Draddy Trophy

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While many major college football awards are theoretically open to players at all competitive levels, in practice only players at NCAA Division I level win. The Draddy Trophy is unique in that it has actually been won by a player at a lower level—Brandon Roberts of Washington University in St. Louis, an NCAA Division III school, in 2002.

Named in the honor of Vincent dePaul Draddy, who served the National Football Foundation and its College Football Hall of Fame for 33 years, including 19 years as Chairman of the Board, the trophy has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

A scholar-athlete himself at Manhattan College, Draddy passionately believed in the premise that excellence on the football field could, and should, be consistent with academic distinction and the highest standards of civic leadership. He thought that young men who combined athletic performance with academic excellence should be recognized. After his passing in July of 1990, the National Football Foundation perpetuated his memory and beliefs by establishing a scholarship that would recognize the scholar-athlete who most fully embodies the ideals of the NFF.

The trophy is sponsored by HealthSouth Corporation, and as such is officially named The Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth.

Previous winners

External links

* [http://www.footballfoundation.com The Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy] , National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame website
* [http://www.footballfoundation.com/news.php?id=1008 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Class]