Walter Camp Football Foundation announces Distinguished American award will be presented to Steve Spurrier
Press release from Wehbe Marketing
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Coach Steve Spurrier, who led the Florida Gators from the sidelines between 1990 and 2002, won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as a player during his senior season in 1966, during which he also won the Heisman Trophy. The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced they will celebrate him again, this time for the work he’s done off the field.
The Walter Camp Distinguished American Award is presented to an individual, not necessarily an individual associated with football, who has used their talents to succeed in business and public service. The winner is one who has shown honesty, integrity, and a dedication to teamwork throughout their life, and excelled as a pioneer in their field.
“It’s a great honor to be selected for this award by the Walter Camp Foundation,” Coach Spurrier said. “I always tried to instill in my players that attitude and effort go a long way in achieving your goals, whether it be on or off the football field. I believe in treating others the right way, and doing the right thing, even if we do it a little differently than the other guys.”
Coach Spurrier is currently an ambassador for the Gators and college football. He is the only person to be the winningest coach in program history at two Power Five schools (UF and the University of South Carolina), as well as one of only four people to ever be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. Coach Spurrier and his “Fun ‘N Gun” offense charged through the 90s, making the Gators a perpetual national champion contender and taking the crown in 1996, behind Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.
Spurrier is still active in the community, supporting many charities through his foundation. In 2021 he partnered with local business leaders to open Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and Visors Rooftop, two restaurants in Celebration Pointe that showcase his legacy through museum displays, photographs and artwork, and special events, all while providing a farm-to-table menu and innovative cocktails.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1967. The foundation operates year-round working towards the selection of the oldest college All-American Football Team, as well as donations of worthy charities and youth-orientated organizations.
NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews (USC ’83) is the recipient of the foundation’s Man of the Year honor, and Former Texas A&M and current Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (Texas A&M ’14) is the Alumni Award recipient.
The Walter Camp Distinguished American award ceremony will be held on March 16 in New Haven, CT.