National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame
Awards Presented at Annual Banquet
Past and Present Honorees
Note: Award years refer to football seasons. The awards are presented at the following spring's Banquet.
"Fred Russell Distinguished American Award"
The Fred Russell Distinguished American Award is the highest honor presented by this Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and recognizes a local supporter of American values and the Mid-state Community. This award is named in honor of the former sports editor for the Nashville Banner from 1930-1998. Fred Russell is a member of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
"Roy Kramer Contribution to Football Award"
The Roy Kramer Contribution to Football Award is presented to a local individual who has been instrumental in promoting the game of football with the highest level of leadership, integrity and participation. This award is named in honor of the former SEC Commissioner and Vanderbilt Athletic Director.
"Admiral William P. Lawrence Award"
The Admiral William P. Lawrence Award is presented to the top high school football scholar-athlete in the Middle Tennessee area based on scholarship, sportsmanship and value to his team. This award is named in honor of Admiral William P. Lawrence, a former Nashville outstanding scholar-athlete and Naval hero.
"Bickerstaff-Pace Outstanding University Scholar-Athlete Award"
The C.R. Bickerstaff/Coach Bill Pace University Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the top university football scholar-athlete in the Middle Tennessee area based on scholarship, sportsmanship and value to the team. Bickerstaff was longtime Executive Secretary of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Pace is a former Head Coach at Vanderbilt University.
"Joe L. Worden / Jack Redgen Courage Award"
This award is named after two outstanding athletic trainers whose careers included long stints of service with the Vanderbilt University Department of Athletics. Both Worden and Redgren are former winners of this chapter's Roy Kramer Contribution to Football Award. This award is presented to a Middle Tennessee scholar-athlete who has faced obstacles but came back to succeed.
"Bonnie Sloan Courage Award"
Bonnie Sloan attended Nashville’s Litton High School & Austin Peay State University, where he was an All-OVC defensive tackle in 71-72. He reached the pinnacle of his sport when he became the first deaf player to be drafted in the NFL by the St. Louis Cardinals. This award is presented to a college or professional athlete, coach or staff member who faces obstacles and continues to fight the good fight with the spirit of Bonnie Sloan!
"Bob Sullins Inspiration Award" Provided by Nashville Chapter NFL Retired Players Association
The Inspiration Award is presented to a student who is an outstanding leader in his school and his football team and demonstrates leadership by his example. This award is presented by the National Football League Retired Players Association, Nashville Chapter.
"Jim Barrom Spirit Award"
The Jim Barrom Spirit Award is presented to a Metropolitan Nashville Public School student who exemplifies the highest qualities of sportsmanship. This award is named in honor of Jim Barrom, former Local Chapter Director of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
"Harold 'Cotton' Clark / Scott Brunette Spirit Award"
The Harold ˜Cotton" Clark Spirit Award is presented to a Mid-state student who exemplifies the highest qualities of sportsmanship. This award is named in honor of the late Cotton Clark, longtime Executive Secretary of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
"Art Demmas Outstanding Official Award"
Art Demmas is a co-founder of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the NFF in 1961. He played football at Vanderbilt and was an NFL official from 1970-96 (officiated in four Super Bowls). He later assisted the NFL by reviewing games and grading officials on their on-field work.
"Rick Regen Community Volunteer of the Year Award"
The "Rick Regen Community Volunteer of the Year Award" is named for the late Rick Regen who spent over 30 years in the Nashville - Middle Tennessee area volunteering his services at various sporting events. This chapter was honored to bestow the inaugural award to him posthumously and it was accepted by his wife Suzanne Regen.
"State Championship Award"
Each year the Chapter recognizes the coaches of the teams from the Middle Tennessee counties that won an individual team State Championship.
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