Madieu one of 40 leaders under 40

The Business Courier, citing his work with his foundation, has named Bengals safety Madieu Williams as one of its top 40 leaders under the age of 40 in Greater Cincinnati.

Williams' foundation is forcused on improving minority health.

Updated, Aug. 9: 12:45 p.m.: Williams also was nominated for Pro Football Weekly's humanitarian award. Here is the release from the weekly newspaper:

Saints QB Brees wins humanitarian award

Riverwoods, Ill. -- Pro Football Weekly announces in this week's paper that New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees is the recipient of the ninth annual Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award, presented to a NFL player whose contributions to the community and charitable organizations are especially outstanding.

Brees, 28, is not only one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL on the field, but he is one of the league's most admired and respected players off the field for his dedication to the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette, Ind. communities. He generously supports the many organizations and agencies connected with the Saints, while taking an active role in helping raise funds for the rebuilding of New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

He and his wife Brittany established The Brees Dream Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to promote the progress, success and education of youths through scholarship programs and other events. The three main focuses of the Foundation are in education, youth athletics and caring for cancer patients, particularly when it concerns youths who are disadvantaged or debiliated.

Brees was one of five finalists for this year's Humanitarian Award. The other finalists were Warrick Dunn of the Falcons, Tony Gonzalez of the Chiefs, Ryan Nece of the Buccaneers and Jason Taylor of the Dolphins.

Other nominees were: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Matt Birk, Vikings; Gary Brackett, Colts; Kris Brown, Texans; Isaac Bruce, Rams; Keith Bulluck, Titans; Braylon Edwards, Browns; Roberto Garza, Bears; Matt Light, Patriots; Deuce Lutui, Cardinals; John Lynch, Broncos; Mike Minter, Panthers; Brian Moorman, Bills; Chad Pennington, Jets; Mike Peterson, Jaguars; Antonio Pierce, Giants; Dave Rayner, Packers; Ed Reed, Ravens; Max Starks, Steelers; Barry Stokes, Lions; Mack Strong, Seahawks; Madieu Williams, Bengals; Renaldo Wynn, Redskins and Scott Young, Eagles.

The award is named in honor of Arthur S. Arkush, the founder of Pro Football Weekly.