NFF Chapter Network Distributes More Than $1 Million in Scholarships During Record-Breaking 2017

by | Aug 16, 2017 | Featured, Football Blogs, Headlines, RRSN News | 0 comments

NFF Chapter Network Distributes More Than $1 Million in Scholarships During Record-Breaking 2017

IRVING, Texas (Aug. 16, 2017) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today that its chapter network distributed more than $1 million in scholarships during a record-breaking 2017 award banquet season, which runs from January to July. Covering more than 47 states, 5,000 high schools and 500,000 student-athletes, the NFF chapters selected 3,500 football players, who on average boasted a 3.7 GPA, for recognition as the best and brightest for their combined excellence on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in the community.

“The NFF Chapter Network awards season continues to provide us with a chance to honor our nation’s brightest student-athletes while paying tribute to football’s unique ability to mold them into our next generation of leaders,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Our grassroots network has never been stronger, and that is due to the extraordinary passion of the individuals who lead our efforts. They deserve huge praise for helping to promote an amazing group of student-athletes who compete with the same competitive fire on the field as they do in the classroom.”

NFF chapter banquets by the numbers:

  • Network launched in 1959
  • More than $1 million distributed in 2017
  • 3,500 high school student-athletes honored in 2017
  • 30 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches in attendance in 2017
  • 61 divisional head coaches in attendance in 2017
  • 59 members of the College Football Hall of Fame in attendance in 2017
  • 18 college directors of athletics in attendance in 2017
  • More than 35,000 in attendance
  • 47 states and 120 chapters

The NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among young football players. Each year the chapters collectively stage more than 300 events, including coaching clinics, all-star games, leadership conferences, college nights and more than 85 scholar-athlete banquets. The first chapters began operation in 1959, and the network continues to expand behind the leadership of individuals with a passion for the NFF’s mission of Building Leaders Through Football.

Annually drawing more than 35,000 people, the NFF banquets serve as an important milestone for the honorees as they claim a portion of $1 million in scholarships to further their educations. The all-time amount raised and disbursed by the chapters reached the $21 million mark in 2017.

“The importance of the NFF Chapter Network cannot be overstated,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The passion of our chapter members is stronger than ever and ensures that the game of football remains in the forefront of inspiring leadership, academic performance and community service. The support we receive each season continues to expand, and we sincerely appreciate everyone who supports the NFF and our mission.”

The NFF would like to thank the following individuals for attending and supporting the NFF Chapter Network this year, including the following (with the chapters in parentheses):

Head Coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision Ranks:

  • Steve Addazio, Boston College (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Tom Allen, Indiana University (Central Indiana)
  • Blake Anderson, Arkansas State University (Arkansas)
  • Major Applewhite, University of Houston (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Bret Bielema, University of Arkansas (Arkansas)
  • Craig Bohl, University of Wyoming (Wyoming)
  • John Bonamego, Central Michigan University (State of Michigan)
  • Jeff Brohm, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Chris Creighton, Eastern Michigan University (State of Michigan)
  • David Cutcliffe, Duke University (Corrigan-Faircloth [N.C.], NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Dave Doeren, North Carolina State University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Larry Fedora, University of North Carolina (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Luke Fickell, University of Cincinnati (Greater Cincinnati)
  • Jimbo Fisher, Florida State University (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern University (Chicago Metro, Toledo [Ohio])
  • P.J. Fleck, University of Minnesota (Minnesota)
  • James Franklin, Penn State University (Central Pennsylvania)
  • Willie Fritz, Tulane University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Tom Herman, University of Texas (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Skip Holtz, Louisiana Tech University (S.M. McNaughton [La.])
  • Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech University (Texas Tech)
  • Tim Lester, Western Michigan University (State of Michigan)
  • Mike MacIntyre, University of Colorado (Colorado)
  • Scottie Montgomery, East Carolina University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Barry Odom, University of Missouri (Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Matt Rhule, Baylor University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Matt Viator, University of Louisiana Monroe (S.M. McNaughton)
  • Mark Whipple, University of Massachusetts (Western Massachusetts)
  • Kyle Whittingham, University of Utah (Utah)

Head Coaches from the Divisional Ranks:

