Presented annually to the Division I college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The award honors the type of exemplary character and commitment to community, family and teammates demonstrated by Jason Witten, the 2012 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year and one of the most prominent role models in the game.

Nominees are gathered from the Sports Information Directors of each NCAA Division I football-playing institution. Three finalists are selected by the award’s board of directors, and the winner is selected by a panel of prominent former players and coaches, as well as members of the college football media.

Nomination Criteria

Nominee must be a player that has established himself as a leader both on and off the playing field.

Nominee should have also excelled in his performance on the field for his team during the 2020 season.

Anecdotal information and/or testimonials about the nominee’s integrity and leadership are highly encouraged.

Team captains are preferred, though status as team captain is not required for consideration.

Starting players are preferred, though it is not required for consideration.

Nominee must be enrolled in a degree program, in good academic standing and on track to graduate.

Weight is given to those applications that list documented community service activity. This can include activity at schools, hospitals, after-school clubs, religious organizations and other non-profits.

**All Nominations Must Be Submitted By October 27, 2020.**