Current Award Winner
Shaun O'Hara
Shaun O'Hara, a three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl XLII champion, is a respected football analyst and former NFL player known for his work on NFL Network, Big Ten Network, and ESPN Radio. With a distinguished career both on and off the field, O'Hara's legacy extends beyond his time as a dominant center in the NFL.
Born in Chicago and raised in Hillsborough, New Jersey, O'Hara's football journey began at Rutgers University, where he walked on to the football team in 1995. Overcoming the odds, O'Hara earned three letters during his college career and became one of Rutgers' most accomplished offensive linemen. He was a two-time recipient of the David Bender Trophy, awarded to the top lineman at the university, and gained recognition for his work ethic and leadership.
After going undrafted in the 2000 NFL Draft, O'Hara signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. He spent four seasons with the Browns, starting 38 of 54 games at center, before signing with the New York Giants in 2004. His career with the Giants marked the pinnacle of his playing days. O'Hara quickly established himself as one of the top centers in the league, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2008 to 2010. In 2008, he was also honored with Sporting News First Team All-Pro recognition.O'Hara's crowning achievement came in the 2007 season when he helped anchor the Giants’ offensive line in their Super Bowl XLII victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. The Giants' 17-14 win in that game was a historic upset, and O'Hara's play in the trenches was integral to the team’s success. He retired from the NFL after a 10-season career, having played 151 games and started 135.
Following his playing career, O'Hara transitioned into the world of broadcasting. He became a prominent NFL analyst, known for his sharp insights and in-depth analysis. As the featured in-studio talent on NFL GameDay First, he provides expert commentary and analysis for fans across the country every Sunday morning. O'Hara's broadcasting career has also included roles with the Big Ten Network and ESPN Radio.
Off the field, O'Hara is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2009, he and his wife, Amy, founded the Shaun O'Hara Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness and funding for life-threatening diseases with limited financial support including cystic fibrosis. Through the