Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Announces 2010 “Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders” Event

Former NFL Quarterback Set to Deliver Keynote Address

ST.PAUL, MN February 6, 2010–Local high school scholar athletes and award winners, along with members of the College Football Hall of Fame, will be honored at the 3^rd annual “Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders” event at 6:00 on Sunday, April 18, at the University of St. Thomas.  The event, hosted by the Minnesota chapter of the National Football Foundation, also provides tuition scholarships to high school seniors who excel on and off the playing field.

“Our 2010 event promises to be another great gathering of Minnesota football’s best,” said Sean Gothier, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

Former NFL Quarterback and 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon, will be the featured speaker.  Gannon played 12 seasons as quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs.  In 2002, Gannon led the Oakland Raiders to their third straight AFC Western Division title and advanced to Super Bowl XXXVII as the AFC Champions.  Minnesota chapter member and WCCO TV anchor, Frank Vascellaro, will be the master of ceremonies.

Other recipients will be honored for their contributions to the sport, including the Distinguished Minnesotan Award, Outstanding Officiating Award, and the Fred Zamberletti Award, which is awarded to an outstanding athletic trainer.

Our mission is to serve Minnesota and the nation by developing leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in America’s youth through promoting amateur football.

This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased in advance through our website at www.nffmn.org.

College Football Hall of Famer John Randle was selected for the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame

Congratulations to former Minnesota Viking John Randle for being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Randle was in a group of seven elite finalists who will be inducted into the 2010 class.  John completed his 14 year  NFL career with 137.5 sacks,  and was among the fiercest and dominating defensive linemen to ever play.  John is a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and we appreciate the support he has given to our chapter.

Six College Hall of Fame Members are honored by the Minnesota Chapter

College Hall of Famers: Paul Wiggin, Jeff Siemon, John Gagliardi, John Randle, Randall McDaniel, and Jim Christopherson
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Coach Jim Malosky Sr. receives the 2009 Distinguished Minnesotan Award

Frank Vascellaro interviews Legendary Coach, Jim Malosky Sr.

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Eight Scholar Athletes receive their 2009 Awards

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Lefty Yurek receives Football Officiating Award

Lefty Yurek was the Winner of the Outstanding Football Officiating Award.  He was recognized for his 39 years of Officiating.

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Gary Smith receives the 2009 Fred Zamberletti Award

Fred Zamberletti and Gary Smith.  Gary Smith was the 2009 Recipient of the Fred Zamberletti Award

Click here to see all pictures from our 2009 Awards Dinner

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Autographed College Hall of Fame Helmet Winner Announced!

Bruce Locklear attended the 2009 “Honoring Legends, Inspiring Leaders” Awards Dinner, signed up for a three year membership and won the College Hall of Fame Helmet.  The helmet was signed by six College Hall of Fame players and coaches in attendace that night.  They include, Randall McDaniel, Paul Wiggin, John Randle, Jeff Siemon, Coach Jim Christopherson, and Coach John Gagliardi.  Thanks Bruce for your membership and support.

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Our 2009 Event Sold out.  Over 225 people attended, honoring 6 College Hall of Fame Members and 11 Award Winners.

There is no prerequisite football experience required to become a member of the Minnesota Chapter. In fact, many of our members never even played organized football. Our membership base includes nearly every profession, race, religion, and creed. Our members are: men and women, fans, parents, players, coaches, referees, and administrators. They work as: educators, business people, doctors, lawyers, sales people, laborers, policeman, firefighters, politicians, engineers, etc. Our members share one common bond: their love for amateur football.

As a member of the Minnesota Chapter, you will support our local efforts and ensure that future high school and college football student-athletes continue to receive recognition for their hard work and leadership on the field, in the classroom and within their community. Our chapter will also recognize Minnesota Football Legends and Leaders. We will be the voice for our local College Hall of Fame Candidates.

We would like to welcome some of our newest members: Bob Stein, Darrell Thompson, Tim Brewster, Mike Grant, Jeff Siemon, John Alt, Bob McNamara, and Ray Hitchcock, and many more.  Join our Team!

Click here and print the membership form

The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the names of  those who comprise the 2008 FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS.  Former Minnesota Viking, Randall McDaniel is a part of this class.  Congratulations to Randall from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation!  Randall is also a member of the Minnesota Chapter.

RANDALL McDANIEL

Arizona State University
Offensive Guard, 1984-87
A four-year starter and born leader at Arizona State, Randall McDaniel created an unparalleled collegiate and professional record that few can match.

Twice named a First Team All-America (1986, ’87-consensus), McDaniel led the Sun Devils to three bowl berths during his career, including ASU’s first-ever trip to the Rose Bowl in 1987. The native Arizonan was a two-time First Team All-Conference pick, earning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s best offensive lineman and leading Arizona State to a conference title in 1986. He started 39 consecutive games for the Sun Devils after moving from tight end.

McDaniels was selected in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by Minnesota. He played 15 seasons in the league with the Vikings and Tampa Bay and secured 12 trips to the Pro Bowl. Named NFL/True Value Man of the Year for his charity work in 1996, he is a current nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Active in the community, McDaniels created and facilitated “Hands On,” an after school program for disadvantaged children. He additionally developed the R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Challenge Kids) Foundation.  He currently leads Team McDaniel which serves as an umbrella organization for community initiatives.  A member of ASU’s All-Century Team, he resides in Shorewood, Minn.