From the Tennessean, 10/24/13:
FOOTBALL: VANDERBILT
Spears work as volunteer leads to honor
Vanderbilt senior placekicker Carey Spear walked into a trap on Wednesday afternoon, but he didnt seem to mind.
During his weekly visit to spend time with patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Chil*drens Hospital at Vanderbilt, the three*year captain of the Commodores was sur*prised by football coach James Franklin, his teammates and a number of kids with news he had been named to the 2013 Allstate AF*CA Good Works Team.
Spear was one of 22 players selected from 150 nominees across all levels of college football for his off-field contri*butions and service to the community. Spear is the first Commo*dore named to the team. In addition to his hospital visits, Spear has mentored adults at Safe Harbor of Nashville and taken three international mission trips.
Its just a reminder that weve been given so many blessings, Spear said. These kids may not have those same op*portunities, but theyre so happy, so full of life. It kind of takes our mind off of football a little bit to come back and be young and be a kid again with these guys.
Other players selected from the state include: Jacob Karam (Memphis), Curt Duncan (Carson-Newman) and Bo Cor*dell (Tusculum).
Staff reports