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2026 Award Winner
Peter King
For more than four decades, Peter King helped shape how football is covered and understood. Through insightful reporting and storytelling, he established himself as one of the sport's most respected writers while chronicling the evolution of the modern NFL and strengthening fans' connection to the game.
Previous Winners
2024
Chris Berman
With his unmistakable energy and unique broadcasting style, Chris Berman turned NFL highlights into a part of sports culture. Through decades of coverage, analysis, and storytelling, he connected with casual and dedicated fans alike while helping grow the game's popularity and keep audiences engaged with the NFL beyond gameday.
2023
John Madden
As a broadcaster, football educator, and Hall of Fame coach, John Madden brought an unmistakable passion and authenticity to every part of the game. Through television and video games, his ability to teach and explain football made the sport more accessible to generations of fans while expanding its reach and building connections with audiences around the world.
2020
Bart Starr
At the helm of the Green Bay Packers dynasty, Bart Starr helped elevate the NFL's national prominence and led his team to victories in the first two Super Bowls. Respected by teammates, opponents, and fans alike, his championship legacy was matched by the integrity, humility, and leadership he demonstrated throughout his career and beyond.
2019
Super Bowls III and IV
Landmark victories by the Jets in Super Bowl III and the Chiefs in Super Bowl IV proved the AFL could compete with the NFL's best and changed perceptions of the league. Together, the games helped solidify support for the AFL-NFL merger and became two defining moments in the formation of today's NFL.
2018
Peyton Manning
With his preparation, leadership, and command of the game, five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning helped redefine the quarterback position and set a standard that influenced a generation of players. His impact extended beyond the field, as his personality and media presence made him one of the league's most recognizable figures and helped bring new audiences to the game.
2017
Al Michaels
Through decades behind the microphone, Al Michaels became one of the most recognizable and respected voices in sports. His calls brought many of the NFL's most memorable games to national audiences, while his storytelling and broadcast excellence helped elevate football coverage and connect new generations of fans to the game.
2016
Super Bowl I
The first Super Bowl marked a new era for professional football, bringing the AFL and NFL together on the championship stage. It established a tradition that would grow the league's national visibility and become one of the most significant annual events in sports and entertainment.
2015
Paul Tagliabue
During his tenure as NFL Commissioner, Paul Tagliabue guided the league through a transformative era of growth in popularity, revenue, and franchise value. His leadership helped expand the NFL's reach, maintain labor stability and competitive balance, and position the league for a new era of media, sponsorships, and global growth.
2014
Len Dawson
As the face of the AFL during its formative years, Len Dawson helped establish the league as a force in professional football and led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV. After his playing career, he became a trusted broadcaster, connecting generations of fans to the game and extending his influence well beyond the field.
2013
Don Shula
With the most career coaching victories in NFL history, Don Shula set a standard for sustained excellence, leadership, and preparation. He led the 1972 Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history and built a legacy of discipline and adaptability that influenced generations of coaches and demonstrated the value of long-term organizational stability.
2012
Roger Staubach
As one of the NFL's first nationally recognized superstar quarterbacks, Roger Staubach helped expand the league's reach while leading the Dallas Cowboys during their rise as "America's Team." Known for his leadership, competitiveness, and sportsmanship, he remained an influential ambassador for the game long after his playing career ended.
2011
NFL Films (Ed and Steve Sabol)
Through cinematic storytelling, sideline audio, and dramatic visuals, Ed and Steve Sabol revolutionized the way football was presented to fans. NFL Films brought players, coaches, and games to life in compelling new ways, preserving the league's history, building connections across generations, and helping grow the NFL's popularity far beyond gameday.
2010
Monday Night Football
By bringing NFL football into primetime, Monday Night Football introduced millions of viewers to the sport. Its blend of football, storytelling, and innovative television production changed sports broadcasting forever while helping make Monday night matchups a weekly tradition for fans across the country.
2009
Tony Dungy
Tony Dungy made history as the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl while building a legacy rooted in integrity, consistency, and player development. His influence extended beyond the field through his mentorship of future NFL coaches and executives, as well as his professionalism, character, and commitment to community leadership.
2008
The Foolish Club
The original eight owners of the American Football League, known as "The Foolish Club," took the bold risk of challenging the NFL and forever changed professional football. Their league introduced a more exciting style of play that modernized the sport and ultimately led to the AFL-NFL merger, laying the foundation for today's NFL and the Super Bowl era.