NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Celebrates Excellence at 17th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet
Seven football and community leaders recognized alongside four collegiate and 21 high school scholar-athletes
Pictured: 2026 NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Scholar-Athletes, joined by distinguished leaders and supporters of the game, including (first row, L–R) Justin Hall, Board Member; Collin Brence, Board Member; Gerald Brence, President, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas. (Second row, L–R) Scott Smith, Board Member; Todd Dodge, Lovejoy ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach; Joe King, former NFL player and singer-songwriter; Matt Sign, COO, National Football Foundation; Jerry Bishop, former player, coach, and educator; Rutledge Haggard, longtime Plano community leader; Scott Murray, veteran sportscaster; Tab Slaughter, NFL and Big 12 official; Sean Hamilton, Emmy Award-winning sports director; Claude Mathis, DeSoto Head Football Coach; Aaron Beck, All Saints’ Episcopal School (Fort Worth) Head Football Coach. (Third row, far right) Gary Peek, Board Member.
DALLAS, Texas (March 31, 2026) – The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas, the North Texas chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, proudly hosted its 17th annual awards banquet on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Haggard Party Barn in Plano. The annual event brought together student-athletes, coaches, families, community leaders, and supporters of amateur football to celebrate excellence both on and off the field.
Throughout the evening, the chapter recognized seven major award recipients and honored a total of 25 outstanding scholar-athletes, including four collegiate players and 21 high school standouts from across the North Texas region. Each honoree exemplifies the core values of the organization—demonstrating exceptional achievement in athletics, a strong commitment to academic success, and meaningful contributions to their communities through service and leadership.
The banquet also served as an opportunity to highlight the continued impact of amateur football as a platform for personal growth and community engagement. Coaches, mentors, and family members were recognized for their role in shaping the character and success of the evening’s honorees, reinforcing the importance of support systems in the development of student-athletes.
Serving as master of ceremonies for the 17th consecutive year was Scott Murray, the 2021 Distinguished Texan Award recipient and a legendary voice in Texas sports broadcasting. Murray’s longstanding dedication to the event and his connection to the mission of the organization have made him a cherished part of the annual celebration, helping to create a memorable and inspiring experience for all in attendance.
The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas continues to uphold its mission of promoting amateur football and recognizing individuals who excel academically, athletically, and in service to others, making the annual awards banquet a cornerstone event for the North Texas football community.
Rutledge Haggard, Distinguished Texan Award
Pictured (L to R): president, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas, Gerald Brence, Distinguished Texan, Rutledge Haggard, and COO, National Football Foundation, Matt Sign.
A lifelong Texan and longtime resident of Plano, Rutledge Haggard is being honored for decades of exemplary civic, educational, and community leadership. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the values that define his faith, integrity, generosity, and stewardship of community.
The Distinguished Texan Award recognizes not only Rutledge Haggard’s achievements, but also his enduring devotion to his community and his state. His record of service reflects a lifetime spent giving back, leading by example, and leaving Texas better than he found it.
Todd Dodge, Legends Award
Pictured: Todd Dodge (speaking) and Scott Murray (background).
Todd Dodge is an iconic Texas football coach and former quarterback whose career has spanned generations of excellence. A record‑setting high school and University of Texas quarterback, he went on to become one of the most successful coaches in state history, winning seven Texas state championships at Southlake Carroll and Austin Westlake.
Todd Dodge is an iconic Texas football coach and former quarterback whose career has spanned generations of excellence. A record‑setting high school and University of Texas quarterback, he went on to become one of the most successful coaches in state history, winning seven Texas state championships at Southlake Carroll and Austin Westlake.
Dodge is the only Texas coach to achieve three consecutive state titles at two different schools and is a member of multiple halls of fame. He is widely respected for developing elite programs and mentoring standout quarterbacks. His lasting impact as a leader and innovator has earned him Legends Award recognition across Texas football.
Jerry Bishop, Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football
Pictured: Jerry Bishop (speaking)
Jerry Bishop is a respected educator and former coach whose lifelong commitment to amateur football has been defined by service, mentorship, and integrity. Throughout his career, he has positively impacted countless students by using the game as a tool to teach discipline, teamwork, and character.
Known for putting young people first, Bishop exemplifies leadership both on and off the field. His influence extends beyond wins and losses, leaving a lasting mark on school communities and the sport itself.
Tab Slaughter, Steve Storie Official of the Year
Pictured: Tab Slaughter (speaking) and Scott Murray (background).
Tab Slaughter’s football journey reflects excellence as a player, official, and business leader. He is an NFL and Big 12 official recognized for excellence on the field and strong leadership, consistently demonstrating professionalism and earning the respect of those around him.
A standout lineman and team captain from Wynne, Arkansas, he continued his leadership at Arkansas State before advancing through the collegiate officiating ranks and reaching the NFL in 2020.
His résumé includes state championships, major college bowls, conference championships, and multiple NFL playoff games, and he recently completed his sixth NFL season.
Sean Hamilton, Media Person of the Year
Pictured: Sean Hamilton
Sean Hamilton was honored as Media Person of the Year, a recognition of his exceptional impact on sports media. An Emmy-winning sports director and journalist, he is known for covering the nation’s biggest sporting events with insight, accuracy, and compelling storytelling.
