The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced Monday that it is awarding longtime Florida Gators football player and head coach Steve Spurrier its Distinguished American Award.

The award is presented annually to an individual who has utilized his or her talents to attain success in public service, business or private life and who has accomplished that which no other has done, according to the Walter Camp Football Foundation press release. The award’s winner is one who has shown integrity, honesty and a dedication to teamwork throughout their life and has excelled as a pioneer in their field.

“It’s a great honor to be selected for this award by the Walter Camp Foundation,” said Spurrier in the press release. “I always tried to instill in my players that attitude and effort go a long way in achieving your goals, whether it be on or off the football field. I believe in treating others the right way, and doing the right thing, even if we do it a little differently than the other guys.”

Spurrier also won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as a player during his senior season in 1966, the year he also won the Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback at Florida.

Spurrier is currently an ambassador for both the Gators and college football.

The “Head Ball Coach” led the Gators from 1990 to 2002 and compiled a 122-27-1 record and won the 1996 national title. His “Fun ‘N Gun” offense changed the style of SEC college football in the 1990s.

Spurrier is one of four people elected to the College Hall of Fame as a player and coach. He is not only the winningest coach in Florida’s program history but is also South Carolina’s top coach in school history with an 86-49 record from 2005-2015.

The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 16 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Spurrier is active in Gainesville and supports various charities through his foundation. He partnered with local businesses in 2021 to open Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and Visors Rooftop, to restaurants located in Celebration Pointe.

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews and former Texas A&M and current Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews will receive the Man of the Year and Alumni Award, respectively.

The all-volunteer Walter Camp Football Foundation was founded in 1967. The organization operates year-round working towards the selection of the oldest college All-American Football Team, as well as donations of worthy charities and youth-orientated organizations.