NFL Players Named Finalists for the 2026 Bart Starr Award
Honoring outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 22, 2025—Athletes in Action (AIA) has announced the finalists for the 2026 Bart Starr Award, an honor presented annually to an active NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership at home, on the field and in the community.
The award will be presented at the 2026 Super Bowl Breakfast, held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, during Super Bowl weekend.
Following a nomination and vetting process that includes input from NFL team representatives, past Bart Starr Award winners and Athletes in Action Pro staff, the finalists have now been selected. The final recipient will be determined through voting by current NFL players, underscoring the respect and credibility of the award among peers across the league.
2026 Bart Starr Award Finalists
Andy Dalton, quarterback–Carolina Panthers
Mike Evans, wide receiver–Tampa Bay Buccaneers
B.J. Hill, defensive tackle–Cincinnati Bengals
Lane Johnson, offensive tackle–Philadelphia Eagles
Dawson Knox, tight end–Buffalo Bills
Khalil Mack, linebacker–Los Angeles Chargers
Christian McCaffrey, running back–San Francisco 49ers
Miles Killebrew, safety / special teams–Pittsburgh Steelers
Morgan Cox, long snapper–Tennessee Titans
Harrison Phillips, defensive tackle–New York Jets
Established in 1989, the Bart Starr Award is named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr, whose life and legacy exemplified humility, integrity and servant leadership. Unlike awards focused solely on performance, the Bart Starr Award uniquely recognizes the total impact of an NFL player’s life—celebrating those who lead with purpose, serve others selflessly and model excellence beyond the game.
The announcement of the finalist marks a significant moment in the award process and sets the stage for the Super Bowl Breakfast, one of the most anticipated and meaningful events of Super Bowl weekend.
About Athletes in Action
Athletes in Action (AIA), a ministry of Cru, exists to build spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport. Founded in 1966, AIA serves athletes, coaches and sports leaders at every level—from youth and high school to college and professional sports—helping them become Total Athletes who pursue excellence physically, mentally and spiritually. Athletes in Action is the presenting organization of the Bart Starr Award.
About the Super Bowl Breakfast
The Super Bowl Breakfast is an NFL-sanctioned event held annually during Super Bowl weekend and has been a cornerstone gathering since 1988. Hosted by Athletes in Action, the breakfast brings together NFL players, coaches, executives, business leaders and fans to celebrate stories of character, leadership and faith. The event serves as the official platform for presenting the Bart Starr Award and continues to be one of the most respected off-the-field traditions associated with the Super Bowl.
Media Contact:
Athletes in Action
Email: media@athletesinaction.org or cru@guardian.agency
Website: AthletesInAction.org and SuperBowlBreakfast.com