  • Jay Accorsi, Rowan University [N.J.] (South Jersey)
  • Joe Adam, Saint Anselm College [N.H.] (Joe Yukica/New Hampshire)
  • Bruce Barnum, Portland State University (Clark County [Wash.])
  • Bob Bartolomeo, University of Indianapolis [Ind.] (Central Indiana)
  • Jeff Bowen, Arizona Christian University (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Gregg Brandon, Colorado School of Mines (Colorado)
  • Steve Campbell, University of Central Arkansas (Arkansas)
  • Colby Carthel, Texas A&M University-Commerce (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Paul Castonia, Plymouth State University [N.H.] (Joe Yukica/New Hampshire)
  • Mike Cerasuolo, Springfield College [Mass.] (Western Massachusetts)
  • Jay Civetti, Tufts University [Mass.] (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Kelly Cummings, Ohio Dominican University (Springfield [Ohio])
  • Dennis Dunn, Louisiana College (S.M. McNaughton [La.])
  • Phil Estes, Brown University (DiNitto/Rhode Island)
  • Gary Fasching, Saint John’s University [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Mark Ferrante, Villanova University (Philadelphia)
  • Charlie Fisher, Western Illinois University (Chicago Metro)
  • Broderick Fobbs, Grambling State University (S.M. McNaughton [La.])
  • Peter Gallagher, Ursinus College [Pa.] (Philadelphia)
  • Chuck Goldstein, Gallaudet University [D.C.] (National Capital)
  • Duke Greco, Delaware Valley University [Pa.] (Philadelphia)
  • Mike Gutelius, Catholic University of America [D.C.] (National Capital)
  • Jerry Mack, North Carolina Central University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Bill Maskill, Midwestern State University [Texas] (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Joe Harasymiak, University of Maine (State of Maine)
  • Mark Harriman, Bates College [Maine] (State of Maine)
  • Dan Hawkins, University of California, Davis (Sacramento Valley [Calif.])
  • Clay Hendrix, Furman University (University of Georgia)
  • Mark Henninger, Marian University [Ind.] (Central Indiana)
  • Rod Huber, Mount Saint Joseph University [Md.] (Greater Cincinnati)
  • Tony Hughes, Jackson State University (Miss/Lou)
  • Mike Jacobs, Notre Dame College [Ohio] (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Steve Johnson, Bethel University [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Vince Kehres, University of Mount Union [Ohio] (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Mike Kelly, Widener University [Pa.] (Philadelphia)
  • Larry Kindbom, Washington University in St. Louis [Mo.] (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Mike Lichten, University of New England [Maine] (State of Maine)
  • Dale Lindsey, University of San Diego (Walter J. Zable/San Diego)
  • Mike London, Howard University (National Capital)
  • Bill Lynch, DePauw University [Ind.] (Central Indiana)
  • Chris McKenney, Maine Maritime Academy (State of Maine)
  • Greg Medeck, Central Lakes College [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Jon Michaeles, Colby College [Maine] (State of Maine)
  • Matt Moore, University of Northwestern – St. Paul [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Tim Murphy, Harvard University (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Bo Pelini, Youngstown State University (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • James Perry, Bryant University (DiNitto/Rhode Island)
  • Gabby Price, Husson University [Maine] (State of Maine)
  • Shane Richardson, University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Chicago Metro)
  • Bob Ritter, Middlebury College [Vt.] (Vermont)
  • Mark Robichaud, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Pete Rossomondo, Central Connecticut State University (Northern Connecticut)
  • Jim Ryan, Rhodes College [Tenn.] (Memphis [Tenn.])
  • Regis Scafe, Thomas More College [Ky.] (Greater Cincinnati)
  • Jody Sears, Sacramento State (Sacramento Valley [Calif.])
  • Brock Spack, Illinois State University (Chicago Metro)
  • Bob Surace, Princeton University (Delaware Valley [N.J.])
  • Chip Taylor, Hamline University [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Jay Thomas, Northwestern State University (S.M. McNaughton [La.])
  • Carl Torbush, East Tennessee State University (Mountain Empire [Tenn.])
  • J.B. Wells, Bowdoin College [Maine] (State of Maine)

Athletics Directors:

