field goal in 1998. He’s greatly benefitted from kicking at altitude his entire kicker but also hit a 52 yarder in Super Bowl XXXII, one of the longest in the game’s history.
