Kaepernick among 5 'Whizzer' White finalists

The National Football League Players Association announced its five finalists for the Byron "Whizzer" White Community MVP award on Tuesday.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick were named as finalists by the NFLPA.

The award is presented annually to a player recognized as going above and beyond to perform community service in their team cities and hometowns. The winner, who will be determined through a vote by their NFL peers on Feb. 1, will receive a $100,000 donation for his foundation or charity of choice.

Dalton and his wife provide financial assistance to the families of seriously ill and physically challenged children through the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation. He was honored as the Week 8 Community MVP for hosting "A Night in the Jungle."

Long donated his entire salary for the 2017 season to fund educational initiatives in hopes of enlightening youth about equality and social justice. He was named the Week 2 NFLPA Community MVP for using six of his game checks to fund a new scholarship program at his high school alma mater in Charlottesville, Va.

Miller, who has struggled with near-sightedness throughout his life, has provided corrective eyewear to low-income youths. The Week 17 NFLPA Community MVP donated 2,013 eyeglass frames to Denver kids in need through the Anchor Center for Blind Children and his Von's Vision Foundation.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey in August, Watt came to the aid of the city of Houston by launching a campaign via social media that ultimately generated more than $37 million in disaster relief assistance.

Kaepernick made a $1 million pledge to organizations working in underserved and oppressed communities. The quarterback earned the Week 1 NFLPA Community MVP after making his ninth $100,000 charitable donation to four charities and hosting a back-to-school giveaway in New York.

The award is named after the former football player Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1938 and went on to become justice of the Supreme Court.