  • Amy Backus, Case Western Reserve University [Ohio] (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Sandy Barbour, Penn State University (Central Pennsylvania)
  • Mike Bobinksi, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma, 2013 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient (Oklahoma)
  • Jeff Cleanthes, Rhodes College [Tenn.] (Memphis [Tenn.])
  • Jeff Compher, East Carolina University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • John Currie, University of Tennessee (East Tennessee)
  • Jim Donovan, Cal State Fullerton (Hawaii)
  • David Handsburg, Colorado School of Mines (Colorado)
  • John Hartwell, Utah State University (Utah)
  • Kirby Hocutt, Texas Tech University (Texas Tech)
  • Jeff Long, University of Arkansas (Arkansas)
  • Ingrid Wicker McCree, North Carolina Central University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Greg McGarity, University of Georgia (University of Georgia)
  • Joe Parker, Colorado State University (Colorado)
  • Mike Perrin, University of Texas (Arkansas, Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State University, former head football coach (Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Kevin White, Duke University, 2014 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])

Members of the College Football Hall of Fame addressing or attending events included:

  • Donny Anderson, Texas Tech University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Otis Armstrong, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Chris Bisaillon, Illinois Wesleyan University (Chicago Metro)
  • Brian Bosworth, University of Oklahoma (Arkansas)
  • Murry Bowden, Dartmouth College (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Kevin Butler, University of Georgia (University of Georgia)
  • Ted Brown, North Carolina State University (Minnesota)
  • Tedy Bruschi, University of Arizona (Southern Arizona)
  • Dave Casper, University of Notre Dame (Minnesota)
  • Coach Jim Christopherson, Concordia College [Minn.] (Minnesota)
  • Tom Cousineau, Ohio State University (Columbus [Ohio])
  • Jimbo Covert, University of Pittsburgh (Chicago Metro)
  • Bob Crable, University of Notre Dame (Greater Cincinnati)
  • Coach Doug Dickey, University of Tennessee, University of Florida (East Tennessee)
  • Coach Terry Donahue, University of California, Los Angeles (Newport Beach [Calif.])
  • Coach Vince Dooley, University of Georgia (Touchdown Club of Atlanta, University of Georgia)
  • Joe Dudek, Plymouth State University [N.H.] (Joe Yukica/New Hampshire)
  • Dave Elmendorf, Texas A&M University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Doug English, University of Texas (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Marshall Faulk, San Diego State University (Allstate Sugar Bowl [La.])
  • Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern University (Chicago Metro, Toledo [Ohio])
  • Coach Frank Girardi, Lycoming College [Pa.] (Central Pennsylvania)
  • Archie Griffin, Ohio State University (Columbus [Ohio])
  • Ted Hendricks, University of Miami [Fla.] (Chicago Metro)
  • Mark Herrmann, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Clarkston Hines, Duke University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Ricky Hunley, University of Arizona (Southern Arizona)
  • Dick Jauron, Yale University (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Coach Larry Kehres, University of Mount Union [Ohio] (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Coach Frank Kush, Arizona State University (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Leroy Keyes, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Johnny Majors, University of Tennessee (East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee)
  • Coach Bill Manlove, Widener University [Pa.] (Philadelphia)
  • Archie Manning, University of Mississippi (Allstate Sugar Bowl [La.], Arkansas)
  • Coach Fred Martinelli, Ashland University [Ohio] (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Coach Bill McCartney, University of Colorado (Colorado)
  • Don McCauley, University of North Carolina (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Randall McDaniel, Arizona State University (Minnesota)
  • Richard McGeorge, Elon University (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Pat McInally, Harvard University (Orange County [Calif.])
  • Bob McKay, University of Texas (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Steve McMichael, University of Texas (Chicago Metro)
  • Don McPherson, Syracuse University (New York City)
  • Greg Myers, Colorado State University (Colorado)
  • Coach Tom Osborne, University of Nebraska (Nebraska)
  • Dennis Onkotz, Penn State University (Central Pennsylvania)
  • Ron Pritchard, Arizona State University (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Coach John Ralston, Utah State University, Stanford University, San Jose State University (Northern California)
  • Jim Ritcher, North Carolina State (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Coach Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University, Ohio State University; and current Youngstown State president (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Charley Trippi, University of Georgia (University of Georgia)
  • Don Trull, Baylor University (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Mike Utley, Washington State University (Tacoma/Pierce County [Wash.], King County/Seattle)
  • Curt Warner, Penn State University (Clark County [Wash.])
  • Gene Washington, Michigan State University (Minnesota)
  • Joe Washington, University of Oklahoma (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Rod Woodson, Purdue University (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Danny Wuerffel, University of Florida (Arkansas)
  • Coach Jim Young, University of Arizona, Purdue University, U.S. Military Academy (Southern Arizona)

