Established: 1997
The John L. Toner Award is designed to honor and acknowledge outstanding athletics directors who have demonstrated superior administrative abilities, especially in the area of college football. The award is named after its first recipient, the late John L. Toner, former athletics director and football coach at the University of Connecticut and NCAA President. In recognition of John's extraordinary career and commitment to collegiate athletics and his work with The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, this annual award attempts to recognize others exhibiting similar outstanding qualities and characteristics.
Selection Process: Various individuals associated with the National Football Foundation, such as former recipients, board members and corporate leaders, send nominations and suggestions to the National Foundation. Selection of the recipient is made by the Awards Committee and ratified by the Board of Directors.
