Vikings’ Kirk Cousins Wins Prestigious 2023 Bart Starr Award
Presentation of Award to be held at the 36th Annual Super Bowl Breakfast in Phoenix.
PHOENIX, Dec 28, 2022—Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins is the winner of the 2023 Bart Starr Award for outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the field.
The award presentation will be held as part of the Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. The 36th annual event, which is sanctioned by the NFL, unites fans, Phoenix business leaders and football legends for a morning of celebration ahead of the big game.
Super Bowl Breakfast is proud to partner with Northwestern Mutual-RPS Financial Group, Inc. & RPS Capital as National Title Sponsor of Super Bowl Breakfast along with Museum of the Bible and ‘He Gets Us’ as Presenting Sponsors.
While most known for his Quarterbacking skills, Kirk and his wife Julie founded the Julie and Kirk Cousins Foundation that supports organizations like Bethany Christian Services, the Boys and Girls Club, International Justice Mission, Compassionate Heart Ministries, Discovery Church, and Holland Christian School.
Cousins joins a long legacy of notable Bart Starr Award winners including:
Russell Wilson
Demario Davis
Eli Manning
Calais Campbell
Benjamin Watson
Matthew Slater
Thomas Davis
Peyton Manning
Jason Witten
London Fletcher
Drew Brees
Kurt Warner
Warrick Dunn
LaDainian Tomlinson
John Lynch
Curtis Martin
Troy Vincent
Derrick Brooks
Trent Dilfer
Darren Woodson
Bruce Matthews
Aeneas Williams
Brent Jones
Irving Fryar
Darrell Green
Jackie Slater
Cris Carter
Warren Moon
Gill Byrd
Reggie White
Mike Singletary
Anthony Munoz
Steve Largent
The Super Bowl Breakfast will be held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa from 8 – 10 a.m. (MT) and will feature Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dungy, Anthony Munoz and other well-known NFL players, coaches and alumni. The event emcee is Akbar Gbajabiamila, a former NFL player and television host of The Talk on CBS and American Ninja Warrior on NBC.
Highlights of the morning include NFL Films footage, humor, personal stories and an inspirational message.
In addition to the in-person event, portions of Super Bowl Breakfast can also be seen following the event on Athletes in Action’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more information about the Bart Starr Award, Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, tables, and sponsorships visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
Media inquires should be directed to SuperBowlBreakfast.com/Media
The Super Bowl Breakfast is one of the premier events produced annually by Athletes in Action to honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, leadership, and integrity. Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru. For more information, visit www.superbowlbreakfast.com
Seahawks’ Russell Wilson Wins Prestigious 2022 Bart Starr Award
Presentation of Award to be Held at the 35 th Annual Super Bowl Breakfast in L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2022—Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson is the winner of the 2022 Bart Starr Award for outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the field. The prestigious Bart Starr Award is the only award—other than the Pro Bowl—that is voted on by all NFL players.
The award presentation will be held as part of the Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. The 35th annual event, which is sanctioned by the NFL, unites fans and football legends for a morning of celebration ahead of the big game.
While most known for his passer ratings and 2014 Super Bowl victory, it is Russell’s “why not you?” attitude that has driven his successes off the field. Wilson and his wife, Ciara, started theWhy Not You Foundation and Why Not Your Academy, a non-profit high school dedicated to fighting poverty through education, encouraging and challenging today’s youth to embrace opportunities, overcome obstacles and make a positive impact throughout their lives.
In partnership with Safeway and Albertsons, Wilson has also helped raise over $10 million for Strong Against Cancer and launched Immuno Heroes, a super-hero inspired campaign to raise funds for research and provide groundbreaking treatments for children with cancer. It is no surprise that Wilson was named the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year, which recognizes the best of the league’s humanity off the field.
Wilson joins a legacy of notable Bart Starr Award winners, including Peyton Manning (2015), Ben Watson (2018), Drew Brees (2011) and Derrick Brooks (2004), to name a few.
