The Lombardi Award honors college football's toughest players with a block of granite

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 1970 to honor the legendary coach Vince Lombardi, this prestigious award recognizes college football players who embody discipline, courage, and leadership. While it briefly opened to all positions, the award has returned to its roots, celebrating the grit of linemen and linebackers who anchor the game.

Created shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi in 1970, the Rotary Lombardi Award was established by the Rotary Club of Houston with the authorization of the coach's widow, Marie Lombardi. The award serves a dual purpose: honoring the values of the legendary coach and raising funds for cancer research, awareness, and treatment. The trophy itself is a symbolic block of granite, a direct reference to the 'Seven Blocks of Granite,' the nickname given to the offensive line at Fordham University where Lombardi played as an undergraduate.

The eligibility criteria for the award are specific and rooted in the positions Lombardi himself played. Candidates must be NCAA FBS college football players who serve as down linemen or defensive linebackers, provided they meet strict positioning requirements relative to the line of scrimmage. Players who function as offensive backs or receivers are excluded. While the award briefly expanded to include all positions between 2017 and 2021, the committee eventually reverted to these original, position-specific standards. Notably, winners from the 2017 to 2020 period are not recognized by the current committee, though 2020 winner Zaven Collins is an exception as he met the traditional criteria.

The selection process involves an electorate of approximately 500 voters, including head coaches from NCAA Division I schools, sports media personnel, and previous winners or finalists. The Ohio State University currently holds the record for the most wins, with six recipients. While Orlando Pace remains the only two-time winner, having secured the award in 1995 and 1996, the legacy continues with recent honorees like Kelvin Banks, Jr., who won in 2024. The award remains a distinct honor, separate from other specialized accolades like the Outland Trophy for interior linemen, the Rimington Trophy for centers, or the Ted Hendricks Award for defensive ends.

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