Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and former Pop Warner player Justin Simmons is presented with the Inspiration to Youth Award, which is given to an individual who inspires the youth of today to become great achievers of tomorrow.
Simmons’ accomplishments on and off the field make him a model representative for young student-athletes throughout the nation. He focused much of his efforts on COVID-19 relief and social justice initiatives while also launching the Justin Simmons Foundation, which focuses on youth development, hunger relief, educational initiatives and other charitable causes. In March 2020, he made contributions to the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation’s Food Security Fund and the COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund, and in May, spoke publicly about issues of racial inequity and justice.
Jennifer King is the recipient of the Female Achievement Award, which is given to a woman who has demonstrated remarkable strength of character and leadership in attaining achievements in her life that inspire others. This year, she became the NFL’s first Black female full-time assistant coach when the Washington Football Team elevated her to assistant running backs coach.
Through her on-field accomplishments as a seven-time All-American quarterback and wide receiver for the Carolina Phoenix Women’s Tackle Football Team and her glass-breaking professional achievements – first as an intern for the Carolina Panthers, then as Offensive Assistant at Dartmouth and now in her position with Washington – King is a pioneer, paving the way for young girls and women in sports everywhere.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Denver Broncos cheerleader Gabriela Windey are co-winners of the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award, given to individuals who set a positive example for today’s youth by accomplishing both outstanding athletic achievements and philanthropic initiatives.
Duvernay-Tardif and Windey are awarded for their service on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, Duvernay-Tardif as an M.D. who took the season off from football after winning the Super Bowl to help at a long-term care facility back home in Montréal, and Windey as an ICU nurse at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Colorado, working 12-hour days to care for patients most impacted by the virus. Windey is the first female and NFL cheerleader in the history of the award, which has traditionally been awarded to NFL players. Both Windey and Duvarney-Tardif’s selflessness and commitment to helping others are an embodiment of sacrifice and teamwork, making them model representatives for young student-athletes across the nation.
To join in on the Pop Warner All-American Scholars celebration, visit popwarner.com or follow along on any of Pop Warner’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Each day, Pop Warner will share a video of an award winner accepting their honor and providing words of encouragement to this year’s All-American Scholars.
About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in their sports in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit popwarner.com or follow Pop Warner on Twitter @Pop_Warner, Facebook @PopWarnerLittleScholars, Instagram @popwarnerlittlescholars and Snapchat @popwarner1929.