The Super Bowl Breakfast will be held in-person at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE from 8-10 a.m. (PT) and will feature Coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts, Pro Football Hall of Famers Anthony Muñoz, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ryan Nece and 2021 Bart Starr Award recipient and linebacker for the New Orleans Saints Demario Davis as keynote speakers.
In addition to being held in-person in Los Angeles, portions of the Super Bowl Breakfast will also be available for viewing on Athletes in Action’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. For more information about the Bart Starr Award, the Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.superbowlbreakfast.com.
Super Bowl Breakfast is proud to partner with the Museum of the Bible as the official
national title sponsor of the event. Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global,
educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. More information on Museum of the Bible is available
here https://www.museumofthebible.org
The Super Bowl Breakfast is one of the premier events designed by Athletes in Action to honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, values, integrity, and faith. Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru. For more information, visit https://www.superbowlbreakfast.com
35th Annual NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast Returns Live and In Person In 2022
Highlights Include Presentation of the Prestigious Bart Starr Award
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7, 2021—As the National Football League (NFL) approaches playoff
time, American football fans are already thinking about the next major sporting event—Super Bowl LVI on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Los Angeles.
Athletes in Action is pleased to announce the 35 th Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, Feb.
12, 2022 and its partnership with Museum of the Bible as the official national title sponsor of the event. The annual event, which is sanctioned by the NFL, unites fans and football
legends for a morning of celebration and the presentation of the 2022 Bart Starr Award
ahead of the big game. The event is excited to return in person this year following its virtual
event in 2021 due to COVID-19.
“Since 1988, the Super Bowl Breakfast has brought together sports stars and influential
leaders in every Super Bowl host city,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible.
“We are thrilled to serve as the national title sponsor for this event. Many of football’s biggest names draw strength from the Bible, so we’re excited to share more about how the Bible has had a powerful impact on these athletes.”
The 35th annual Super Bowl Breakfast will be held in-person at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE from 8 -10 a.m. (PT) and will feature Coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts, Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, Pittsburgh Pro Football and UCLA Athletics Hall of Famer Carnell Lake and 2021 Bart Starr Award recipient and linebacker for the New Orleans Saints Demario Davis as keynote speakers.
“As a former winner of the Bart Starr Award, it means a lot to me to serve as an ambassador
for the Super Bowl Breakfast,” said Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz. “This year’s
program will be extra special for me because it’s going to be in Southern California where I
was born, raised and played my college football career at USC.”
The prestigious Bart Starr Award is the only award—other than the Pro Bowl—that is voted
on by all NFL players. The award honors the recipient’s outstanding character and
leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Current nominees for the 2022
Bart Star Award include:
Derek Carr – Las Vegas Raiders
Kirk Cousins – Minnesota Vikings
Chris Harris Jr. – Los Angeles Chargers
Cam Heyward – Pittsburgh Steelers
Micah Hyde – Buffalo Bills
Cooper Kupp – Los Angeles Rams
Devin McCourty – New England Patriots
Jason McCourty – Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert – San Francisco 49ers
Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
Past award winners have included Peyton Manning (2015), Ben Watson (2018), Drew Brees
(2011) and Derrick Brooks (2004) to name a few.
In addition to being held in-person in Los Angeles, portions of the Super Bowl Breakfast will
also be available for viewing on Athletes in Action’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more information about the Bart Starr Award, the Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
Museum of the Bible is passionate about the history of the Bible and faith in American
culture, including sports. Guests are invited to explore the museum’s “The Impact of the
Bible” exhibit to learn more about how the Bible has influenced politics, sports, music,
celebrities and more.
The Super Bowl Breakfast is one of the premier events designed by Athletes in Action to
honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, values, integrity, and faith.
Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru. For more information, click here.
Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to
invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. More information on
Museum of the Bible is available here.
Saints’ Linebacker Demario Davis selected for Esteemed Character Award
The 2021 Bart Starr Award will be presented on February 6th during the NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast Broadcast Special
TAMPA, Florida, January 5, 2020 – New Orleans Saints’ linebacker, Demario Davis, has been chosen by fellow NFL players to receive the 2021 Bart Star Award for exemplifying outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. It is the only award—other than the Pro Bowl—voted on by all NFL players.
