McElrathbey to Receive Award at Duke Game

Feb. 21, 2007

Clemson, SC – The 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl-Football Writers’ Association of America Courage Award will be formally presented to Clemson football player Ray Ray McElrathbey during a break in the action during the first half of Clemson’s basketball game with Duke on Thursday night.

McElrathbey took custody of his then 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr, prior to the 2006 football season, and took on odd-jobs and grants until he was able to receive help from an NCAA waiver allowing a trust fund to be established in his brother’s name to help offset the cost of raising the child on his own.

The sophomore running back has received national acclaim for this act, including his selection as the ABC Person of the Week by ABC News back in September. He has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and been featured by The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and many other national publications.

McElrathbey will be presented with the award by Orange Bowl Committee member and Clemson alum, Chris Knight, as well as FWAA member George Schroeder. McElrathbey was also recognized at the end of the first quarter during the 2007 FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami.