Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Award

In partnership with the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group

About the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Award

Blanton Collier

The Blanton Collier Award was created in 2007 by the Kentucky Chapter of the NFL Alumni to recognize individuals who not only excelled in football but also used their athletic platform to give back to their communities. The annual recipient is selected by the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship Group.

Named in honor of Blanton Collier, the award pays tribute to the former head football coach of the University of Kentucky and the Cleveland Browns, who led the Browns to the 1964 World Championship. Known for his unwavering integrity both on and off the field, Collier was famous for shaking hands with his left hand, explaining that it was “closer to my heart.” When presenting the inaugural award to Coach Rich Brooks, former NFL star Frank Minnifield quoted Collier’s well-known words: “You can accomplish anything you want, as long as you do not care who gets the credit.”

This award continues to honor those who embody sportsmanship, leadership, and service beyond the game.

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Winners are chosen for their integrity, sportsmanship, and community impact.
Recipients must exemplify ethical leadership and selflessness.
Honorees use their platform to create lasting positive change, beyond athletics.
Winners must reflect Coach Collier’s values of fairness and respect.
The selection process considers players, coaches, and other influential figures who embody the spirit of sportsmanship, regardless of their specific roles in football.

Romeo Crennel
2025 Winner of the Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field

This year’s Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field will be presented to Romeo Crennel, a Kentucky native and distinguished NFL and college coach. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Crennel built a legendary career as a defensive coach, earning five Super Bowl rings and shaping the game over 50 years. He also made history as the first AfricanAmerican head coach for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.