Connor Writing Awards: 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2020s
2019 Awards (from post-Super Bowl LII through Super Bowl LIII)
Bob Oates Beat Reporting
1. Rich Cimini, ESPN.com
2. Rob Demovsky, ESPN.com
3. Chad Graff, The Athletic
Dave Anderson Column Writing
1. Ian O’Connor, ESPN.com: The NFL’s ‘willful ignorance,’ and how it botched the Kareem Hunt case
2. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: ‘The Rams are our people:’ How L.A.’s team lifted the community after a week of tragedy
3. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: What’s 13 feet tall, tarnished, fading? Jerry Richardson’s legacy and hopefully this
Bryan Burwell Feature Writing
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN The Magazine: And now for his next act…
2. Dan Pompei, Bleacher Report: Matt Millen ‘at peace’: Haters never got to him, and failing health won’t either
3. Tyler Dunne, Bleacher Report: ‘I can’t be stopped’: Stedman Bailey opens up on shooting, NFL comeback attempt
Lesley Visser Enterprise News/Features
1. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: The Carruth Project
2. Jenny Vrentas, MMQB.com: The NFL and social justice: This is what players and teams are doing in their communities
3. Michael Cohen, Sports Illustrated: The violent life of Eric Naposki
Will McDonough Breaking News
1. Michael Cohen, The Athletic: Sources: Tragic death of former teammate keeps Cole Madison away from Packers
2. Rich Campbell, Chicago Tribune: Roquan Smith’s holdout centers on new NFL helmet-contact rule
3. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press: Vikings legend Alan Page will put politics aside, accept Presidential Medal of Freedom
Dave Goldberg Game Story
1. Ben Shpigel, New York Times: Chiefs finally end a playoff drought at home, burying the Colts
2. Rich Campbell, Chicago Tribune: Bears defense flexes on high-flying Rams during a dominant 15-6 victory
3. Michael Cohen, The Athletic: Another case of costly mistakes and missed opportunities for the Packers
2018 Awards (from post-Super Bowl LI through Super Bowl LII)
News
1. (tie) Tim Graham, Buffalo News: Gold Star family with opposing views finds unity after Bills protest during anthem; D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Team thankful as Blank backs anthem protests
2. Dave Tuley, VSiN.com: Nevada Super Bowl handle
3. Howard Balzer, The Sports Xchange: Hall of Fame class: ‘Could be the start of a pretty good team’
Game Stories
1. (tie) Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: A play pall for the ages and a (backup) QB that amazes: How the Eagles won Super Bowl LII; Ben Shpigel, New York Times: At long last, the Eagles capture their first Super Bowl; Jenny Vrentas, SI.com/TheMMQB: ‘A team makes a miracle’: How the underdog Eagles became the unlikeliest Super Bowl champs
2. Ben Goessling, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Game and playoff dream appeared over – until Stefon Diggs came to the rescue
Columns
1. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: How Blair Walsh’s infamous missed field goal may have saved a young fan’s life
2. Peter Bukowski, SB Nation: What people really mean when they say “Stick to Sports”
3. (tie) Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: Only one way for Panthers to remove stain of bombshell report on Jerry Richardson; Paul Woody, Richmond Times-Dispatch: Countess’ vicious hit a vivid reminder of football’s danger
Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN.com: For Kraft, Brady and Belichick, is this the beginning of the end?
2. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: Rae Carruth’s prison release nears as son he wanted dead turns 18
3. Jenny Vrentas, SI.com/TheMMQB: Belichick and Saban: The stories behind football’s most powerful friendship
Enterprise Features
1. Tim Graham, Buffalo News: The ‘other’ Goodell: How NFL commissioner’s dad ran afoul of Nixon
2. (tie) Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine/ESPN.com: Sin City or Bust; Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. ESPN.com: NFL owners struggled to retain control after Trump’s attacks, rise of player protests
3. (tie) Ben Baskin, Sports Illustrated: What Colin Kaepernick’s philanthropy tells us about his vision for social change in America; Jenny Vrentas and Robert Klemko, SI.com/TheMMQB: The great Super Bowl jersey caper
2017 Awards (from post-Super Bowl 50 through Super Bowl LI)
News
1. Ralph Vacchiano, SNY.tv: Josh Brown admitted to physically and emotionally abusing his wife
2. Joe Person, Charlotte Observer: Panthers QB Cam Newton, coach Ron Rivera pulled into racial politics
3. Dave Tuley, ESPN.com: The Winner of the SuperContest
Game Stories
1. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Suspended Disbelief: Tom Brady seals status as greatest QB ever in Super Bowl LI
2. Ben Volin, Boston Globe: Openly obvious – Steelers’ poor preparation showed in ease of Patriots’ efficiency
3. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Falcons living out their dream as they flatten Packers and earn their spot in Super Bowl LI
Columns
1. (tie) Ian O’Connor, ESPN.com: Love, not rage, fueled Tom Brady’s legendary Super Bowl LI win; Seth Wickersham, ESPN The Magazine: How a Brady-Goodell connection lingered over the Super Bowl
2. Paul Woody, Richmond Times-Dispatch: 49ers QB Kaepernick has right to his position on the national anthem
3. Howard Balzer, all22.com: How the NFL has changed since the retirement of Pete Rozelle
Features
1. (tie) Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press: Erik Kramer lived to tell his story after attempting suicide; Jenny Vrentas, TheMMQB.com: The Legend of Dennis Byrd
2. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: Rae Carruth’s son will be at prison gates when father who wanted him dead goes free
3. Ian O’Connor, ESPN.com: Meet the devastated parents who want to save football from itself
Enterprise Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN The Magazine: The Wow Factor (the events leading to the vote on where the new stadium in Los Angeles would be built)
2. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Football in America (a lengthy analysis of how people in various parts of America view the NFL)
3. Tim Graham, Buffalo News: Part I: Who do you think you are? Bjorn Nittmo? Part II: Finding Nittmo: Answers, finally, from the NFL kicker who disappeared
2016 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLIX through Super Bowl 50)
News
1. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: After career-threatening injury, Lockette wants to return to football
2. Dave Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City: Lurie: Hiring Chip Kelly was a gamble that didn’t pay off
3. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press: Adrian Peterson returns to Vikings, says he still has love for the team
Game Stories
1. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Von Trapped (Broncos win Super Bowl)
2. Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press: Rex’s Revenge: Ryan’s Bills squeak out 22-17 win over Jets
3. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press: Shock, disbelief, tears: Vikings devastating defeat is one for the ages
Columns
1. Scott Pitoniak, Rochester Business Journal: Former Buffalo Bills reserve reflects on his 9/11 miracle
2. Jarrett Bell, USA Today: Widespread blame for bungling concession of Rams’ Case Keenum
3. (tie) Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: Tom Coughlin retires; Paul Woody, Richmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond needs a better deal for keeping training camp
Features
1. Ian O’Connor, ESPN the Magazine: Inside Bart Starr’s drive to honor fellow Packer great Brett Favre
2. Jason Wilde, ESPNWisconsin.com: Longtime attendant keeps Packers on their toes, works his way into hearts
3. (tie) Jason B. Hirschhorn, Sports on Earth: The man behind the Mannings; Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: Evan Brennan, NFL agent
Enterprise Features
1. Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr., ESPN the Magazine: Spygate to Deflategate: Inside what split the NFL and the Patriots apart
2. Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News: Aaron Hernandez murder trial
3. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer: Surviving and thriving: Chancellor Lee Adams turns 16
Blogs
1. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNOLA.com
2. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press
3. Nick Underhill, The Advocate (Baton Rouge)
2015 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLVIII through Super Bowl XLIX)
News
