THE SIDELINES : Singletary NFL Man of the Year

Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary, who tackles the problems of children with the same zeal that he tackles ballcarriers, was named the NFL Man of the Year.

“So many times what you read about and hear about are the athletes with the big contracts and bonuses,” Singletary said, in Florida for the Sunday’s Super Bowl. “You don’t get a chance to hear about the athletes that are giving back to the community, that are taking it upon themselves to make a difference.”

Singletary, a devout Christian, often addresses youngsters on the dangers of substance abuse. He has also worked for such organizations as the Special Olympics and the March of Dimes.