The award, bearing the name of NFL Hall of Famer, Bart Starr, honors Starr’s lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community. Past winners of the award include Eli Manning, Calais Campbell, Benjamin Watson, Peyton Manning, Troy Vincent, Drew Brees, Derrick Brooks and Anthony Muñoz.
While leading the Saints in tackles on the field, off the field Davis tackles challenges in life with equal fervor. Davis is known by his peers for his commitment to community service and social justice. In 2020, Davis helped launch the #SayHerName campaign to raise awareness of issues facing black women in America. His Devoted Dreamers project equips “the next generation of leaders with the tools to be successful, spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
“Football is what I do, not who I am,” said Davis. “I can’t afford to just play football and ignore the issues around me. I want to use my influence to help people and inspire others to do the same.”
And inspire he has. In 2020, Davis actively demonstrated his unwaivering faith as his family faced a very personal battle: doctors discovered Davis’ young daughter had a rare form of eye cancer known as retinoblastoma and had to remove her left eye. Cancer free as of December, Davis believes his daughter’s trial provided the opportunity for his family to encounter and encourage others throughout their journey.
“Davis’ life embodies Bart Starr’s incredible legacy of kindness, humility, charity and compassion. We are thrilled to honor him in this way,” said Terry Bortz, Super Bowl Breakfast Director.
Tony Dungy, Bart Starr Jr. and Cherry Starr will present the Bart Starr Award to Davis during the 34th annual Super Bowl Breakfast. Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s breakfast will air as a special broadcast on Facebook Live, CTN and the Armed Forces Network. The event will be emceed by Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of American Ninja Warrior. Other program participants will include football greats, Anthony Munoz, Chad Hennings, Rocky Bleier, Benjamin Watson, Frank Reich and James Brown.
To find more information about the Bart Starr Award or how to watch the Super Bowl Breakfast, visit
Giants’ Eli Manning selected for Prestigious Character Award
2020 Bart Starr Award to be presented on February 1 at the NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast
Hollywood, Florida, January 3, 2020 – Results are in from the NFL players who vote to identify the league player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Eli Manning of the New York Giants is the winner of the 2020 Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award.
The award, bearing the name of NFL Hall of Famer Bart Starr, honors Starr’s lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community. Past winners of the award include Calais Campbell, Benjamin Watson, Peyton Manning, Anthony Muñoz, Derrick Brooks and Drew Brees.
“Bart Starr left the NFL with an incredible legacy of kindness, humility, charity and compassion. Though many fans may not recognize his name today, most players know exactly who he is because of his impressive record on and off the field,” said Terry Bortz, Super Bowl Breakfast Director.
The original group of nominees for the 2020 Bart Starr Award included 10 men who all boast impressive resumes both on and off the field. Manning was selected by his peers in the NFL, making this the only award – other than the Pro Bowl – voted on by all the players.
“Each year we have watched the players identify those who are living up to the expectations set by this award’s namesake. Manning is a top-notch player who is truly making a difference in the world, and we are thrilled to recognize his effort and good work,” said Bortz.
Manning is in his 16th year in the NFL as the quarterback for the New York Giants. He led the Giants to victory in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, defeating the New England Patriots in both games. Manning was named Most Valuable Player in both Super Bowls.
He considers his work off the field to be his most important contribution. He and his family built “The Eli Manning Children’s Clinics” at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson, Mississippi. In addition, he supports numerous charities including Tackle Kids Cancer Initiative, Hackensack University Medical Center, Children’s of Mississippi Capital Campaign, March of Dimes, New York March for Babies, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Red Cross, Scholastic’s Classroom Care Program and the PeyBack Foundation.
Eli’s brother Peyton won the Bart Starr Award in 2015, making this the first set of brothers to win the award since its inception in 1989. He also received the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2016.