NFF National Scholar-Athletes attending or speaking at events included:

  • Brian Baschnagel, Ohio State University-1975 (Chicago Metro)
  • Drew Butler, University of Georgia-2011 (University of Georgia)
  • Dave Casper, University of Notre Dame-1973 (Minnesota)
  • Paul Choquette, Brown University-1959 (DiNitto/Rhode Island)
  • Tim Crawley, San Jose State University-2016 (Northern California)
  • Dan DeRose, Colorado State University-Pueblo-1983 (Colorado)
  • DeVon Edwards, Duke University-2016 (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Dave Elmendorf, Texas A&M University-1970, current Texas A&M radio broadcaster (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Mitchell Glieber, Southern Methodist University-1989, current State Fair of Texas president (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • David Greene, University of Georgia- 2004 (University of Georgia)
  • Carter Hanson, Saint John’s University [Minn.]-2016 (Minnesota)
  • Tim Harden, U.S. Naval Academy-1974 (Northern California)
  • Quin Harris, Louisiana Tech University-2008 (S.M. McNaughton [La.])
  • John “J.J.” Jackson, University of Southern California-1989 (Pasadena/San Gabriel [Calif.])
  • Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech University-2002, current Texas Tech head coach (Texas Tech)
  • J Leman, University of Illinois-2007, current Big Ten Network broadcaster (Chicago Metro)
  • Craig Mahoney,Iowa State University-1990 (Iowa)
  • Eli Manning, University of Mississippi-2003, current New York Giants quarterback (New York City)
  • Pat McInally, Harvard University – 1974 (Orange County [Calif.])
  • Greg Myers, Colorado State University-1995 (Colorado)
  • Mike Perrin, University of Texas-1968, current Texas athletics director (Arkansas, Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Dr. Archie Roberts, Columbia University-1964 (Western Massachusetts)
  • John Scovell, Texas Tech University-1967, founder and chairman of Woodbine Development Corp. (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Robert Stein, University of Minnesota-1968 (Minnesota)
  • Zach Terrell, Western Michigan University-2016 Campbell Trophy winner (State of Michigan)
  • Don Trull, Baylor University-1963 (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Danny Wuerffel, University of Florida-1996 Campbell Trophy winner (Arkansas)

Members of the NFF Board of Directors attending or speaking at events included:

  • Murry Bowden, College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Dartmouth College, Chairman & CEO of the Hanover Company and NFF Director Emeritus (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma director of athletics and 2013 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient (Oklahoma)
  • Dave Davis, Gamble Jones Investment Counsel principal (Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley [Calif.])
  • Archie Griffin, College Football Hall of Fame inductee (Columbus [Ohio])
  • Steve Hatchell, NFF President & CEO (Colorado, Greater Austin, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Richard Jackson, Richard W. Jackson, an Accountancy Corporation (Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley [Calif.])
  • Jack Lengyel, Former athletics director and head coach, 2005 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient and 1997 NFF Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award recipient (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Archie Manning, NFF Chairman, College Football Hall of Fame inductee and 2016 NFF Gold Medal recipient (Allstate Sugar Bowl [La.], Arkansas)
  • Bob Mulcahy, NFF Director Emeritus, former Rutgers University athletics director and 2010 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient (GreaterMorris County [N.J.])
  • Bob Vecchione, NACDA executive director (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)

Other keynote speakers and VIP attendees included:

