The Maxwell Football Club has launched a new anniversary series looking back at defining seasons from past winners, using milestone years to reinforce the long-term value of elite performance, leadership and institutional legacy in American football.
In a feature written by Rich Cirminiello, Vice President of College Awards, the organisation said it has spent more than 90 years recognising achievements across the sport, positioning its honours as markers of sustained excellence rather than one-off accolades.
“For more than nine decades, the Maxwell Football Club has honored the best and brightest at every level of the game. Recognition by the MFC represents more than a trophy or a moment in the spotlight — it marks entry into a football family defined by excellence, integrity, and lasting impact.”
The series will revisit previous recipients of the Maxwell Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bert Bell Award, focusing on individuals whose seasons remain influential years later.
“As with any family, anniversaries invite reflection and celebration. In the weeks ahead, we’ll look back through the years to honor Maxwell, Bednarik, and Bert Bell Award winners marking milestone anniversaries — revisiting the seasons, performances, and legacies that earned them a permanent place in Maxwell lore.”
“Greatness is remembered here.”
“This week, we spotlight award winners whose defining seasons continue to resonate a decade later.”
Derrick Henry’s record-setting Maxwell Award campaign
The Maxwell Award anniversary spotlight includes Alabama running back Derrick Henry, whose 2015 season remains one of the most productive rushing campaigns in college football history.
Henry, who had previously played a supporting role early in his career, became the focal point of Alabama’s offence during a championship run. He set school and Southeastern Conference records with 2,219 rushing yards, leading the nation and ranking as the fifth-highest single-season total by an FBS player. His 28 rushing touchdowns also led the country and set a new SEC single-season record.
Alabama recovered from an early-season defeat to win 12 consecutive games, culminating in a national championship victory over Clemson, 45-40.
Henry’s career has continued to build in the professional ranks. After declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior year, he was selected in the second round by the Tennessee Titans and developed into one of the league’s most consistent runners.
Now with the Baltimore Ravens, Henry ranks 10th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 13,018 yards and sits fourth in rushing touchdowns. He rushed for 1,595 yards last season and remains among the sport’s leading backs, with the rare distinction of surpassing 2,000 rushing yards in a season at high school, college and NFL level.
Tyler Matakevich recognised for defensive production and consistency
Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich is the 10-year anniversary focus for the Bednarik Award, reflecting a college career defined by high output and durability.
Matakevich became one of only a handful of FBS players to record at least 100 tackles in all four collegiate seasons, doing so entirely at Temple. In his award-winning year, he posted career highs with 138 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and five interceptions.
His impact was central to a landmark season for the programme, helping Temple secure its first 10-win campaign and its first Top 25 appearance in 36 years.
Matakevich entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2016 and went on to establish a long professional career through special teams and defensive contributions. He spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and four with the Buffalo Bills, appearing in 140 games and making 136 tackles. He returned to Pittsburgh in 2024 and has since moved on from playing, with plans to carry his competitive approach into the next stage of his career.
Cam Newton’s Bert Bell Award year with Carolina
The Maxwell Football Club also highlighted Cam Newton’s 2015 season as the Bert Bell Award winner for professional player of the year, five years after he won the Maxwell Award at Auburn.
Newton produced one of the strongest campaigns of his NFL career, accounting for 45 touchdowns and 4,473 total yards. He led the Carolina Panthers to a 14-0 start and a franchise-record 15 wins, taking the team to its second Super Bowl appearance.
While injuries later limited his ability to reproduce that peak, Newton finished his career with 11 NFL seasons, starting 144 games. He recorded 32,382 passing yards and 194 passing touchdowns, alongside 5,628 rushing yards and 75 rushing scores. He retired as a Panther following the 2021 season and has since worked in media, maintaining a high public profile.
Dabo Swinney’s Munger Award and Clemson’s rise
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is the 10-year anniversary selection for the Munger Award, following a 2015 season that helped establish the Tigers as a consistent national contender.
Clemson rose from No. 12 in the preseason rankings to No. 1 after defeating Florida State on 7 November, then won its first 14 games. The run included an ACC Championship win over North Carolina and a College Football Playoff semi-final victory over Oklahoma.
The Tigers fell to Alabama in the National Championship Game, 45-40, despite producing 550 yards of offence. The 14-win season was a school record and Clemson’s best since its 1981 national title.
Swinney and Clemson responded by winning the national championship the following year and again in 2018 with a 15-0 season. Across 17 full seasons, he has secured nine ACC titles and two national championships, ranking second among active coaches with 187 career victories.
Maxwell Awards Gala scheduled for March 14 in Atlanta
The organisation is using the anniversary series to build momentum ahead of its annual awards event, which brings together recipients and supporters of the programme.
“You can meet all of this year’s award winners, and so many more, at the 2025 Maxwell Awards National Gala at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, Georgia on March 14. Mark your calendar and scan the QR code below to purchase tickets!”
