“Danny’s life is totally devoted to Jesus Christ, and he has been a faithful servant of the Church’s important mission of the new evangelization since retiring from football in 1999,” Warsaw said. “However, his career in football helped him develop the winning mindset that has made such a difference in his ministry.”
In an interview with CNA, Abramowicz described his reaction when Warsaw called him with the news that he was this year’s award recipient.
“I was overwhelmed. I got tears in my eyes because I knew Mother personally. I thought the world of her and served on the board for a long time,” he said. “I said, ‘Mike, are you sure you’ve got the right person?’ So I’m honored, thrilled, and overwhelmed.”
Abramowicz’s winning approach was developed in high school, where he excelled on the football field despite being smaller than his fellow students. It continued in college, despite being offered only one scholarship, again because of his size. And it continued during the NFL draft, where he wasn’t chosen to play for the New Orleans Saints until the 17th round. But because of his indominable spirit, Abramowicz not only would be named All-Pro by Sporting News and the Associated Press, he would also end his career holding the NFL record for catching a pass in 105 consecutive games. Even after retiring, Abramowicz spent five years as a radio analyst for Saints games, served as a special-teams coach for the Chicago Bears, and returned to the Saints as an offensive coordinator.
But Abramowicz also shares that there was a downside to all his fame, something he freely and effectively shares with the men he has spent the second half of his life helping — alcoholism — and which often makes him more relatable to the men to whom he speaks. That’s why New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who lauds Abramowicz for helping him start a men’s conference, says: “I consider a high point [of Danny’s life] his sharing of a low point.”
Abramowicz has authored several books, including “Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint,” in which he uses NFL workout techniques to increase spiritual strength and reenergize the soul.
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