College football players are members of the greatest fraternity in the world. College football shapes leaders, strengthens character and opens doors to lifelong friendships, career opportunities and personal growth. Whether your journey was defined by championships or challenges, your story matters. We invite you to reflect on what football means to you, the lessons it taught you, and the opportunities it created by sharing your ‘I Played’ story.

Name: Denis McDonough
College: St. John’s University (Minnesota)
Now: Former White House Chief of Staff
Watch: Denis McDonough for ‘I Played’

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Members who recently submitted their ‘I Played’ story: 

• Jerran Downing, Alderson Broaddus — Assistant Athletic Director, Facilities at University of North Dakota

• Jeffrey Fette, West Virginia — Construction Code Enforcement at City of Hardeeville, S.C.

• Pat Manus, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo — CEO, Sound Deposition Services

• Brian Rolle, Ohio State — Division Leader-Data Centers at 3S Incorporated

• Josh Weaver, Memphis — Teacher and Coach, Marietta High School (Ga.)

There are good things happening all over the game of football. The National Football Foundation has asked individuals to share an example of something they see happening within our sport that is good for the game. Here are their answers!

. . .

“There are guys who are leading and being great examples as coaches right now. You look at DeMeco Ryans coming back home with the Houston Texans… The guys are able to see him as an example, know he’s put in the work, they know he knows what he’s talking about and leading them in the right direction.”

— Steve Slaton, 2025 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee

Stephenville High School celebrated at dinner

Representatives from Stephenville High School (TX), the national winner of the 2025-26 NFF Hatchell Cup, gathered for a special celebration on March 2 at Bob's Steak & Chop House, the award’s presenting sponsor. Selected as the top academic high school football team in the nation, the representatives accepted a $10,000 check from Bob Sambol at the event. L-R: NFF COO Matthew Sign, Stephenville ISD Superintendent Eric Cederstrom, Bob’s Steak & Chop House Founder Bob Sambol, NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, Head Coach Sterling Doty, Principal Stephanie Traweek, and Asst. Coach/Academic Advisor Jeramiah Butchee. Coach Doty also had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the College Baseball Series at La Moderna Field in Cleburne, Texas over the weekend!

Minnesota Athletics honors Tom Moe

Gopher Athletics has renamed its Director of Athletics position to the Thomas O. Moe Director of Athletics. Tom Moe, the former Minnesota athletics director and father of NFF Trustee Mike Moe, passed away Feb. 15 at the age of 87. The NFF joins the Gophers in honoring Tom Moe’s lasting impact on Gopher Athletics with this fitting tribute.

Chicago Chapter celebrates scholar-athletes

The NFF Chicago Chapter held its annual scholar-athlete banquet Feb. 16, awarding $24,000 in college scholarships to outstanding local high school football and girls flag football players. The chapter also saluted three Illinois head coaches whose teams advanced to national championship games at their respective levels.

• Robert Bagley, who played collegiately at Cal before spending 23 years coaching high school football, has passed away. He was 98.

• Thomas Cheviot, who played collegiately at Tulane, has passed away. He was 66.

• Jim Gobble, who played collegiately at South Carolina, has passed away. He was 80.

• Paul Kipper, who played both football and basketball at Nebraska, has passed away. He was 97.

• Devonta Lee, who played collegiately at both LSU and Louisiana Tech, has passed away. He was 27.

• Donald Moran, who played collegiately at Miami (Ohio), has passed away. He was 86.

• Dominiq Ponder, who was entering his third season as a quarterback at Colorado, has passed away. He was 23.

• Ben Rizzo, who played collegiately at Miami before spending time in the NFL with the Eagles, Dolphins and Oilers, has passed away. He was 86.

April 8 - Announcement of the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society

June 1 - Release of the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

June 16 - Announcement of the 2026 NFF High School Team of Distinction

July 23-25 - NFF Campbell Trophy® Summit at Stanford University

September 23 - Announcement of the 2026 NFF Campbell Trophy® Semifinalists

October 21 - Announcement of the 2026 NFF Campbell Trophy® Finalists

December 8 — 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino

December 8 — Announcement of the winner of the 37th NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®

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