Manning will be awarded the Bart Starr Award on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, the day before Super Bowl LIV, when fans will join sports legends in South Florida for the 33rd annual Super Bowl Breakfast. The breakfast will feature members of Bart Starr’s family – his wife Cherry and son Bart Jr. along with Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Jerry Kramer, Anthony Muñoz, Derrick Brooks and James Brown. The Breakfast will be emceed by Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of American Ninja Warrior.
To find more information about the Bart Starr Award, the Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
Contact: Darrin Gray 813-777-3140
Athletes In Action Announces Program For 2020 Super Bowl Breakfast
Hollywood, Florida – December 10, 2019 – Athletes in Action (AIA) officially announced its 2020 Super Bowl Breakfast program that will serve the greater Miami area on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8-10 a.m. with a community-wide, NFL-sanctioned event at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, FL. Now in its 33rd year, the NFL-sanctioned event is projected to attract nearly 1,700 business executives.
“We have an exciting program planned for South Florida, including some very notable speakers and special guests,” said Terry Bortz, AIA Special Projects Director.
According to Bortz, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Co-host of American Ninja Warrior and NFL Network Analyst will emcee the event. This year’s program will honor the life and legacy of NFL legend, Bart Starr. Tony Dungy, Super Bowl Champion Coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, will attend the breakfast along with members of Bart Starr’s family – his wife, Cherry Starr and son, Bart Starr Jr. Past Bart Starr Award winners and other NFL greats who playes with Bart will be on hand.
Attendees will hear narratives of faith and football from NFL players past and present, as well as witness the presentation of the 2020 The Bart Starr Award. The Bart Starr Award is given annually to a player who represents exemplary character and leadership on and off the field.
The winner of the Bart Starr Award is determined by NFL-player balloting, making it one of only two individual honors selected by the players themselves. Players will be voting in mid-December and AIA will announce the winner the first week of January. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end, Calais Campbell, won the 2019 Bart Starr Award.
The Super Service Challenge (https://superservicechallenge.com) is the National Title Sponsor for the 2020 Super Bowl Breakfast. First Horizon Bank is the Presenting Sponsor.
For more information on the 2020 Super Bowl Breakfast, or to purchase tickets, visit www.SuperBowlBreakfast.com or call 800-416-9472.
# # #
The NFL-sanctioned Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast has taken place in the Super Bowl host city every year since 1988, drawing sellout crowds to hear from some of sport’s biggest names. The Bart Starr Award, presented at the breakfast, honors Starr’s lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community. The winner of the Bart Starr Award is determined by NFL-player balloting at the end of the regular season, making it one of only two individual honors selected by the players themselves.
Jaguars’ Calais Campbell Selected for Prestigious Character Award
2019 Bart Starr Award Will Be Presented at Feb. 2 Super Bowl Breakfast
ATLANTA, Jan. 8, 2019—Results are in from the NFL players who vote to identify the league player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Calais Campbell of the Jacksonville Jaguars is the winner of the 2019 Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award.
The award, bearing the name of NFL Hall of Famer Bart Starr, honors Starr’s lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community. Past winners of the award include Benjamin Watson, Peyton Manning, Anthony Muñoz and Drew Brees.
“Bart Starr left the NFL with an incredible legacy of kindness, humility, charity and compassion. Though many fans may not recognize his name today, most players know exactly who he is because of his impressive record on and off the field,” said Terry Bortz, Super Bowl Breakfast coordinator.
The original group of nominees for the 2019 Bart Starr Award included ten men who all boast impressive resumes both on and off the field. Campbell was selected by his peers in the NFL, making this the only award voted on by all the players other than the Pro Bowl.
“Each year we have watched the players identify those who are living up to the expectations set by this award’s namesake. Campbell is a top-notch player who is truly making a difference in the world, and we are thrilled to recognize his effort and good work,” said Bortz.
Campbell is in his 11th year in the NFL and serves as a captain for the Jaguars’ top-ranked defense. In addition to being named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro selection in 2017, winning the NFL 101 Awards AFC Defensive Player of the Year and being selected to three Pro Bowls, Calais lists his work in the community as his most cherished achievement during his tenure in the NFL.
