As the nation celebrated the Super Bowl and the NFL’s inspiring “Champion” commercial honoring youth coaches everywhere, Pop Warner Little Scholars joined in recognizing the dedicated volunteers who bring that same spirit to life across its fields every season.

During the 2025 season, Pop Warner partnered with the NFL and select NFL clubs to honor five exceptional youth football coaches through the NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week program. The initiative spotlights leaders whose integrity, mentorship, and commitment to player development embody the best of youth sports.

“The NFL’s Super Bowl commercial beautifully captured what these coaches represent,” said Steve Strawbridge, president & CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “It was a powerful reminder that coaches are the heart of our game and are influential in the lives of the young people they lead. They teach young athletes the fundamentals of football, but more importantly, the values that last far beyond the field.”

2025 honorees representing Pop Warner and their NFL club communities included:

• Chris Evans, Coul-Oak Steelers (Carolina Panthers): With more than 20 years of volunteer coaching, Coach Evans has shaped the lives of hundreds of youth and high school athletes across the Carolinas. His long-standing commitment to mentorship and community has established a lasting legacy for the Coul-Oak Steelers program.
• JT Carlson, Fort Osage Indians (Kansas City Chiefs): A 15-year veteran in youth coaching, Coach Carlson serves both the Fort Osage Indians and Oak Grove High School. This past year, he guided the Indians through a championship run that showcased the team’s resilience and development.
•  Greg Pittman, Hamden Hurricanes (New England Patriots): One of Connecticut’s top youth coaches, Coach Pittman’s journey began through his daughter’s involvement in Pop Warner cheerleading. He has since guided the Hurricanes to four straight championship games, including the 2024 New England 8U regional title.
•  Louie Silva, Long Beach Jackrabbits (Los Angeles Chargers): With more than 40 years in Long Beach Pop Warner, Coach Silva has served as head coach of the Jackrabbits and President of the association, winning multiple OEC championships. His love of football and dedication to mentorship has positively impacted hundreds of young athletes in the Los Angeles area.
•  Tony Walker, Westchase Colts (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Over the past eight years, Coach Walker has built the Westchase Colts into one of the premier programs in Pop Warner’s Florida Youth Dynamics Conference, capturing four consecutive conference Super Bowl championships. From mentoring kids after practice to covering costs so every child can play, he is developing champions both on and off the field.

“The NFL Play Football Coach of the Week Award, in partnership with Pop Warner, recognizes those who go beyond the playbook,” said Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development. “It celebrates the men and women who teach character, community, and a lifelong love of football."

Together, Pop Warner and the NFL continue to champion the values of teamwork, perseverance, and community that make youth football such an impactful and enduring experience for young athletes nationwide.