Tulane AD Dannen bestowed Distinguished American honor

NEW ORLEANS – Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair Troy Dannen was presented the Distinguished American Award from the Allstate Sugar Bowl Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

The honor is presented annually to an individual who has set the standard for a life of service to the community and has made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football.

Dannen currently serves as chair of the NCAA Football Competition Committee and is in his third year as a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee. From 2021-2023, Dannen also served on the NCAA Constitution Committee as well as the Transformation Committee.

Dannen is in his eighth year as the Green Wave’s AD. During his previous seven years, Tulane has appeared in four bowl games, winning three including the 2023 Cotton Bowl. The Wave rolled to a 12-2 overall record, winning the American Athletic championship and defeating USC in the Cotton Bowl en route to a #9 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. The Cotton Bowl marked the Wave’s first major bowl appearance since the 1940 Sugar Bowl.

In addition, the 2022-23 Tulane men’s basketball team posted its first 20-win regular season since 1998 and the 2022 Sailing team won its first national championship.

Dannen is also a finalist for the 2023 Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year which will be presented in late May.

Since joining Tulane in 2015, Dannen has reinvigorated the Green Wave’s athletics program with the hiring of 11 of the current 13 head coaches, while also revamping the department’s senior management team, increasing fundraising and enhancing the student-athlete experience.

Through his leadership, Dannen has elevated the profile of Tulane Athletics in all aspects. Since arriving on campus, the Green Wave has seen 42 All-Americans, 177 All-American Athletic Conference recipients, 16 conference champions and Green Wave teams have earned 33 trips to the postseason.

Wednesday’s honor was part of the organization’s 2023 Scholar Athlete Awards Luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room in New Orleans.

Dannen’s comments at the luncheon included a call to action for the 20 local high school scholar athletes in attendance. “So much is given to us by the sport of football. My ask of you is this: When you walk away from the game … give back to it. Stay involved. Contribute back to the game that has given you so much. You may end up officiating, coaching, … just make sure that you give back.”