BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake was recognized on Mar. 15 as the 2025 recipient of the Buddy Teevens Award at the 89th annual Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala, held for the first time at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta. Sitake joined other honorees from professional, college, and high school football during a ceremony emceed by College Football Hall of Fame quarterback Don McPherson.
The event highlighted significant achievements across all levels of football and paid tribute to individuals who have made lasting contributions to the sport. The Buddy Teevens Award, established by the Archie Manning family in 2024 and presented by the Maxwell Football Club alongside the National Football Foundation, honors outstanding achievement on the field and exceptional leadership that impacts players, coaches, and football as a whole.
Sitake was introduced via video by Peyton Manning. “Coach Sitake is the perfect steward of Buddy’s legacy,” said Peyton Manning while introducing Sitake. “I know Buddy would be very proud of all the work coach does on and, especially, off the field.” Sitake also addressed those present: “Coach Buddy Teevens stood for everything great in our profession,” said Sitake while also thanking those who assist him in his role at BYU and praising the award winners in attendance for their great accomplishments. “Buddy’s commitment to innovation, combined with his love for his players and care for their safety and the mentoring he gave them, he gave young people the lessons and principles that will expand and extend beyond the football field. It’s an honor for me to be connected to his legacy. This is truly special for me.”
Other notable award recipients included Curt Cignetti (George Munger Award), Fernando Mendoza (Maxwell Award), Jacob Rodriquez (Chuck Bednarik Award), Julian Sayin (Shaun Alexander Award), Blake Horvath (Inaugural Maxwell Military Service Academy Leadership Award & CSC Division I Academic All-American Team Member of the Year), among others from both collegiate and high school ranks.
The evening also featured a tribute to College Football Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz, who passed away on March 4 at age 89. The Maxwell Football Club President Mark Dianno welcomed attendees to celebrate excellence in football performance as well as community involvement through academic excellence, volunteerism, and leadership programs supported by various partners.
The Buddy Teevens Award commemorates Dartmouth College coach Buddy Teevens’ decades-long career dedicated to player safety innovations and mentorship within college football.
