John Mackey Award
The Ultimate Title for College Tight Ends
Inaugurated in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the John Mackey Award distinguishes the nation’s most outstanding collegiate tight end who exemplifies gridiron mastery and character. This honor recognizes athletic giants who redefine leadership on the field and within their communities. As a proud partner of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), we belong to a network of 25 of the most prestigious awards established since 1935. See more information about this years announcement schedule at NCFAA.org
Beyond the trophy, we champion the John Mackey Fund, tirelessly advocating for enhanced athlete protections, health research funding, and the fundamental rights of every competitor in the sport.
The John Mackey Legacy
Mackey gave us a tight end who weighed 230, ran 4.6, and could catch the bomb. It was a weapon other teams didn't have.
Don Shula, NFL Hall of Famer
& Former Baltimore Colts Coach
The Player
During a ten-year NFL career, John Mackey transformed what coaches expected from a tight end. Combining exceptional size, speed, and toughness, he became one of the first tight ends capable of dominating both as a blocker and as a deep receiving threat.
1962
1963–1968
1971
1992
2007
All Eastern First Team (Syracuse University).
5x NFL Pro Bowl Selection (Baltimore Colts)
'63, '65, '66, '67, '68.
Super Bowl Champion (Baltimore Colts 16 - Dallas Cowboys 13).
Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction.
Syracuse Retires #88.
Note: One of the most famous plays in Super Bowl History came in Super Bowl V when he grabbed a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas that produced a 75-yard touchdown, a Super Bowl record at the time.
The Activist
The Legacy & The Mackey Family
1 st President of the NFL Players Association
In 2000, John Mackey was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. His wife, Sylvia Mackey, carried on his fight for player rights and called for better research so others can safely enjoy the game we love.
The 88 Plan
Sylvia Mackey is the inspiration behind the 88 Plan. The program provides financial assistance to former NFL players suffering from dementia, alzheimer's disease, ALS, and Parkinsons
CTE & Concussion Research
John Mackey's brain was donated to Boston University and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, which has conducted groundbreaking research.
Mackey led the fight for fairness with a brilliance and ferocious drive. His passion continues to define our organization and inspire our players
DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA Executive Director
Under Mackey's leadership, players gained substantial increases in pension funding, preseason and postseason compensation, and overall benefits.
He served as the lead plaintiff in a case that helped establish the foundation for modern player free agency and the rights NFL players enjoy today.
Everyone who is affected will benefit, whether they were stars or Hall of Famers or just regular players
Sylvia Mackey
GREATNESS • HONOR • GRIT • INTEGRITY • RESILIENCE • LEGACY • COMMUNITY • LEADERSHIP • FAMILY • ADVOCATE • PRIDE • SELFLESS
John Mackey Award Honors
The John Mackey Award honors great play at the tight end postion throughout the entire season. Check here to see the lastest honorees
- Preseason Watch List (August 5th, 2026)
- Player of the Week
- Semi Finalist
- Finalist
- Winner
2025 John Mackey Award
Eli Stowers - Vanderbilt Commodores
62 Rec 769 Yds 4 TDs
54th Overall Pick by the Philadelphia Eagles
Preserving Legacy
We honor the profound impact of John Mackey by ensuring his story of excellence and integrity continues to inspire generations of athletes.
Athlete Rights
We advocate for the safety and dignity of student-athletes, pushing for policies that prioritize long-term health and fair treatment.
Player Safety
We support critical research into the long-term effects of sports-related injuries, working to protect the future of the game.