Most people know Russell Maryland as the first player chosen in the 1991 NFL draft, winner of two NCAA football championships and three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, All-American, All-Pro, College Football Lineman of the Year and a defensive tackle so huge stopping him was a little like wrestling a fast-moving bus. But before all of that, Maryland was also a lost kid finding himself at a Boys & Girls Club.

Maryland will never forget his time at the Woodlawn Club in Chicago, and few do when it comes to the Boys & Girls Club. The organization recognized Maryland Thursday as guest speaker during the Champions for Kids Luncheon at the Arlington Convention Center. Each year the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington holds this luncheon and each year speakers or special guests share stories of how their time in a Boys & Girls Club was their youthful epiphany. Maryland's keynote speech zeroed in on his club participation and how role models can be found in the home, at school and places like the Boys & Girls Club.

"This is the first refuge for many young kids trying to find their way," said Boys & Girls Club of Arlington President Steve Wurm. "That's why we come together to thank those who have volunteered their time and their money to help them in that endeavor."

On Thursday some of those volunteers were lauded. The luncheon is part fundraiser, part showcase for an organization or individual receiving the coveted Champion of Youth Award, the club's highest honor that is presented to those who through actions or financial support illustrates a dedication to improving the lives of youth. This year the award went to BNSF Railway, which has worked rather tirelessly to give back to community entities such as the Presbyterian Night Shelter, SafeHaven of Tarrant County and the Community Enrichment Center Food Bank.

BNSF expanded Project Bright Star, a one-on-one academic assistance program to help first to fifth graders raise their grades to passing.

"In everything [BNSF] does, they strive to provide a work environment that supports community where it operates," said Wurm. "They are involved in local communities from contributions to our annual United Way campaign to coordinating holiday toy drives."

In a video shown during the luncheon, company staffers were busy building a playground.

"I do it because I want to be able to make a difference in someone else's life," BNSF employee Jacqueline Dozeman said in the video. "To see the playground go up, to know it's a place where kids can get away and have fun, it's just a great feeling."

Former NBC 5 Sportscaster Scott Murray, now chairman and CEO of Murray Media, emceed the event. Tarrant County Commissioner Andy Nguyen also spoke, telling the audience how he came to the United States from Vietnam "not speaking a lick of English" but got his confidence at the Boys & Girls Club in Kentucky where he learned basketball and a sense of acceptance.

"Boys & Girls Clubs saved my life and has saved many lives," he said. Is this whole graph being deleted? Thought what Nguyen had to say about his experiences with the Boys & Girls Club ties in well with what Steve Wurm said about one of the primary objectives of the Boys & Girls Clubs.