Minnesota Gophers: Jerry Kill nominated for courage award
It takes great courage to step away from the only thing you’ve ever done and the job you love and former University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Head Football Coach Jerry Kill did just that. Now Kill is being nominated for his courage.
It was announced on Wednesday, the same day that his former Defensive Coordinator Tracy Claeys was hired as the Gophers full time head coach for the next three years, that Kill had been nominated for the Capitol One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.
The Orange Bowl supplied background on the award via a press release:
"“The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.”"
Kill retired from football coaching with a career record of 156-102 and a 29-29 record with the University of Minnesota.
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Who else has won the award? Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson (2014), San Jose State defensive lineman Anthony Larceval (2013), Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez (2012), Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (2011), Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (2010), the University of Connecticut football team (2009), Tulsa’s Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy’s Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson’s Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis’ Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State’s Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo’s William Bratton (2002) are the previous winners.
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