Award honors player commitment to community service off the field
and excellence on the field
CANTON, Ohio, June 23, 2023 – The USFL announced today eight nominees for the 2023 Sportsman of the Year. One of the USFL’s most prestigious honors, the award is presented annually to recognize one player’s commitment to community service off the field and excellence on the field.
In 2022, Philadelphia Stars running back Matt Colburn II received the inaugural award for his support to the USFL’s host community in Birmingham while leading his team to the playoffs.
“One of our pillars in the USFL family is for us to be committed to serving the passions of our fans on the field while at the same time finding our passion for service in our communities off the field,” said Daryl Johnston, President of Football Operations. “By engaging with local partners and charities in our four USFL hub cities, our players and coaches generated meaningful impacts in these communities throughout the season. This is part of our mission for the USFL’s long-term success in our home markets, and we’re very proud of the eight men selected by their peers. Not only are they outstanding football players, but they also helped lift up our host communities this season in Birmingham, Memphis, Canton, and greater Detroit.”
The 2023 USFL Sportsman of the Year will be selected from eight nominees provided by players on their own team. These eight nominees primarily engaged in youth outreach, but also invested time supporting other community causes ranging from thanking military veterans and law enforcement, working in food banks, raising awareness for pet adoption, and more.
Serving the Birmingham community:
- Birmingham Stallions WR Davion Davis
- New Orleans Breakers RB Anthony Jones
Serving the Memphis community:
- Memphis Showboats WR Ryan McDaniel
- Houston Gamblers OT Brandon Hitner
Serving the Canton community:
- Pittsburgh DL Boogie Roberts
- New Jersey Generals LB D’Juan Hines
Serving the greater Detroit community:
- Michigan Panthers DL Ethan Westbrooks
- Philadelphia Stars QB Vad Lee
The 2023 USFL Sportsman of the Year will be announced on Friday, June 30, in Canton the day before the USFL Championship Game.
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About the United States Football League (USFL):
Fast, physical, and fun, the USFL is a fan-first, stand-alone professional spring football league. Run by experienced football leaders, the USFL kicked-off April 15, 2023, becoming the first nationally televised spring league in 38 years to begin a second season. FOX Sports and NBC Sports are official media partners, presenting all 43 regular- and postseason games for the eight-team league that plays in Canton, Ohio, Birmingham, Ala., Memphis, Tenn, and Detroit. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player and current FOX NFL analyst Daryl Johnston is President of Football Operations. Former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX NFL analyst Mike Pereira is Head of Officiating. “United By Football,” USFL fans can find scheduling and ticketing information at theUSFL.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
