Man of the Year Award

The Man of the Year Award honors individuals whose leadership, character, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the game of football and the communities they serve. Presented by the Gridiron Club of New England, this distinguished recognition celebrates those who embody the values of sportsmanship, integrity, mentorship, and service.

Recipients represent the very best of the football community, demonstrating excellence both on and off the field while inspiring future generations through their achievements and dedication.

Team huddle reaching for football

Award Recipients

Explore the distinguished individuals who have received the Man of the Year Award and helped shape the legacy of football throughout New England.

1998
Tom Yewcic

Massachusetts State Hospital School for Children

Smiling elderly man with white hair
1999
Nick Buoniconti

Miami Project to Help Cure Paralysis

Smiling man in suit and red tie
2000
Ron Burton

Dana-Farber Cancer Center; Ron Burton Training Village

Portrait of smiling man in suit
2001
Mike Holovak

United Cerebral Palsy of the North Shore

Older man smiling in suit with boutonniere
2002
Gino Cappelletti

Italian Home for Children; Ron Burton Training Village;Miami Project to Help Cure Paralysis

Older man speaking at podium with boutonniere
2003
Dick MacPherson

Juvenile Programs at Joslin Diabetes Centers, Boston & Syracuse

Smiling older man in orange shirt holding football
2004
Steve Grogan

Easter Seals Massachusetts; Kennedy-Donovan Center

Steve Grogan
2005
Steve Nelson

Seven Hills Foundation; South Norfolk County Association for Retarded Citizens

Smiling middle-aged man in suit and tie
2006
Babe Parilli

Italian Home for Children; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Portrait of smiling older man in suit
2007
Mike Haynes

Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts

Smiling man in beige suit with boutonniere
2008
Andre Tippett

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; N.E.P.A.C., Tenacity Sports; Patriots’ Charitable Foundation; Temple Sinai of Sharon

Man in suit and glasses speaking into microphone
2009
Troy Brown

Inner-City Scholarship Fund

Smiling man in maroon suit with nametag
2010
Joe Andruzzi

Joe Andruzzi Foundation

Smiling man in suit and tie
2011
Ty Law

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Smiling man wearing suit and tie
2012
Matt Light

Matt Light Foundation

Close-up smiling man in suit jacket
2013
Pete Brock

San Miguel School for Boys

Gray user avatar silhouette
2014
Tim Fox

Friends of Wrentham; The Genesis Fund

Gray user avatar silhouette
2015
John Smith

2015 John Smith   Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

Close-up of football player wearing white helmet
2016
Willie McGinest

Divas Mentoring Divas, Inc.

Smiling man in red jacket and striped scarf
2017
Larry Eisenhauer

Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, Inc.

Smiling man wearing red football jersey
2018
Max Lane

The Genesis Foundation for Children

Smiling bearded man in blazer
2019
George Luongo

Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Center

Smiling older man with glasses in jacket