Oct. 9, 2007
The Davey O’Brien Foundation proudly announces Steve Spurrier as the 2007 Davey O’Brien Legends Award winner in recognition of his life-long contributions to the game of football. The Award will be presented at the Foundation’s 31st Annual Awards Dinner on Feb.18 at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Davey O’Brien Legends Award recognizes a college or professional quarterback who has made a significant contribution to the game of football, distinguished himself as an extraordinary leader and demonstrated exemplary conduct on and off the football field.
“The Head Ball Coach,” Steve Spurrier, embodies the values of character, leadership and passionate work ethic. Spurrier has been recognized for his leadership on and off the field during his playing days at the University of Florida, his time in the NFL, and his presence as both a professional and collegiate coach.
While assuming quarterback duties at Florida, he was named a two-time All-American and was the recipient of the Heisman Memorial Trophy in 1966. During his career as a Gator, he threw for 36 touchdowns and over 4,800 yards while leading his team to a 24-9 record over three seasons. A number one draft pick, Spurrier went on to a nine-year career in the NFL, leading the San Francisco 49ers to their third consecutive NFC West title.
“The excitement and fun of playing college football was like no other experience,” said Spurrier. “The challenge of leading the team into battle took character, perseverance and leadership. Davey O’Brien exhibited these qualities extremely well, and I am honored to receive an award based on these merits.”
Spurrier has coached a national championship team, won seven SEC titles and more than 75% of the college games that he has coached. He is one of only three coaches in major college history, and the only one in SEC history, to lead a school to an appearance in the weekly polls for 200 consecutive weeks and lead a school to 12 consecutive seasons (1990-2001) of nine or more wins. He is a member of the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame, Gator Bowl Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Not only dedicated to coaching players on the field, Spurrier and his wife Jerri also host a football clinic for women who want to learn more about the sport. The clinic takes place at the University of South Carolina, Spurrier’s current home as head football coach, and walks attendees through the X’s and O’s of football.
“It’s refreshing to introduce a behind-the-scenes look at football to these very enthusiastic ladies,” said Spurrier. “I feel it’s so important to show the value of this game to more than just those who have played, because our sport impacts the lives of so many people. This is another reason why I love the game so much.”
Since 1977, the Davey O’Brien Foundation’s awards programs have inspired and encouraged high school and college athletes to create their own legacy of greatness on and off the football field. By selecting Spurrier as the 2007 Legends Award recipient, the Foundation has recognized what sets him apart – not just his success, but the commitment to true competition that Spurrier sets for himself and his team.
“We are truly excited and honored to add Steve Spurrier to the venerable list of Legends Award winners,” said Davey O’Brien Foundation Legends Chair, Scott Murray. “His dedication, leadership and commitment to the game of football make him the most deserving of winners.”
Spurrier remains an inspiration to the entire athletic industry, as he has motivated many to achieve their goals and missions. In his current coaching position at the University of South Carolina, Spurrier is leading the Gamecocks to success in his third season and is poised to take his team to the promised land once again.
