Bill Nunn Memorial Award: Honoring Excellence in Pro Football Journalism
In the world of American football, the stories told off the field are as vital as the plays made on it. To honor the journalists who dedicate their careers to documenting the game, the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) presents the Bill Nunn Memorial Award. This prestigious honor recognizes reporters who have provided long and distinguished coverage of professional football.
Key Facts
- Awarding Body: Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA).
- Purpose: To recognize long and distinguished reporting in professional football.
- Location: Presented at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
- Established: 1969.
- Most Recent Recipient: Mary Kay Cabot (2025).
The History and Evolution of the Award
The award was established in 1969 to celebrate the contributions of the press to the sport. For over five decades, it has served as a benchmark for excellence in sports media. However, the award's name has evolved to reflect a commitment to inclusivity and historical accuracy.
Originally, the honor was known as the Dick McCann Memorial Award, named after the first director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2021, the PFWA renamed the honor the Bill Nunn Memorial Award. This change was made due to Dick McCann's association with the segregationist policies of the Washington Redskins during his tenure as the team's general manager.
The award is now named after Bill Nunn Jr., a trailblazing journalist who spent 22 years working for the Pittsburgh Courier, contributing significantly to the coverage of the sport.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Presentation and Hall of Fame Status
The Bill Nunn Memorial Award is presented annually during the Pro Football Hall Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio. This timing aligns the recognition of journalistic excellence with the induction of the game's greatest players and coaches. Prior to 2014, the award was presented during the Enshrinees Dinner.
There is a common misconception regarding the status of the recipients. While the list of honorees is sometimes informally called the "writer's wing" of the Hall of Fame, these individuals are not official Hall of Famers. Unlike the athletes and coaches inducted into the Hall, Nunn Award winners do not receive bronze busts or the iconic gold jackets. As of 2025, no winner of the Nunn Award has been formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Presented By | Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) |
| Established Year | 1969 |
| Venue | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio |
| Former Name | Dick McCann Memorial Award |
| Criteria | Long and distinguished reporting in pro football |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bill Nunn Memorial Award?
It is an annual award given by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) to a reporter for their long and distinguished contribution to professional football coverage.
Why was the award renamed in 2021?
The award was renamed from the Dick McCann Memorial Award because Dick McCann was associated with the segregationist policies of the Washington Redskins while serving as their general manager.
Who was Bill Nunn Jr.?
Bill Nunn Jr. was a distinguished journalist who worked for the Pittsburgh Courier for 22 years.
Are Bill Nunn Memorial Award winners members of the Hall of Fame?
No. Although sometimes referred to as the "writer's wing," recipients are not official Hall of Famers and do not receive gold jackets or bronze busts.
Where is the award presented?
The award is presented annually at the Pro Football Hall Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio.