Luke Kuechly Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

2011 Lott IMPACT® Trophy winner is first in Lott Trophy history to be chosen for Canton.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Feb. 9, 2026 — Luke Kuechly, the 2011 winner of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy, has been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility. Kuechly is the first winner of the Lott Trophy to join the award’s namesake, Ronnie Lott, with enshrinement in Canton. 

Kuechly led the nation in tackles twice while at Boston College, before making an immediate impact in the NFL. The ninth overall selection by the Carolina Panthers was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012, the next year he was selected as the leagues Defensive Player of the Year, was named All-Pro and was picked for the Pro Bowl. Kuechly would ultimately be chosen All-Pro five times and to the Pro Bowl seven times before his retirement in 2019. Kuechly was also named to the NFLs All-Decade team for the 2010s. 

Other members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 include Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, and Adam Vinatieri. 

Fellow Hall of Famer and Panthers legend Julius Peppers informed Kuechly of his selection. Peppers was drafted in 2002, two years prior to the inception of the Lott Trophy. 

JJ Watt was the 2010 winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, he will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2028. 

Mike White, founding board member of Lott Trophy, dies at 89

White was the head football coach at Illinois, Cal, and of the Oakland Raiders 

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Dec. 15, 2025 — Mike White, a two-time national collegiate coach of the year and founding member of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy has died at the age of 89.

“The Lott IMPACT Trophy is saddened to learn of the passing of Mike White, an integral board member, who served as he coached, with fervor, determination and joy. We extend our condolences to his wife Marilyn and children Chris, Matt, and Carrie.” 

Coach White was a founding member of the Lott IMPACT Trophy board of directors from 2004 and was honored in May at the Watch List luncheon with a proclamation from the City of Newport Beach for his service to the community. 

IRVING, Texas (Nov. 20, 2024) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today a partnership with the Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation to host an event awarding the 2024 Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, as part of the festivities surrounding the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Las Vegas. The announcement of the winner of the 2024 Lott IMPACT® Trophy will take place Monday, Dec. 9, at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, one day before the NFF Annual Awards Dinner.

“We are thrilled to expand our platform, creating an opportunity for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy to be part of our festivities,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The Lott IMPACT® Trophy has built an impressive 21-year history and staging their event on the day before ours provides the college football community with a new platform to celebrate the best defensive players in the country.”

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics and integrity of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. Lott earned unanimous First Team All-America honors in 1980, playing defensive back at Southern California from 1977-80. He played 16 years in the NFL, followed by a successful business career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He has served on the NFF Board of Trustees since 2009.

“The NFF Annual Awards Dinner has been a marquee event for college football for nearly seven decades, attracting not only the greatest players and coaches but also athletics directors, commissioners, and media,” said Steve Craig, chairman of the Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation. “By linking our announcement with the NFF event, we aim to increase awareness of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy, honoring Ronnie Lott’s legacy and impact on and off the field.”

FOX Sports Lead College Football Analyst Joel Klatt will host the event, which will feature interviews with all four of the finalists, a legendary figure from college football, and the announcement of the winner of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

The 2024 semifinalists include:

• Abdul Carter (Penn State)
• Barrett Carter (Clemson)
• Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
• Mason Graham (Michigan)
• Jay Higgins (Iowa)
• Travis Hunter (Colorado)
• Mikail Kamara (Indiana)
• Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)
• Xavier Watts (Notre Dame).

The finalists, who will travel to Las Vegas for the ceremony, will be announced on Nov. 21.

For additional details about the trophy, its history and the event, please visit LottIMPACTTrophy.org.

Media Contacts:

Phil Marwill for the National Football Foundation

pmarwill@footballfoundation.com

Trent Rush for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy

trush@lottimpacttrophy.org

ABOUT THE LOTT IMPACT® TROPHY

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, is awarded to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. The Lott IMPACT® Trophy was established by the Pacific Club’s IMPACT® Foundation in 2003 and is the first national college award based on the West Coast. Visit LottImpactTrophy.org for more information. 

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME

Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; I Played; the William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & Hatchell Cup presented by the Original Bob’s Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Hanold Associates Executive Search, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation and the Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.

 

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, Preparing the Future, and Protecting the Game Through Programs and Initiatives that Support

• 774 Colleges & Universities • Over 81,000 College Football Players
• 15,643 High Schools • Over 1.03 Million High School Football Players

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. –  Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been named the Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, player of the week for week 11 of the 2024 college football season. Campbell led the Crimson Tide with 12 tackles, including 3.0 for a loss and 1.5 sacks to go with a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a QB hurry as Alabama defeated #15 LSU 42-13.  

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, player of the week is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players, and coaches, as well as members of the media along with an online fan vote. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

This year’s trophy presentation will be in Las Vegas, NV, December 9th. Finalists for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, will be announced November 21st. 

The mission of The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation is to recognize and support both national and local charities that serve the youth of America with a focus on education and have a positive IMPACT® on the lives of young men and women.

Allied Universal is the leading defender of safety and security, protecting people, businesses, and communities in more than 100 countries around the globe. 

Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, Player of the Week in Week 11:

Abdul Carter, Penn State, DE, Junior –  Forced a fumble and had four tackles for a loss, among 6 total, including a pair of sacks, to go with a QB hurry in the Nittany Lions 35-6 victory over Washington. 

Jared Ivey, Ole Miss, Senior –  Forced a fumble, to go with a pair of sacks, among 7 total tackles and broke up two passes in the Rebels upset of #3 Georgia 28-10. 

Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, LB, RS Junior-  Had two interceptions among 7 tackles, 5 solo, in the Bruins 20-17 win over Iowa. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is saddened to learn of the passing of board member John Robinson, who had served on the Lott IMPACT® Trophy board of directors from the inception of the award in 2003. 

Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott says of his former coach, “Coach Robinson was one of the greatest college coaches ever, and his love for USC and his love for the game of football was second to none.“ Lott continues, “I’ve always felt that while playing for him, he gave us the ability to feel like we were larger than life. And his commitment to making sure that we had more than just football in our lives was so superior. This is a sad day for all of the Trojans that played for him, but it’s a great day for God that He has one of the best coaches ever right by his side.”

The College Football Hall of Famer won 104 games as the head coach at USC across two different stints. Robinson won five Pac 10 championships and the 1978 National Championship. He also won four Rose Bowl Games, was National Coach of the Year in 1979 and twice was the Pac 10 Coach of the Year.

Robinson was 89 years old. 

He is survived by his wife Beverly, his four children (daughters Terry Medina and Lynne Sierra and sons David and Chris) and two stepchildren (Jennifer Boyle and Jeffery Ezell) and 10 grandchildren.

 

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. –  Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun is the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week for week 10 of the 2024 college football season. Igbinosun had a key interception in the endzone late in the 1st half in the Buckeyes 20-13 at #3 Penn State. Igbinosun also broke up a pass and made four tackles in that game.

Igbinosun was a freshman All-American at Ole Miss In 2022 before transferring to Ohio State. Last season he was the Buckeyes third leading tackler and this season has made 21 tackles, 13 solo, 2.0 for a loss, with an interception and three passes broken up.

Ohio State is 7-1 on the season and is #2 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, announced Tuesday.

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy player of the week is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players and coaches, as well as members of the media along with an online fan vote.

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The mission of The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation is to recognize and support both national and local charities that serve the youth of America with a focus on education and have a positive IMPACT® on the lives of young men and women.

Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week in Week 10:

Amare Ferrell, Indiana, DB, Sophomore- Had two interceptions and was in on a pair of tackles in the Hoosiers 47-10 rout at Michigan State.

Mikail Kamara, Indiana, DL, Junior- Recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss, including 2.5 sacks, among 7 total tackles in the Hoosiers 47-10 rout at Michigan State.

Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss, DE, Senior- Recovered a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown to go with two sacks, among three total tackles as the Rebels dominated Arkansas 63-31.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. –  Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week for week 9 of the 2024 college football season. Ponds had two interceptions, returned one for a touchdown, and had five tackles in the Hoosiers 31-17 victory over Washington. 

Ponds is a transfer from James Madison who has helped #13 Indiana to their second 8-0 start in program history, as the Hoosiers are one of just eight undefeated FBS teams this season. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy player of the week is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players and coaches, as well as members of the media along with an online fan vote. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The mission of The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation is to recognize and support both national and local charities that serve the youth of America with a focus on education and have a positive IMPACT® on the lives of young men and women.

Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week in Week 9:

Travis Hunter, Colorado, ATH, Junior- Broke up four passes to go with a pair of tackles in the Buffaloes 34-23 win over Cincinnati. 

Tysheem Johnson, Oregon, S, Senior- Led team with 10 tackles, 6 solo, 0.5 for a loss to go with an interception in the Ducks 38-9 win over #20 Illinois. 

Malachi Moore, Alabama, S, RS Senior- Made an interception which he returned 31 yards, also broke up a pass and made 4 tackles, 2 solo in Crimson Tides 34-0 shutout of #21 Missouri. 

 

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. –  Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker is the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week for week 8 of the 2024 college football season. Walker had three sacks, among his seven solo tackles, and recovered a fumble in the Bulldogs 30-15 win at #1 Texas.

The Junior from Salisbury, North Carolina, is a member of the SEC Leadership Council and was named to the Lott IMPACT® Trophy watch list in the preseason. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy player of the week is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players and coaches, as well as members of the media along with an online fan vote. 

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The mission of The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation is to recognize and support both national and local charities that serve the youth of America with a focus on education and have a positive IMPACT® on the lives of young men and women.

Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week in Week 8:

Will Brooks, Tennessee, DB, Senior- Made game-sealing interception to go with his team high 8 tackles, including 1 for a loss, as the Volunteers beat #7 Alabama 24-17. 

Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, DB, Senior- Had an interception for a touchdown among his 2 INTs, along with a team-high 11 tackles in the Gamecocks 35-9 victory at Oklahoma.

Jontez Williams, Iowa St, DB, RS Soph- Had game-sealing interception, to extend streak to four straight games with an INT, also had 3 tackles in the Cyclones 38-35 win over UCF. 

 

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation has named 16 Quarterfinalists for the 2024 Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to the student-athlete who best exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Semifinalists will be chosen in late November with finalists in December. The finalists will be invited to attend the annual Lott IMPACT® Trophy award show on December 9, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 2024 Lott IMPACT® Trophy Quarterfinalists include four defensive linemen, four linebackers, and eight defensive backs.

The 2024 Lott IMPACT® Trophy Quarterfinalists:

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina 

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa 

Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Colin Ramos, LB, Navy

Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia 

Josaiah Stewart, DE, Michigan

Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy

2004 — David Pollack, Georgia

2005 — DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 — Dante Hughes, Cal

2007 — Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 — James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

2009 — Jerry Hughes, TCU

2010 — J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

2011 — Luke Kuechly, Boston College

2012 — Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

2013 — Anthony Barr, UCLA

2014 — Eric Kendricks, UCLA

2015 — Carl Nassib, Penn State

2016 — Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

2017 — Josey Jewell, Iowa

2018 — Josh Allen, Kentucky

2019 — Derek Brown, Auburn

2020 — Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

2021 — Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

2022 — Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

2023 — Junior Colson, Michigan