Technically known as the Pro Football Writers of America, this organization purports to be "The official voice of pro football writers, promoting and fighting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public."[1] Goals of the organization include improving access to practices and locker rooms, developing working relationships with all teams and ensuring that football writers are treated in a professional manner.[2]
As of 2005 the group consisted of over 300 writers, editors, and columnists who cover pro football. [3]
In keeping with the goals of the organization, PFWA president Dave Elfin filed a complaint with the National Football League (NFL) at Super Bowl XLI, concerning the late arrival of the AFC champion (eventual Super Bowl champion) Indianapolis Colts.[4]
The Pro Football Writers Association issues the following awards: an All-Pro team, an NFL Most Valuable Player Award (since 1975), the Dick McCann Memorial Award, the George S. Halas Courage Award, the Good Guy award, the Horrigan Award, and the Rozelle Award.
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The George S. Halas Courage Award is given to the player or coach who has performed with abandon despite injury or personal problems.
In May, 1970, the Halas Award went to Gale Sayers for his comeback from knee surgery to lead the NFL in rushing in 1969.[5] In New York, at the Pro Football Writers Association banquet, Gale Sayers gave an emotional speech that was memorialized in the film Brian's Song. Said Sayers, "You flatter me by giving me this award, but I’ll tell you here and now that I accept it for Brian Piccolo. Brian Piccolo is the man of courage who should receive the George S. Halas Award. I accept it tonight, but I’ll present it to Brian tomorrow. I love Brian Piccolo. And I’d like all of you to love him, too. And tonight, when you hit your knees, ask God to love him, too."[6][7]
Other notable winners of the PFWA Halas Award include Joe Namath[8], Steeler running back Rocky Bleier, Hall of Fame cornerback Jimmy Johnson [9], New York Giant cancer survivor Karl Nelson[10], Hall of Famers Dan Hampton and Joe Montana[11], Denver Broncos guard Mark Schlereth [12], former N.Y. Giant Kerry Collins [13], San Francisco 49ers Garrison Hearst[14] and Bryant Young[15], Carolina coach and former linebacker Sam Mills [16], Dolphins running back Robert Edwards[17], Carolina linebacker Mark Fields[18], Indianapolis Colt Head Coach Tony Dungy,[19] New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees[20].
The Good Guy Award is given to the player who best helps the media do its job. Winners have been Jerome Bettis (2004), Tiki Barber (2005), and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006).
The Dick McCann Memorial Award is given to a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to pro football. The McCann award is presented annually at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [21] It is sometimes referred to as the "writer's wing" of the Hall of Fame.[22]
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The Rozelle Award is given to the club public relations department that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media.
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