Retiring Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson to be honored with National Football Foundation Legacy Award

NEW ORLEANS – Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson is among four individuals that will be recognized with a National Football Foundation Legacy Award, the NFF & College Hall of Fame announced today.

The award will be presented during the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 4 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City.

The NFF Legacy Award, established in 2007, honors individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to the NFF and/or embody its mission.

Benson, who has served as Sun Belt Commissioner since 2012, has reinvigorated the league brand while adding Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, UTA and Texas State. Some of Benson’s major accomplishments include securing three additional bowl game tie-ins, ensuring a total of no fewer than five Sun Belt teams play in the postseason; the conference’s inaugural football championship game, which will be played this year; and a broadcast partnership with ESPN that has resulted in a tenfold increase in Sun Belt events.

The four individuals to be honored with the National Football Foundation Legacy Award are:

•             Karl Benson, Sun Belt Conference Commissioner
•             Paul Hoolahan, Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO
•             Jonathan B. Taylor, NFF Accountant and Spielman, Koenigsberg & Parker Partner
•             Richard Young, NFF General Counsel and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Partner

“College football relies on a wide range of individuals with a diverse set of talents to ensure the game’s future,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “These four men have all been strong advocates in their own unique way. We are proud to recognize them as ambassadors for the game with NFF Legacy Awards. They have all made the NFF the best it can be.”

Prior to the Sun Belt, Benson served as Commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference (1994-2012) and the Mid-American Conference (1990-94) and as the director of NCAA championships (1986-90). A native of the state of Washington, he received his bachelor’s degree from Boise State in 1975.

“Karl Benson has been extremely supportive of us in his numerous posts over the years, by always ensuring that the NFF’s messaging remains front and center within each of the conferences that he has led,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are extremely grateful for all his support over the years.”