  • Ron Abdow, 1997 NFF Outstanding Football Official Award recipient (Western Massachusetts)
  • Ernie Accorsi, former New York Giants General Manager (New York City)
  • Lewis Acquarulo, Trinity College (Conn.) defensive coordinator (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Carl Allegretti, former Deloitte Tax Chairman and CEO and former Butler University defensive lineman (Chicago Metro)
  • Mark Alnutt, University of Memphis associate athletics director (Memphis [Tenn])
  • Fred Arp, former UC Davis defensive line coach (Sacramento Valley [Calif.])
  • Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings Executive Vice President of Public Affairs (Minnesota)
  • Michael Bankston, former Sam Houston State University and NFL defensive end (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Brad Bates, former Boston College athletics director (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • John Beake, former Denver Broncos General Manager and NFL administrator (Colorado)
  • Frank Beamer, former Virginia Tech and Murray State University head football coach and current College Football Playoff Selection Committee member (Arkansas, Corrigan/Faircloth [N.C.], East Tennessee)
  • Donnell Bennett Jr., former University of Miami and NFL fullback (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Brian Billick, former Brigham Young University tight end and former Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens head coach (Utah)
  • Eric Bjornson, former University of Washington and NFL tight end (Northern California)
  • Capt. Brent Blackmer, United States Naval officer (State of Maine)
  • Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications, Inc., the parent company of the Toledo Blade (Toledo [Ohio])
  • Phil Bradley, former University of Missouri quarterback and Major League Baseball outfielder (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director of the University Interscholastic League [Texas public school athletics administration] (Greater Austin)
  • Brig. Gen. Scott E. Brower, acting senior commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Middle Tennessee)
  • Kent Brown, University of Illinois sports information director (Chicago Metro)
  • Kris Brown, former University of Nebraska and NFL kicker (Nebraska)
  • Mack Brown, former University of Texas head coach and current ESPN analyst (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Ricky Brown, former University of Texas fullback (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Scott Brunner, former University of Delaware and NFL quarterback (Essex County [N.J.])
  • Larry Brunson, former University of Colorado and NFL wide receiver (Colorado)
  • Kevin Bull, Detroit Free Press sports director (State of Michigan)
  • John Bunting, former University of North Carolina linebacker and head football coach (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Morgan Burke, former Purdue University athletics director (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Bart Burrell, former Purdue University wide receiver (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Jeffrey Buskirk, former Syracuse University football player (Lehigh Valley [Pa.])
  • Luke Butkus, University of Illinois offensive line coach (Chicago Metro)
  • Brent Caprio, former College of William & Mary quarterback and 2009 NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete (Central Indiana)
  • Adam Carriker, former University of Nebraska and NFL defensive end (Nebraska)
  • Bob Casciola, former National Football Foundation president, Princeton University tackle and head coach at Princeton and the University of Connecticut (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Tim Cassidy, Arizona State University senior associate athletics director of football operations (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Jeff Charles, radio play-by-play voice of the East Carolina University Pirates (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Stanley Cohn, Allstate Sugar Bowl President (Allstate Sugar Bowl [La.])
  • Erik Coleman, former Washington State University and NFL safety (New York City)
  • Tony Coley, former University of Miami linebacker and Vice President of BB&T Bank (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Tony Collins, former East Carolina University and NFL running back (Twin Tiers [N.Y.])
  • Robert Cornejo, member of the Missouri House of Representatives (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Jack Cosgrove, former University of Maine head coach (State of Maine)
  • Tom Crean, former Indiana University head basketball coach (Southern Indiana)
  • Matt Davis, former kicker at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 2016 Fred Mitchell award winner (Chicago Metro)
  • Casey Dick, former University of Arkansas quarterback (Arkansas)
  • Darrell Dickey, University of Memphis offensive coordinator (Memphis [Tenn])
  • Brett Diersen, Northern Illinois University defensive line coach (Chicago Metro)
  • Woodie Dixon, Pac-12 Conference General Counsel and Senior Vice President (Northern California)
  • DeLoss Dodds, 2006 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient and former Kansas State University and University of Texas athletics director (Greater Austin)
  • Dave Dorr, former St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Wes Durham, FOX Sports Network/ACC Network broadcaster and voice of the Atlanta Falcons (East Tennessee)
  • Dave Eanet, voice of the Northwestern Wildcats (Chicago Metro)
  • Herm Edwards, former NFL coach and current ESPN broadcaster (Arkansas)
  • Tom Ehlers, former Colorado State University football player and current Colorado State director of football operations (Colorado)
  • Steve Ehrhart, AutoZone Liberty Bowl Executive Director (Memphis [Tenn.])
  • Jared Elliott, Western Illinois University assistant head coach (Chicago Metro)
  • Lawrence Fan, San Jose State University media relations director (Northern California)
  • Ali Farhang, chair of the Arizona Bowl committee (Southern Arizona)
  • Gary Fencik, former Yale University and Chicago Bears safety and current finance industry executive (Chicago Metro)