His credibility, professionalism, and long-standing dedication to the craft have made him a trusted voice in sports journalism and a respected leader in the industry. His selection reflects the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas’s focus on honoring media professionals whose work elevates the game and highlights the powerful stories within the local and national football community.
Claude Mathis, 6A High School Coach of the Year
Pictured: Claude Mathis (speaking) and Scott Murray (background).
Claude Mathis is one of Texas high school football’s premier coaches, combining elite playing credentials with championship‑level leadership on the sidelines. A record‑setting running back at Texas State University and former NFL draftee, he transitioned into coaching and rose to prominence at DeSoto High School.
Since returning to DeSoto in 2019, Mathis has led the program to perennial playoff appearances and UIL Class 6A state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Known for developing complete student‑athletes, he emphasizes character, accountability, academics, and community service alongside winning.
Aaron Beck, TAPPS DII High School Coach of the Year
Pictured: Aaron Beck (speaking).
Aaron Beck has built one of the most successful and respected private school football programs in Texas over a coaching career spanning four decades. He joined All Saints’ Episcopal School of Fort Worth in 2007 as Athletic Director and head football coach. Since then, he has led the Saints to eight state championships and several additional title game appearances.
In 2025, Beck guided the program to a second consecutive perfect 14–0 season and a TAPPS Division II state championship, earning Coach of the Year honors for his leadership. Throughout his career, he has prioritized character, accountability, and strong relationships, valuing player development as highly as on-field success.
Watson Bell, Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Pictured (L to R): Justin McDaniel, OL Coach, Gunter High School, Watson Bell, Argyle High School, and Gerald Brence, president, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas.
The Scholar-Athlete of the Year, along witha $2,500 college scholarship sponsored by the Clearview Foundation, was awarded to Watson Bell from Argyle High School. Bell, an All-District running back for Coach Todd Rodgers, rushed for over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior.
After suffering a major foot injury in the final game of the season, he battled back to help lead his team to the fourth round of the playoffs, earning Offensive MVP and First Team Academic All-State honors.
Bell was recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program, named Student of the Month, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Active in service, he participates in the Young Men’s Service League, is involved in his church, and founded a Bible study group. A four-year track letterman and Boys State attendee, he plans to attend the University of Texas this fall.
Cannon Bozman, Scott Murray Community Service Award
Pictured (L to R): Scott Murray, president, Murray Media, Cannon Bozman, Highland Park High School, and Gerald Brence, president, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas
Cannon Bozman of Highland Park High School was named the recipient of the 2025 Scott Murray Community Service Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication to serving others and making a meaningful impact in his community.
A team captain for Coach Randy Allen, Bozman earned First Team All-State and All-District honors, along with Academic All-State recognition. He was actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout high school and demonstrated strong leadership through his work on student council, helping lead citywide events for both the school district and the city of Highland Park.
Dax Hebeisen, Army Black Knight Award
Pictured (L to R): Gerald Brence, president, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas, and Dax Hebeisen, Colleyville-Heritage High School.
Dax Hebeisen of Colleyville-Heritage High School was presented the Army Black Knight Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and service. Hebeisen maintained a 4.99 GPA while serving as a team captain for Coach Jerry Edwards.
He earned two-time All-District honors, was named THSCA Academic All-State, and received Academic All-District recognition four times. A consistent high achiever, he is an AP Scholar and a four-time A-Honor Roll student. In the community, he has contributed to the Heritage MLK food and clothing drive, helped package meals for those in need in the Dallas area, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and supported the school’s Christmas program.
Hebeisen is a member of the RED JACKETS, participates in PALS, and is a STEM student. He plans to attend and play football at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to play football and pursue engineering starting June 1st.
Drew Bossen, Passion Grants Foundation Award
Pictured (L to R): Gary Peek, board member, Drew Bossen, Sherman High School, and Gerald Brence, president, NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas.
Drew Bossen of Sherman High School was awarded the Passion Grants Foundation Award, along with a $2,500 college scholarship, in recognition of his 500-word essay highlighting his passion for helping others. The award was sponsored by the Passion Grants Foundation.
Bossen maintains a 4.20 GPA and served as a team captain for Coach Josh Aleman. He ranks No. 4 in his class of 470 students and has earned Academic All-District honors, along with recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also received the Entrepreneurship Award Chemistry, Award, and the National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award. Active in his school and community.
Bossen serves in the Young Men’s Service League and participates in both the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. He plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station this fall.
Collegiate Scholar-Athletes
The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas recognized four collegiate scholar-athletes at the awards banquet. Collegiate candidates were selected from universities around north Texas based on their athletic accomplishments, academic performance, and leadership in the community. These scholar-athletes included Ken Seals (Texas Christian University), Logan Parr (Southern Methodist University), Evan Dennis (Austin College), and Amarion Berry (University of North Texas).
Click here to see a full list of award winners and honorees from the 17th Annual Gridiron Club of Dallas Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet.
About NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas
Founded in 2008, the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas is one of 120 nationwide chapters of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF). The NFF, founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik, and journalist Grantland Rice, is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of amateur football to build leaders. With 120 chapters in 47 states, the NFF oversees initiatives such as the NFF College Hall of Fame, the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, Future For Football, and I Played. Learn more about the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas at www.nffdallas.org and the NFF at www.footballfoundation.org.
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Media Contact
Gary Peek
gpeek@nffdallas.org
972.465.0173