LANGHORNE, PA – University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe today was named the recipient of the 15th Annual Pop Warner College Football Award. The honor was established in 2010 to recognize a senior who has made a positive impact on the field, in the classroom and in the community, and serves as a role model to Pop Warner’s young student-athletes.

Considered one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football, Milroe has amassed more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage, 15 passing touchdowns, and a single season record 20 rushing touchdowns this season for the 11th ranked Crimson Tide. He graduated cum laude in only three years, earning a degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in sport management. Milroe, the 2024 William Campbell Award winner, is a President's List honoree and three-time Dean's List honoree, and was 2023 CoSIDA Academic All-District IV and 2022 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

He consistently serves as one of the top contributors to the Crimson Tide's community service efforts. Among his many contributions in Alabama and his hometown of Katy, Texas, Milroe has regularly visited schools, hosted football camps, raised awareness for sudden cardiac arrest, and partnered with Extra Yard for Teachers to support Alabama students and educators.

“We’ve all been lucky to watch Jalen emerge as one of the most exciting players in college football over the past two seasons,” said Pop Warner Little Scholars Executive Director Jon Butler. “But his success extends beyond the sidelines at Bryant Denny Stadium. He really is a scholar and a philanthropist, achieving great success in the classroom and giving back to so many in the community. We had four amazing finalists this year, each of whom has done great things on the field, in the class and in the community. We are honored to present Jalen with this award, and know he’ll achieve great things moving forward.”

"I'm honored to receive this award. I've always strived to become the best version of myself and provide an example for others to follow,” said Milroe. “While at Alabama, I've used the platform that I've been given to contribute regularly in the community while working tirelessly in the classroom and on the football field. I would like to thank Pop Warner Little Scholars for this great honor. Youth football teaches you so many lessons and has helped me to get where I am today. It is such a great experience for any kid growing up and played a major role in my love for the game."

Other finalists for the award this year were California QB Fernando Mendoza, BYU OL Connor Pay, and Kentucky TE Josh Kattus.

The Pop Warner Little Scholars National College Football Award is presented as part of the 67th Pop Warner Super Bowl at Camping World Stadium, which is being held on December 7-14. Last year’s winner was Texas Tech defensive lineman Tony Bradford Jr. Previous recipients have included, Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Chase Minnifield (Virginia), Sean Renfree (Duke), Gary Bush (Purdue), Jordan Richards (Stanford), Brandon Chubb (Wake Forest), Evan Engram (Mississippi), Braxton Berrios (Miami), CJ Conrad (Kentucky), Michael Pittman, Jr. (USC), Ian Book (University of Notre Dame), Elijah Hicks (University of California) and Kenneth Horsey (Kentucky).  

From Red Raider to role model – Texas Tech defensive dynamo creates a legacy of leadership, performance and community impact, serving as inspiration for young student-athletes.

LANGHORNE, PA (December 5, 2023) – Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s preeminent youth football organization, has announced Texas Tech defensive lineman Tony Bradford Jr. as the recipient of its 14th Pop Warner College Football Award. The award is given annually to a college football player who best exemplifies the Pop Warner ideals of character, leadership and community service.

Bradford is a leader on the defensive line for the Red Raiders and has been a key contributor to the team's success during his five-year tenure, recording 35 starts in 52 games and amassing 134 tackles, including 29 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, He is a three-time All-Big 12 selection and has helped the Red Raiders win back-to-back bowl games in the 2021 AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl. 

In the classroom, Bradford is a two-time graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's in interdisciplinary studies. This year, he is pursuing an additional graduate degree in public administration. His goal is to enter law enforcement following his playing career and, ultimately, rising to chief of police for a major metropolitan department.  

Bradford is a staple in the West Texas community through advocacy and volunteer work, especially in underserved areas of East Lubbock. Bradford has been actively involved in neighborhood cleanups as well as voter registration drives, peace walks and visits to local elementary schools and local non-profit organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Texas Boys Ranch, South Plains Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Burgers and Badges and more. Bradford has regularly visited local school districts to demonstrate, as he puts it, that "kids who look just like me can achieve what I have, too." His impact on the local community has earned him the title of Lubbock’s "honorary mayor.” 

For the holidays, Bradford organized a turkey giveaway that benefited roughly 200 Lubbock families. He donated 100 turkeys through his NIL proceeds, which were matched locally by United Supermarkets Arena. 

Bradford serves as a longtime member of the Texas Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was selected to represent the university as part of the Big 12 Champions for Life campaign, which recognizes stories of scholarship athletes who use their platforms and voices to promote change. His unwavering commitment to positive impact earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in 2023 and on the AFCA Good Works Team in 2022. 

"Tony’s on-field excellence is matched by his remarkable passion and dedication to giving back and inspiring others off of it. He embodies everything we aspire our young athletes to be – good students, hard workers and leaders in their community,” said Jon Butler, executive director of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “We are proud to honor Tony with this award, and grateful  for the incredible example all of our nominees set for the next generation.” 

“I’m truly honored and blessed to be named the winner of the Pop Warner College Football Award,” said Bradford..” My hope is that through this award and the accomplishments we’ve been able to achieve during my time as a Red Raider, it will inspire other student-athletes to actively contribute to their local communities and strive to be an example for future generations. I’m grateful for the Pop Warner organization for not only this honor but for what it does for the future leaders of our sport on a daily basis.”

This year’s other award finalists included:

• Elijah McAllister, Auburn University linebacker

• Malik Washington, University of Virginia wide receiver

• Matthew Cindric, University of California, Berkeley offensive lineman

• Ja'Mion Franklin, Duke University defensive tackle

“Tony Bradford is everything we could ask for in a student-athlete. He’s not only a leader on our defense, but he’s a powerful voice within our athletics department and our community,” said Joey McGuire, Texas Tech head coach. “When people hear ‘The Mayor’ speak, they immediately listen. We appreciate the Pop Warner organization for choosing him as this year’s winner in recognition of his commitment to making the world around him a better place.”

About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in their sports in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit www.popwarner.com or follow Pop Warner on Twitter. Instagram or Facebook.