  • Craig Fouhy, ABC15 Arizona sports director, former Pacific Lutheran University (Wash.) offensive tackle and former North Park University (Ill.) head coach (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Jonathan Franklin, former UCLA and NFL running back, Community Relations Representative for the Los Angeles Rams (Pasadena/San Gabriel [Calif.])
  • Justin Frye, Boston College offensive line coach (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Barry Gallup Sr., Boston College senior associate athletics director and former Boston College wide receiver and Northeastern University head coach (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Rocky Gillis, former Iowa State University running back (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Adam Goldberg, former University of Wyoming and NFL offensive tackle (Wyoming)
  • Ken Green, former Marshall University safety (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Eric Hamilton, former head coach at The College of New Jersey (Delaware Valley [N.J.], Essex County [N.J.])
  • Ken Hamlin, former University of Arkansas and NFL defensive back (Arkansas)
  • Tom Hansen, retired PAC 10 commissioner and 2008 NFF Legacy Award winner (Northern California)
  • Randy Hart, former Ohio State University offensive guard and longtime college football assistant coach (King County/Seattle)
  • Matt Hasselbeck, ESPN broadcaster and former Boston College and NFL quarterback (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • J.D. Hill, former Arizona State University and NFL wide receiver (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Paul Hoolahan, Allstate Sugar Bowl Chief Executive Officer (Allstate Sugar Bowl [La.])
  • Marc Hudak, former Ithaca College (N.Y.) All-America offensive lineman and 2015 NFF Chapter Leadership Award recipient (New York City)
  • Ken Huff, former University of North Carolina All-American and NFL player (NFFCHOF Bill Dooley [N.C.])
  • Jeff Hunsaker, former Utah State University defensive end and current Visa vice president and head of Authorize.net (Utah)
  • Neal Jeffrey, former Baylor University quarterback and current minister (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Paul Johns, former University of Tulsa and NFL wide receiver (King County/Seattle)
  • Bobby Johnson, former Furman University and Vanderbilt University head football coach, member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee (University of Georgia)
  • Brad Johnson, former Florida State University and NFL quarterback (University of Georgia)
  • Cedric Jones, New York Athletic Club Athletic Director and former Duke University and New England Patriots wide receiver (New York City)
  • Jeff Joniak, Chicago Bears radio personality (Chicago Metro)
  • Randy Karraker, ESPN St. Louis radio broadcaster (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Doug Kelly, Football Bowl Association director of communications (Sacramento Valley [Calif.])
  • Glen Kozlowski, former Brigham Young University and Chicago Bears wide receiver (Chicago Metro)
  • Jason Kremus, former University of Maryland wide receiver (Lehigh Valley [Pa.])
  • Jim Kubiek, former U.S. Naval Academy and NFL quarterback (Twin Tiers [N.Y.])
  • Dan Kush, former Arizona State University football player (Valley of the Sun [Ariz.])
  • Connie Kowal, former New Orleans Saints Vice President of Marketing (Chicago Metro)
  • Jim Lachey, former Ohio State University and NFL offensive tackle and current Buckeyes football radio broadcaster (Columbus [Ohio])
  • Morrie Lanning, former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (Minnesota)
  • John Laurie, longtime Big Eight and Big 12 Conference official (Sunflower [Kan.])
  • Bob Lee, former University of the Pacific and NFL quarterback and punter (Northern California)
  • Rian Lindell, former Washington State University and NFL kicker (Clark County [Wash.])
  • Bill Little, longtime University of Texas sports information director (Greater Austin [Texas], NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Dave Logan, former University of Colorado and NFL wide receiver and current Denver Broncos radio broadcaster (Colorado)
  • Mike Lude, former Colorado State University head football coach; former Kent State University, University of Washington and Auburn University athletics director; and the 2001 NFF John L. Toner Award recipient (Southern Arizona)
  • Joey Lynch, Ball State University offensive coordinator (Central Indiana)
  • Kevin Lynch, Ball State University running backs coach (Central Indiana)
  • Kevin Lynch, former Colorado State University football player (Colorado)
  • Dr. Brian Mahaffey, St. Louis Cardinals team physician (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • John Mara, president, CEO, and co-owner of the New York Giants (New York City)
  • Ed McCaffrey, former Stanford University and NFL wide receiver (Colorado)
  • Kevin McDonald, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl executive director (Southern Idaho)
  • Sherrick McManis, former Northwestern University and current Chicago Bears cornerback (Chicago Metro)
  • Mac McWhorter, former University of Georgia guard and longtime college football assistant coach (University of Georgia)
  • David McWilliams, former University of Texas head football coach and 2013 NFF Chapter Leadership Award recipient (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Jon Meter-Parel, Boston College play-by-play announcer (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • James Metzger, Chairman and CEO of The Whitmore Group (New York City)
  • Tim Millis, 2009 NFF Outstanding Football Official Award recipient and former referee and executive director of the NFL Referees Association (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Fred Mitchell, author and former Chicago Tribune journalist and former Wittenberg [Ohio] kicker (Chicago Metro)
  • Sean Moran, former Colorado State University and NFL defensive end (Colorado)
  • Jim Mueller, Cleveland TV sports personality (Mike Cleary/Northeastern Ohio)
  • Anthony Munoz, former University of Southern California offensive tackle and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Greater Cincinnati)
  • Patrick Murray, former Fordham University and NFL kicker (Chicago Metro)