Campbell runs the CRC Foundation, named after his late father, Charles Richard Campbell, which is committed to enhancing the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.
Campbell will be awarded the Bart Starr Award on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, the day before Super Bowl LIII, when fans will join sports legends in Atlanta for the 32nd annual Super Bowl Breakfast. The breakfast will feature former NFL coach Tony Dungy, former Falcons coach Dan Reeves and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, and will be emceed by Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of American Ninja Warrior.
To find more information about the Bart Starr Award, the Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
CONTACT:
Anna Hutsell or Katie Rouse 770.813.0000 or 770.713.0923 cell SuperBowlBreakfast.com/press
Baltimore Ravens Tight End Benjamin Watson Wins 2018 Bart Starr Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Benjamin Watson to receive Bart Starr Award at the 31st Annual NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast – Saturday, February 3, 2018 | 8:00am | Minneapolis Hilton
Minneapolis – (Jan. 4, 2018) – Baltimore Ravens tight end, Benjamin Watson has been chosen by his National Football League (NFL) peers to receive one of the sport’s most prestigious honors, The Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award, given annually to a player who exemplifies character and leadership on and off the field.
The Bart Starr Award will be given to Benjamin Watson in person at what is widely considered one of Super Bowl weekend’s premier events, the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast. The Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 3rd at the Minneapolis Hilton.
“As Bart Starr has exemplified, there is nothing more important and lasting than a man’s character”, Watson said. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive this award in his name. Through football, family and faith my desire is to leave a legacy that lasts beyond the game. To this end, I am incredibly grateful for the Starr family and the enduring example they continue to set.”
Watson was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia. He also played for the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. In his 12th year in the NFL, Watson had a career season where he had career bests in receptions (74) and yards (825), and tied his career high in touchdowns (six). On March 9, 2016, Benjamin Watson signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. As a Patriot, Benjamin received a Super Bowl ring in his rookie season as well as appearing in Super Bowl XXXIX in 2007 with the New Orleans Saints.
Off the field, Benjamin stays busy with his foundation One More. Since its inception his desire has been for One More to be a vehicle to carry the hope and love of Christ to those in our community who need it most, while understanding that the best and most efficient way to reach people’s hearts is by first meeting their physical needs. “Our mission is to simply be a blessing to those around us wherever we are, whether that’s supporting existing charities or initiating programs of our own. Hello Beautiful was created to give girls a safe space to discuss the real issues they face, while giving them a Godly perspective and truth on those issues”. Topics such as self-esteem, body image, the dangers of technology, relationships with boys and girls, and sex are openly discussed and no questions or discussion are “off limits”.
Watson also serves on the Executive Committee of the NFL Players Association and is an NFL Spokesman for the All Pro Dad Campaign. In 2015, Watson published his first book, “Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race- And Getting Free from The Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us”. In October of 2016, he authored a “Group Conversation Guide” to aid readers’ journey to honest conversation about race, bias, and justice in America. On May 2nd, 2017 Watson will release his next literary work, “The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life.”
An anticipated 1,650 business executives will attend this year’s breakfast, presented by Athletes in Action and the Super Service Challenge, to watch Benjamin Watson receive the Bart Starr Award and hear stories of faith and football from NFL players past and present. Program guests will include Tony Dungy (Super Bowl Champion Coach), Bart Starr Jr., former Vikings Jeff Siemon, Alan Page, Greg Coleman, Chuck Foreman, Doug Sutherland and others to be announced. Akbar Gbajabiamila (American Ninja Warrior and NFL Network) will emcee.
For more information on the 2018 Super Bowl Breakfast, or to purchase tickets, visit www.SuperBowlBreakfast.com or call 800-416-9472.
# # #
The NFL-sanctioned Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast has taken place in the Super Bowl host city every year since 1988, drawing sellout crowds to hear from some of sport’s biggest names. The Bart Starr Award, presented at the breakfast, honors Starr’s lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community. The winner of the Bart Starr Award is determined by NFL-player balloting at the end of the regular season, making it one of only two individual honors selected by the players themselves.