Walter Camp Man of the Year

Walter Camp Man of the Year
Awarded for the "Man of the Year" in the world of college football
Country United States
Presented by Walter Camp Football Foundation
First awarded 1967
Currently held by Harry Carson

The Walter Camp Man of the Year is one of seven awards given annually by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. The award is given to the "Man of the Year" in the world of college football. It honors an individual who has been closely associated with the game of American football as a player, coach or close attendant to the game. He must have attained a measure of success and been a leader in his chosen profession. He must have contributed to the public service for the benefit of his community, country and his fellow man. He must have an impeccable reputation for integrity and must be dedicated to our American Heritage and the philosophy of Walter Camp.[1]

2009 Man of the Year

Former Stanford University and Denver Broncos standout quarterback John Elway is the recipient of the Walter Camp Football Foundation's "Man of the Year" award.

"John Elway's heroics and remarkable success on the football field are well known, but his continuing support of game of the football and the greater good symbolizes the life of Walter Camp and make John a deserving recipient of the Man of the Year Award", said Foundation President Alphonse Paolillo, Jr.

Elway was recognized for his tireless community involvement. by establishing the "Elway Foundation", a non-profit organization that raises money directed towards the prevention and treatment of child abuse throughout Colorado.

2008 Man of the Year

Record-setting placekicker Morten Andersen (Michigan State) was the recipient of the 2008 Walter Camp "Man of the Year" award. Born in Denmark, Andersen attended Michigan State and was named to the 1981 Walter Camp All-America team. Anderson is also a member of the Walter Camp All-Century Team.

After his successful collegiate career, Andersen went on to play 26 seasons in the NFL for five different teams (New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings). Andersen holds the distinction of being the all-time leader scorer in NFL history as well as the all-time leading scorer for two different teams (Saints and Falcons).

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Andersen was a member of the NFL All-Decade Teams for both the 1980s and 1990s. Andersen also holds the honor of being the first NFL kicker to kick three field goals of over 50 yards in a single game. For his career, Andersen connected on 565-of-709 (.797 pct.) field goals and 849-of-859 (.988 pct.) extra points for a total of 2,544 points – tops in NFL history.

2007 Man of the Year

Walter Camp All-Century Team member and NFL Hall-of-Famer Dick Butkus, University of Illinois, received the 2007 Walter Camp "Man of the Year" award.

He was a two-time Walter Camp All-America selection (1963 and 1964) while playing center and linebacker. Butkus was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. A member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, Butkus had his number 51 jersey retired by the Bears in 1994.

After his playing career, Butkus became a well-known celebrity endorser, broadcaster and actor. In addition, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Florida, created the Dick Butkus Award, an award given annually to the most outstanding linebacker in college football.

2006 Man of the Year

Mike Utley, the Former Washington State and Detroit Lions guard. Suffered a career-ending spinal injury during a game in 1991. Utley was awarded because he "has become a symbol of courage with his own rehabilitation" . Also mentioned in his citation was his "commitment to help others with similar injuries".

The Mike Utley Foundation, with the motto "Thumbs Up", has been dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and providing the motivational and emotional support for individuals who have been disabled with such injuries.

Yearly honorees

2015Fred Biletnikoff, Florida State
2014Jerome Bettis, Notre Dame
2013Matt Millen, Penn State
2012Herm Edwards, San Diego State
2011Harry Carson, South Carolina State
2010Will Shields, Nebraska
2009John Elway, Stanford
2008Morten Andersen, Michigan State
2007Dick Butkus, Illinois
2006Mike Utley, Washington State
2005Dwight Stephenson, Alabama
2004Anthony Munoz, Southern California
2003Ozzie Newsome, Alabama
2002Jim Kelly, Miami (Florida)
2001Mike Singletary, Baylor
2000Howie Long, Villanova
1999Gil Brandt, Dallas Cowboys
1998Lou Holtz, Kent State University
1997Calvin Hill, Yale
1996Lynn Swann, Southern California
1995Reggie Williams, Dartmouth
1994Dick Anderson, Colorado
1993Warren Moon, Washington
1992Bob Griese, Purdue
1991Mel Blount, Southern
1990Nick Buoniconti, Notre Dame
1989Paul Brown, Miami (Ohio)
1988Andy Robustelli, Arnold
1987Levi Jackson, Yale
1986Willie Davis, Grambling
1985Rocky Bleier, Notre Dame
1984Don Shula, John Carroll
1983Roger Staubach, Navy
1982Merlin Olsen, Utah State
1981Otto Graham, Northwestern
1980Gale Sayers, Kansas
1979Jack Kemp, Occidental
1978Floyd Little, Syracuse
1977Frederick Dunlap, Colgate
1976Edward Krause, Notre Dame
1975Pete Dawkins, Army
1974Jake Gaither, Knoxville College/Florida A&M
1973Duffy Daugherty, Syracuse/Michigan State
1972Clinton Frank, Yale
1971Doc Blanchard, Army
1970Harry Kipke, Michigan
1969Pete Rozelle, San Francisco
1968Ted Blair, Yale
1967Hamilton Fish, Harvard

See also

References

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