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The NFL Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization composed of formerNational Football League (NFL) players, coaches, team staff members, and associate members who work voluntarily to raise funds for youth-oriented causes and engage in service initiatives to foster the development of "youth through sports and sports through youth." It was founded in 1967, but the organization was revitalized and restructured under the leadership of Vic Maitland, who became its first full-time CEO in 1977.[1]
Maitland, a former player and marketing executive, reorganized the NFL Alumni into a charitable and educational institution and relocated its headquarters to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He worked for a symbolic salary of $1 per year and personally contributed nearly $1 million to keep the organization afloat during its early years.[2][3]
Under Maitland’s leadership, the NFL Alumni expanded to more than 30 active chapters and launched many signature programs, including:
- The Charity Golf Classic Tour (established in 1979), the cornerstone of its fundraising efforts.[4]- The Player of the Year Awards Dinner (begun in 1982), honoring top players and coaches by votes cast from former players.- The NFL Alumni Ring, a distinctive gold and sapphire piece introduced in the early 1980s.[5]- The NFL Alumni Gold Blazer tradition, first awarded in 1978 to Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees as part of their ceremonial recognition.[6]- The Pro Legends Speakers Bureau, which books retired players for public
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In addition to thePlayer of the Year Awards, the NFL Alumni also honors past or current players with itsSpirit Award for youth-oriented community service,Order of the Leather Helmet Award for individuals who "have made significant contributions to the game of professional football" and theCareer Achievement Award given to those "whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization." The winner of the 2010Spirit Award was Dallas Cowboys running backFelix Jones.[9]
Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of professional football.
Awarded to individuals whose accomplishments on and off the field demonstrate the higher values promoted by the organization.
