Today’s blog was already scheduled to take a look at the 2011 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List but sadly just earlier today the NFL Hall of Famer who was considered to be the best to have played the tight end position passed away at age 69.

John Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to the community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA. I could not think of a better or deserving person to have an award named after and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Mackey family and friends.

In his career, Mackey had 5,236 receiving yards (15.8, 38 td) and he was named the best ever at his position in an NFL Network poll. His most famous catch was a 75-yd td pass in Super Bowl V off a deflection that helped the Colts win their only Super Bowl. 

I take great pride in not only being a voting member of the John Mackey Award but also a key contributor on the committee which selects the players for the preseason watch list.

Just yesterday the 2011 John Mackey Award preseason watch list was released by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The Award, established in 2001, is awarded annually to the most outstanding tight end in FBS college football. In addition to demonstrating outstanding athletic prowess on the field, the award also stands for positive sportsmanship-like behavior, good academic standing & exceptional leadership abilities.

Last year D.J. Williams of Arkansas won the award and 10 of the past 11 winners have gone on to play in the NFL. Returning semi-finalists from last year are Michael Egnew, George Bryan and Ladarius Green. Here is the complete 2011 watch list.

2011 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List

10 conferences plus the independents were represented on the list with the Big 10 having the most selections (7) followed by the ACC and Pac-12 who each had 5 selections.

The Nassau County Sports Commission, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization sponsored by Briarcliffe College, is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. For additional information, please visit www.nassausports.org.

Only 55 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE FIRST COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME!!