ACHIEVEMENT
College Football’s Mackey Award is a Family Affair for Benjamin Hazel The Mackey Award Foundation names a descendant as Executive Director
on and off the field. I’m honored to carry forward his legacy by helping elevate the next generation of tight ends who embody excellence, leadership, and integrity,” Hazel reflects on his appointment. Hazel’s role as Execu- tive Director is to garner corporate sponsorships of the award and to conduct the weekly voting with the Selection Committee, of which he is also a voting member. Additionally, he is in charge of the weekly press releases with the university of the team whose player wins The John Mackey Tight End of the Week Award. Hazel must manage press inquiries and help coordinate the annual award ceremony. “My plan with the Mackey Award is to continue to grow awareness around the award and what it signifies. Highlighting the special athletes that play the tight end position, ones that are play makers on and off the field. I hope to continue my grandfather’s
By Aaron S. Williams
O n June 17, 2025, the Mackey Awards Foundation announced the appoint- ment of Benjamin Hazel (Philadelphia (PA) Alumni 2015) as its new Executive Director. The Mackey Awards Foundation over- sees the selection process and conferral of the John Mackey Award. Established in 2001, the John Mackey Award is bestowed annually to the most outstanding tight end in the Football Bowl Subdivision. In addi- tion to demonstrating outstanding athletic prow- ess on the field, the award also stands for positive sportsmanlike behavior, good academic standing, and exceptional leadership abilities. The John Mackey Award Selection Committee, composed of respected media members and retired NFL players, determines the award recipient by confidential balloting. Current Selection Committee
Hazel is also an ESPN College Basketball color analyst.
members include ESPN Col- lege Game Day panelist and former college head coach Lee Corso, ESPN College Football broadcaster and retired NFL tight end Charles Arbuckle, and retired NFL tight ends and past Mackey Awardees Daniel Graham and Dallas Clark. The award is named after Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, the late John Mackey, who is Brother Hazel’s maternal grandfa- ther. Considered one of pro football’s greatest tight ends, Mackey played primarily for the 1960s Baltimore Colts.
Mackey played in two NFL Championship games and two Super Bowls, including the victorious Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V where he caught a critical 75-yard touchdown. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, Mackey also led the NFL Players Association as president and whose term eventually led to NFL players gaining free agency rights, pension benefits and injury protection pro- grams. “This is more than a professional milestone—it’s a personal mission. My grandfather was a trailblazer
26 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2025
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator