NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – Mike Salmon has been named the Chairman of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the sponsors of the annual Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Salmon succeeds John Hamilton, who passed away earlier in August. Salmon and Hamilton were co-founders of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, given each year to the college football student-athlete who makes the biggest IMPACT on his team on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Since 2004, more than $1.6 million has been raised by the Foundation for charities and scholarships throughout the country.
Salmon, 49, was a multiple sport star in high school in Arizona and a four-year starter as a defensive back at USC where he served as the team captain. He played professionally in the NFL with both Buffalo and San Francisco.
Salmon issued this statement on the passing of his long-time friend John Hamilton:
Pound for pound, John was one of the toughest people I ever met. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was so passionate about college athletics and about our country. I learned so much from this man and he will never be forgotten. Southern California and the country has lost a great man.
Steve Craig was named Vice-Chairman of the Foundation.