  • Scott Murray, Dallas sports personality (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Peter Najarian, former University of Minnesota and NFL linebacker, CNBC Halftime Report & Fast Money contributor and the co-founder of optionMONSTER (Minnesota)
  • Brad Nessler, CBS Sports broadcaster (Minnesota)
  • Blake Neyland, son of College Football Hall of Fame coach Robert Neyland (East Tennessee)
  • Brandon Noble, former Penn State University and NFL defensive tackle (Central Pennsylvania)
  • Danny O’Dea, Dartmouth College defensive backs coach (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Jimmy Orr, former University of Georgia and NFL wide receiver (University of Georgia)
  • Rob Pannell, professional lacrosse player and marketing executive at The Whitmore Group (New York City)
  • Petros Papadakis, former University of Southern California tailback and current FOX Sports college football analyst (Orange County [Calif.])
  • Glenn Parker, former University of Arizona All-American and NFL pro-bowler, Pac-12 commentator (Southern Arizona)
  • Paul Pasqualoni, Boston College defensive line coach (Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts)
  • Kent Payne, NFL and Super Bowl official (Colorado)
  • Dave Peacock, Chair of the St. Louis Sports Commission and former president of Anheuser-Busch (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Dan Persa, former Northwestern University quarterback (Lehigh Valley [Pa.])
  • Gary Pinkel, former University of Missouri head football coach (Arkansas)
  • Dennis Pitta, former Brigham Young University and current NFL tight end (Utah)
  • Mickey Pruitt, former University of Colorado and NFL linebacker (Chicago Metro)
  • Pete Quinn, former Purdue University center and current Purdue radio broadcaster (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Brady Quinn, former University of Notre Dame and NFL quarterback and current FOX Sports broadcaster (Brian Piccolo [Fla.])
  • Scott Raridon, former University of Nebraska offensive tackle (Nebraska)
  • Dan Reeves, former University of South Carolina and NFL player, former NFL head coach (University of Georgia)
  • Howard Richards, former University of Missouri offensive lineman and current Tigers radio analyst and Missouri assistant athletics director for community relations (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Thomas Robinson, Mountain West Conference and WAC official, 2008 recipient of the NFF Outstanding Official Award (Colorado)
  • D.W. Rutledge, Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association (Greater Austin [Texas])
  • Jim Saccomano, former Denver Bronco public relations vice president (Colorado)
  • Sean Salisbury, Yahoo! Sports personality and former University of Southern California and NFL quarterback (Touchdown Club of Houston)
  • Brandon Sanders, former University of Arizona All-American and NFL player (Southern Arizona)
  • Steve Savard, St. Louis sports broadcaster (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Pete Schenkel, Dallas civic and business leader and former State Fair of Texas chairman (NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas)
  • Casey Scott, Kansas State University executive associate athletics director (Sunflower [Kan.])
  • Field Scovell, former Texas Tech University wide receiver (Texas Tech)
  • Gerald Sensabaugh, former East Tennessee State University, University of North Carolina and NFL safety (Mountain Empire (Tenn.])
  • Tim Shaw, former Penn State University and NFL linebacker (Middle Tennessee)
  • D.J. Shockley, former University of Georgia and NFL quarterback (University of Georgia)
  • Loran Smith, The Georgia Bulldog Club (University of Georgia)
  • Sean Snyder, former Kansas State University punter and current Kansas State assistant coach (Sunflower [Kan.])
  • Tom Spurgeon, former chairman of the Purdue Board of Trustees (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Weston Steelhammer, United States Air Force Academy defensive back and 2013 NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete (Colorado)
  • Jim Strickland, mayor of Memphis (Memphis)
  • Andy Talley, former Villanova University head football coach (Lehigh Valley [Pa.], Philadelphia)
  • Aaron Taylor, CBS Sports analyst and former University of Notre Dame and NFL offensive lineman (Arkansas)
  • Mike Terrizzi, former Purdue University and NFL quarterback (Northern California)
  • Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Darrell Thompson, former University of Minnesota and Green Bay Packers running back and current radio broadcaster for Minnesota Golden Gophers football (Minnesota)
  • Lance Tibbet, Pasadena Tournament of Roses president (Pasadena/San Gabriel [Calif.])
  • Joe Tiller, former University of Wyoming and Purdue University head coach (Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana)
  • Dick Tomey, former University of Hawaii, University of Arizona and San Jose State University head football coach (Southern Arizona)
  • Donna Turner, Northern Illinois University sports information director (Chicago Metro)
  • Tim Van Galder, former Iowa State University and St. Louis Cardinals quarterback (Tom Lombardo/St. Louis)
  • Keith Van Horne, former University of Southern California and Chicago Bears offensive lineman (Chicago Metro)
  • Jeff Van Note, former University of Kentucky and NFL center (University of Georgia)
  • John Volek, former Sacramento State head football coach (Sacramento Valley [Calif.])
  • Kevin Warren, COO of the Minnesota Vikings (Minnesota)
  • Craig Way, University of Texas play-by-play broadcaster (Greater Austin)
  • Alan B. White, PlainsCapital Corporation Chairman (Texas Tech)
  • Rob Wigod, California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Commissioner (Orange County [Calif.], Pasadena/San Gabriel [Calif.])
  • Mike Williams, Illinois State University sports information director (Chicago Metro)
  • Tyler Wilson, former University of Arkansas and NFL quarterback (Arkansas)
  • Sam Wyche, former Furman University and NFL quarterback and Indiana University and NFL head coach (University of Georgia)
  • Joe Yukica, former head coach at the University of New Hampshire, Boston College and Dartmouth College (Joe Yukica/New Hampshire)

