MLB Gary Brackett refused to believe things wouldn't take a turn for the better.

In a 2008 game in which it seemed like nothing would go his way, he found his Colts trailing the Texans 27-17 with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter. After watching QB Sage Rosenfels engineer one scoring drive after another over a seemingly hapless Colts "D," Brackett, the eternal optimist, realized that one big play could shift the momentum of this Week Five matchup in favor of the reigning AFC South champs.

What happened next not only did just that, but also was a moment that the team's defensive captain said, in a way, symbolized his life.

With Rosenfels scrambling left, CB Marlin Jackson stepped up to meet him head-on, sending Rosenfels flipping through the air like a rag doll and forcing a fumble. Brackett, whose 3½ tackles up to that point were disappointing by his standards, scooped up the loose ball and scampered for a 68-yard touchdown, setting the tone for an improbable, come-from-behind 31-27 victory.

Although in no way does a football game compare to losing three family members in a span of 16 months, the 29-year-old Brackett said the mindset that he developed from his own personal heartbreak helped him put his life in perspective - and led to him making that play, which will forever stand out in his memory as an example of why he must always keep his chin up.

"I think going through tragedy, you kind of get yourself in that mentality," Brackett said. "And then when you're on the field, I mean, nothing is ever that bad and nothing is ever that good. You just take it with a grain of salt.

"Just by keeping an even keel, just by always thinking that something positive could happen, I found myself returning a fumble 68 yards for a touchdown and sparking a comeback."

The seventh-year veteran adopted this everlasting "glass-half-full" attitude while carrying excruciating emotional baggage that would cripple most people.

But Brackett and his saga are far from average, and that is why he has been named the 2009 Pro Football Weekly/Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award winner.

In less than a year and a half, starting in late '03, the undrafted free agent out of Rutgers lost his father, mother and brother, in that order. Less than four years removed from this horrendous 16-month stretch, Brackett decided to turn his agony into a positive.

Serving as his brother's bone-marrow donor after Greg was diagnosed with leukemia, Brackett said he saw some things that he wouldn't wish upon anyone.

"Going through the process, you see a lot of sick children affected by [leukemia]," he said. "It's something that I didn't realize how big it is until you have a family member going through it. Just seeing that, I always told myself if I could give back in any area, I would choose pediatric cancer."

In '07, Brackett launched his IMPACT Foundation, which aims to "provide opportunities and resources to children affected by cancer ... to directly benefit these children and their families," according to its Web site.

Through the foundation, Brackett helps coordinate numerous events for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

One such program is known fondly as "Field of Dreams," which provides "magical memories" to children and families affected by cancer by fulfilling sports wishes and vacation dreams. Brackett never will forget bringing 15 ailing children and their families to Holiday World, an Indiana amusement park.

The foundation also initiated Gary's Locker — a replica locker filled with things such as assorted electronics, hats and books — to serve as a diversion when the children go in for their required treatments, as well as the IMPACT Awards Gala,  an event honoring pediatric cancer physicians and survivors.

Because of what he has learned about the importance of family, however, the IMPACT Foundation program that Brackett holds most dear is the Mothers' TendHER Heart Luncheon, held around Mother's Day,  which honors the mothers of children with cancer.

Colts president Bill Polian couldn't agree more with the decision to name Brackett the recipient of PFW's humanitarian award.

"Gary has been a shining star on and off the field since joining the Colts," Polian said. "Whether it be selflessly and painfully striving to help his brother or leading a myriad of efforts to help young people both in Indiana or New Jersey, Gary always makes a difference. He is a perfect example of what a humanitarian should be. Everyone with the Colts congratulates Gary. We count ourselves lucky to have him as a teammate and friend."

Despite the wonderful things Brackett and the IMPACT Foundation do, the group's message is its most important aspect.

"One day I was driving home — it was after my mother's death - and you're just so out of it and you're thinking, 'What have I done? Why am I being punished? What aren't I doing?' " said Brackett, who is very spiritual.

"But then the (poem) of "Footprints" just rang in my head. You know, all the times that you thought you were by yourself were the times that God was carrying you. That was just so strong in itself. No matter what happens, it's all for a reason. Just keep the faith."

Brackett, nominated as one of 12 finalists for the Byron "Whizzer" White Award, which is given by the NFL Players Association to a player each year for his charity work, also participates in a number of other programs, speaking engagements and special events.

One such activity that he takes part in is serving as a spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Pennies for Patients" program, in which Brackett visits the schools that collect the most pennies. Another is offering support to Brooke's Place — For Grieving Young People. Using his personal story of triumph over tragedy, he speaks to the kids who have also lost loved ones in an attempt to encourage them to keep the faith. Brackett said he enjoys this so much, he wants to continue to do public speaking once his football career is over, and he's in the process of writing a book that he hopes will get his positive message across to the masses.

He said it is this off-field work for which he wants to be remembered, not his accomplishments between the chalk lines.

"When I finish, I don't want to be one of those guys who say, 'Football defined me,' " he said. "I want it to be so much beyond football. Just being in the community, being a guy who was selfless, being a leader who would come early, stay later, help the younger guys out. You know, those are the types of things that I think carry over when you finish football and you don't have that stale taste in your mouth."

Here is an alphabetical list of the 28 players nominated for the 11th annual Pro Football Weekly/Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award:

Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders
Akin Ayodele, Dolphins
Champ Bailey, Broncos
Gary Brackett, Colts
Chris Cooley, Redskins
Josh Cribbs, Browns
Chris Draft, Rams
Bobby Engram, Chiefs
Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
Shayne Graham, Bengals
E.J. Henderson, Vikings
Israel Idonije, Bears
DeSean Jackson, Eagles
Quentin Jammer, Chargers
Patrick Kerney, Seahawks
Vonta Leach, Texans
Ray Lewis, Ravens
Eli Manning, Giants
Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
Jerious Norwood, Falcons
Tony Pashos, Jaguars
Tony Richardson, Jets
Jon Stinchcomb, Saints
David Thornton, Titans
Hines Ward, Steelers
Kurt Warner, Cardinals
Ty Warren, Patriots
Jason Witten, Cowboys

Past winners
2008 — Keith Bulluck, Titans
2007 — Drew Brees, Saints
2006 — Roy L. Williams, Cowboys
2005 — Brian Moorman, Bills
2004 — Kevin Carter, Titans
2003 — Tony Richardson, Chiefs
2002 — Ruben Brown, Bills
2001 — Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
2000 — Chris Sanders, Titans
1999 — Will Shields, Chiefs

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.