National Football Foundation

One of the youngest presidents in the NFF Chapter Network, Dave Parks recognized early in his life the importance of football and scholarship in the lives of young people, and four short years after finishing his collegiate playing career, the NFF Rochester Chapter named him its president.
 
With Parks' help, the NFF Rochester Chapter has awarded $30,000 in scholarships since its inception in 2001, including distributing $4,500 to 39 scholar-athletes in 2010. In all, the chapter has recognized 320 scholar-athletes during the past nine years.
 
"I truly believe the game of football is one of the many methods that God uses to inspire men to seek his will for their lives," Parks explained on the role of football in his life. "Through the game of football, He allows us to see our greatest strengths and weaknesses which in turn reveals our character. The great peaks and valleys of the game often resemble the lives we lead outside of the game. In the game of football we know that dependence on our football family is the only way to achieve greatness or overcome adversity."
 
Parks was a four-year starter as a defensive lineman at the University of Albany. A two-time All-Northeast Conference selection, Parks earned Academic All-American honors while serving as a team captain in his senior season. He earned a Bachelor's degree in history in 2003 and a Master's degree in educational administration in 2006, also from the University of Albany.
 
"Each year we honor the best and brightest here in the Rochester community at our Scholar-Athlete Luncheon," said Parks. Through donations and membership from the community we are able to fund this event and give out scholarship awards. All levels of football are honored each year. We have also honor cheerleaders for their commitment to making the sport of football a true community event."
 
In addition to his duties as chapter president, Parks is the offensive coordinator at St. John Fisher College.