Larry Zimmer, former Colorado broadcaster and 2009 Chris Schenkel award winner (Colorado)

Related Content

Mar 27 2024

Schwieger Named Kyle Macy Freshman All-American by CollegeInsider.com

Schwieger Named Kyle Macy Freshman All-American by CollegeInsider.com Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Cooper Schwieger (Overland Park, Kan. / Blue...
Mar 27 2024

Scott, Lane each named a 2024 IBCA Assistant Coach of the Year

Scott, Lane each named a 2024 IBCA Assistant Coach of the Year Long-time aides for Barr-Reeve boys, Jennings County girls recognized by Indiana Basketball Coaches...
Mar 27 2024

Wong and Ricard capture 2024 Louisville Slugger/Wilson DI weekly honors

  Wong and Ricard capture 2024 Louisville Slugger/Wilson DIweekly honors LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Wichita State’s CC Wong and Boston University Kasey Ricard were named...
Mar 27 2024

Final Push Leads Freed-Hardeman to First Red Banner in Program History

Final Push Leads Freed-Hardeman to First Red Banner in Program History Mar 26, 2024 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – [Box Score] [Bracket] The 86th annual NAIA Men’s Basketball...
Mar 27 2024

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship. Dordt wins it all!

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship Mar 26, 2024 SIOUX CITY, Iowa – [BRACKET | BOX SCORE] The 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship between Dordt...