Former New York Giants player Phillippi Sparks poses with his daughter Jordin Sparks on Wednesday before entering the charity gala.

Jordin Sparks poses with fellow 2007 American Idol contestants Sanjaya Malakar
and Melinda Doolittle

Shawn Marion and Pam Anderson hosted Hearts and Helmets Celebrity Party and Poker Tournament at the Venue in Scottsdale. Tickets at the door started at $1,000 and sponsorships to play poker ranged from $5-$50,000. The highest bidder won a Super Bowl luxury suite for two to watch the game with Pam.

Phoenix Suns Grant Hill and Shawn Marion at the poker tables

Former vollyball player Tayna Marchiol (left) and Atlanta Falcons Ovie Mughelli

photos by Kathy Shayna Shockett/Special for The Republic
Carrie Watters/The Arizona Republic

The NFL and many of its sponsor’s handed out awards and showered accolades on some of the NFL’s finest. Albeit, playing the game is what they get paid to do, its nice to know that the players are recognized for the good they do off the field. With so much negativity swirling around sports nowadays, its good not to forget the positives. Congratulations to all.

Motorola’s Coach of the Year – Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers. In 2007, McCarthy took a Packers team that finished 8-8 last year to a 13-3 record, securing the number two seed in the NFC and tying the Packers franchise record for wins in a season (13).

The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP winner is Warrick Dunn (RB) of the Atlanta Falcons. The national program recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities through charitable programs and contributions. Dunn was honored for the community work he does through the Warrick Dunn Foundation. Most notably, his Homes for the Holidays program assists single parents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla., Baton Rouge, La., and Atlanta in achieving the American dream of home ownership.

Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers and running back Fred Taylor of the Jacksonville Jaquars were named the FedEx Air and Ground NFL players of the year in honor of the winners’ great play, FedEx will donate $25,000 to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation and Wolfson Children’s Hospital (Baptist), the local children’s hospitals in each player’s market.

photos courtesy of Getty Images

With the game looming closer, the true competitive spirit is lurking about both teams. What was such a nice and polite Media Day, the players can only hold their tongue for so long. Check out some of the quotes:

“The score will be 23-17 with us winning.” Plaxico Burress

“We’re only going to score 17 points”? OK. Is Plax playin defense?..I wish he had said 45-42 and gave us a little credit for more points. Tom Brady’s response to PB.

“It’s not only about playing. It’s about being a professional.” Kevin Faulk, on the qualities and values the Patriots’ players are taught and exhibit.

All work and no play makes a sports reporter ummm, do their job? lol Fortunately for those that are in AZ covering the Super Bowl, its not all work. The convention center in Arizona has been converted to what’s now being called “Radio Row.” The masses that have radio shows convene in a huge room where NFL players, current and old gather to share their stories, predictions, and game analysis. That’s the job.

A view of Radio Row

Matt Hasselbeck and his mom

Jim Rome

Terrell Owens

Rodney Peete and his wife Holly Robinson Peete talking with The Sporting News

#88 – Michael Irvin – good to see you making the rounds!

To make some money for charity and release some steam, a lounge and bowling alley has been erected. This is the fun.

View from the Top – GE Lounge

photos courtesy of Mike Warner/12 News

FIRST…Reporters and TV crews from all over the world has descended upon Arizona. When I tell you the Super Bowl, is huge, trust me its HUGE. Every country and state have media present.

Both teams held their respective press conferences and there wasn’t much to write about. It was the usual questions, blah, blah, blah..lol No matter how mundane it could be, I would have given anything to be there!! Next year, yes, next year.

Ines Gomez Mont of TV Azteca wore a wedding gown and went from player to player, proposing her hand in marriage. That’s one way to get noticed. Mind you, she was turned down by them all.

ThEN…Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo are seen leaving the Key Club on Monday night.

Larry Fitzgerald (WR-AZ) and Adrian Peterson (RB-MN) attend the Visa Financial Super Bowl Event.