Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., the nation’s leading youth football and cheer organization that emphasizes the balance of academics and sports, honored exceptional student-athletes at its Annual All-American Scholars Banquet Saturday, May 21, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Nearly 5,000 student-athletes were named Pop Warner All-American Scholars for the 2025-26 academic year, each earning a GPA of 96% or above. Pop Warner and its partners awarded nearly $80,000 in academic scholarships during the banquet.
Pop Warner also presented awards to leaders in professional and collegiate athletics, and academia, who have inspired young people to excel beyond the field, and will introduce the inaugural class of the Pop Warner Hall of Fame, which honors volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to the organization during its nearly 100-year history.
Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed delivered a keynote speech. Following his legendary career with the Buffalo Bills, Reed has dedicated himself to community service through the Andre Reed Foundation, where he focuses on empowering underserved youth through education, mentorship, and personal development programs.
“Pop Warner has always been about more than sports. It’s about shaping the next generation of leaders,” said Steve Strawbridge, CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “Our programs emphasize teamwork, discipline, and academic achievement, helping young people develop the skills and character they’ll carry throughout their lives. Each year, we’re proud to recognize thousands of student-athletes as Pop Warner All-American Scholars, and to further support their futures by providing college scholarships that help them continue both their education and athletic journeys.”
The following distinguished individuals and organizations were named this year’s award recipients, recognized for their exceptional leadership, impact, and contributions across sports, community service, and innovation.
Dion Dawkins (Humanitarian Award): Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins is one of the NFL’s most respected leaders both on and off the field and the recipient of the 2026 Pop Warner Humanitarian Award. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and cornerstone of Buffalo’s offensive line since 2017, Dawkins was the team’s 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, recognizing his outstanding leadership and impact in the community. Through his foundation, Dion’s Dreamers, he mentors and supports young people in underserved communities across Buffalo and Western New York, organizing educational trips, youth programs, and charitable initiatives that uplift families and inspire the next generation. Widely admired for his compassion and commitment to service, Dawkins continues to make a lasting impact far beyond the football field.
Chicago Bears (NFL Team of the Year): The Chicago Bears – represented by Chairman George McCaskie – are the 2026 Pop Warner NFL Team of the Year, thanks to its longtime community impact, including support for military families, education initiatives, social justice, and health and wellness efforts across Chicago. Central to this work is the team’s dedication to growing youth football. The Bears host coaching clinics and youth and high school football development programs that equip coaches and young athletes with the tools to learn the game safely while building leadership and teamwork skills. The organization also is a leader in advancing girls flag football, partnering with schools and community organizations to launch leagues, host clinics, and expand opportunities for girls to compete. Together, these efforts demonstrate how the Bears use their platform to strengthen communities while creating more pathways for young athletes to participate in football.
Wendy Brown (Trailblazer Award): Dr. Wendy Brown, Ph.D., a biomedical engineering researcher at the University of California-Irvine, is the recipient of the 2026 Pop Warner Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of science, athletics, and mentorship. A former NFL and NBA cheerleader, Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Georgia Tech and her Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis, and now focuses her research on tissue engineering and innovative cartilage repair technologies. Her work has even extended beyond Earth, with research connected to studies conducted aboard the International Space Station, exploring how cartilage tissue grows in microgravity. Through her career and personal journey, Brown continues to inspire young people, especially girls and young women, to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Jalon Daniels (College Football Award): Jalon Daniels, a four-time team captain and quarterback at the University of Kansas, is one of the most accomplished players in program history and the 16th recipient of the College Football Award. During his career, he accounted for 90 touchdowns (passing and running) and nearly 11,000 all-purpose yards, while helping lead Kansas through one of its most competitive stretches in recent years. A finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, Daniels is also a previous Big 12 Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year and Academic All-America honoree who graduated with a degree in sports management. Off the field, he founded the Mom 2 J6 Foundation to support single mothers and young athletes inspired by his mother’s sacrifices.