1. Joe Person, Jonathan Jones and Michael Gordon; Charlotte Observer: Hardy guilty in assault case. Carolina Panthers star to appeal, will face a jury trial
2. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press: Vikings’ owners: ‘We made a mistake’ in reinstating Adrian Peterson
3. David Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City: Philadelphia Eagles/Kelly gains power in shake-up of front office
Game Stories
1. Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Super Bowl XLIX: A dramatic fourth-quarter comeback over the Seahawks vaulted a previously unknown cornerback into the spotlight and established Tom Brady as one of the best quarterbacks of all time
2. Jenny Vrentas, TheMMQB.com: Rogers’ Starr Moment
3. (tie) Rob Demovsky, ESPN.com: Aaron Rodgers pulls off fake spike play in Packers’ winning drive; Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: Bryant, Dallas in shock
Columns
1. (tie) Scott Pitoniak, Rochester Business Journal: Reflections on the heroic life and legacy of a Buffalo Bill; Scott Pitoniak, Rochester Business Journal: Kelly’s finest hours have come during his most trying times
2. David Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City: Christie needs to grow up
3. Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: The question had dogged Tom Coughlin for more than a decade …
Features
1. Tyler Dunne, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Finding Favre: Packers legend talks about life after football and how he still scratches his competitive itch
2. Jason Wilde, ESPNWisconsin.com: Wish granted: For Kellan Meinke and his family, a weekend with the Packers was just what the doctor ordered – a break from the difficult reality of his rare, complicated illness
3. (tie) Zac Boyer, Washington Times: Drive to be a winner: Unorthodox path led Jay Gruden out of his big brother’s shadow to NFL; Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: Walking the fault line
Honorable Mention: Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News: From the Beginning to the end? With Giant Future uncertain, Coughlin returns to Jacksonville, where his head coaching career began; Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: 4 days at the camp that turns young QBs from boys to Mann
Enterprise Features
1. Brian T. Smith, Houston Chronicle: Demetri Goodson: The making of an NFL prospect
2. Michael Clay, Pro Football Focus: The impact of defensive packages on Yards Per Carry
3. (tie) Greg Bishop, Sports Illustrated: Awakening the Giant (Y.A. Tittle); Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: Highway to hell (the O.J. Simpson story)
Blogs
1. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNOLA.com
2. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press
2014 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLVII through Super Bowl XLVIII)
News
1. Michael Schottey, Bleacher Report: Reported NFL influence over ESPN latest blow to integrity on concussions
2. Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press: Chris Kluwe’s lawyer: Texts support claim Vikings knew about Priefer allegations last year
3. Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press, Denver: Broncos president says apology rings hollow
Game Stories
1. Michael Lev, Orange County Register: Anatomy of the Colts’ incredible comeback
2. Scott Adamson, Anderson (S.C.) Independent: Panthers overwhelm Giants, 38-0
3. Michael Schottey, Bleacher Report: Latest Cowboys collapse is so much more than just Tony Romo
Columns
1. Scott Pitoniak, Rochester Business Journal: Saga of O.J. Simpson still seems surreal decades later
2. Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: The evolution of Tom Coughlin
3. Michael Lev, Orange County Register: NFL: The many facets of Richard Sherman
Features
1. Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News: Remembering Li’l Jack Pinto
2. Tyler Dunne, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nearing 80, Bart Starr’s legend stronger than ever
3. Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press, New York: Jets’ Nelson hosting foster kid who made headlines
Enterprise Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: The Hail Mary in Santa Clara
2. Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune: Forgotten Champions (the 1963 Chicago Bears)
3. (tie) Dan Pompei, Bleacher Report: A week in the life of Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden; Brian T. Smith, Houston Chronicle: 1993 Oilers – Team Turmoil
Blogs
1. Kyle J. Rodriguez, Colts Authority & Bleacher Report
2. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNOLA.com
2013 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLVI through Super Bowl XLVII)
News
1. Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports: Adviser: Drew Rosenhaus offered cash to sign Dez Bryant before 2010 NFL Draft
2. Tom Rock, Newsday: Coughlin proud Victor Cruz visited Jack Pinto’s family
3. Tim Graham and Mark Gaughan, Buffalo News: Bills bounty system under Williams alleged
Game Stories
1. Jason Wilde, ESPNWisconsin.com: Seahawks 14, Packers 12: Stunning
2. Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News: After Jovan Belcher murder/suicide tragedy, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel, Chiefs players, forced to play with heavy hearts
3. Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press: Sanchez struggles, Jets turn it over four times in rout by 49ers
Columns
1. Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports: Birth mother still trying to connect with new 49ers starting QB Colin Kaepernick
2. Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal: Impossible to hate man Ohio loves to loathe
3. Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal: Lombardi would be disastrous for Browns
Honorable Mention: Nate Dunlevy, Bleacher Report: The Meaning of Andrew Luck
Features
1. David Moore, Dallas Morning News: Even after 28 years, Drew Pearson knows guilt Josh Brent faces
2. Rich Cimini, ESPNNewYork.com: The bond no collision could break
3. Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune: Dick Butkus might not be the snarling Monster of the Midway he once was, but he’s still a legendary figure at 70
Honorable Mention: Shalise Manza Young, Boston Globe: Donte’ Stallworth a changed man after fateful turn in 2009; Jason Wilde, ESPNWisconsin.com: One of the greatest guys I’ve ever met
Enterprise Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: A thin line between love and hate (regarding Dan Snyder)
2. Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports: Raucous lifestyle leads to fall of Jeff Rubin, a former financial adviser to NFL players
3. Tim Graham, Buffalo News: Ray Lewis’ glory story is haunted by killings
Honorable Mention: Greg Bedard, Boston Globe: Quick and to the point(s); Just one word triggers the Patriots’ potent no-huddle offense; Chris Tomasson, FoxSportsFlorida.com: Nick Saban’s Miami tenure not recalled fondly
Blogs
1. Nate Dunlevy, Colts Authority
2. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNOLA.com
3. Tim Graham, Buffalo News
2012 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLV through Super Bowl XLVI)
News
1. Greg Bedard, Boston Globe
2. Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News
3. (tie) Greg Bishop, New York Times; Rich Cimini, ESPNNewYork.com
Game Stories
1. Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
2. Joseph Person, Charlotte Observer
3. Tony Grossi, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Columns
1. Rich Cimini, ESPNNewYork.com
2. Paul Woody, Richmond Times-Dispatch
3. Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Features
1. Kenneth Crippen, Professional Football Researchers Association
2. Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News
3. (tie) Tim Graham, ESPN.com; Michael C. Wright, ESPNChicago.com
Enterprise Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine
2. Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune
3. Paul Domowitch, Philadelphia Daily News
Blogs
1. Brian Allee-Walsh, NOLA.com
2011 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLIV through Super Bowl XLV)
News
1. Eric Edholm, Pro Football Weekly: One displaced fan’s Super Bowl nightmare
2. Greg Bishop, New York Times: A coach’s rebuke and a player’s shrug
3. Sean Jensen, Chicago Sun-Times: Brad Childress’ struggles with the Minnesota Vikings
Honorable Mention: Shawn Krest, All Headline News: Roethlisberger calls night club visit, karaoke ‘tradition’
Game Stories
1. Tim Graham, ESPN.com: Whirl interrupted: Steve Johnson drops the ball
2. Rich Cimini, ESPNNewYork.com: Jets come from behind, beat Texans
3. Sean Jensen, Chicago Sun-Times: Cutler’s family, friends watch victory over Seattle
Columns
1. Mark Purdy, San Jose Mercury News: JaMarcus Russell: When he was king
2. Michael Schottey, Bleacher Report: Detroit Lions loss to Chicago Bears Calvin Johnson’s fault, not referees
3. Howard Balzer, The Sports Xchange: Don Coryell not in the Hall of Fame – but should be
Features
1. Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: The curious case of Deion Sanders
2. Sean Jensen, Chicago Sun-Times: Bears’ Tommie Harris visited by his friend Randy Chon
3. David Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City: Antonio Dixon’s new life
Honorable Mention: Matt Crossman, The Sporting News: The legend of Ndamukong Suh
Enterprise Features
1. Ian Rapoport, Boston Herald: Roster overhaul key to Patriots’ success
2. Seth Wickersham, ESPN the Magazine: You have terrible taste in prospects (story about scouts’ role in the draft)
3. Sean Jensen, Chicago Sun-Times: Julius Peppers’ hometown: Bailey, N.C.
Blogs
1. Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News
2. Brian Allee-Walsh, NewOrleans.com
3. Tim Graham, ESPN.com
2010 Awards (from post-Super Bowl XLIII through Super Bowl XLIV)
News
1. Teresa Walker, Associated Press
2. Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press
3. Greg Bedard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Game Stories
1. Shalise Manza Young, Providence Journal
2. Kerry Byrne, Cold Hard Football Facts
3. Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Columns
1. Howard Balzer, Gridiron Gateway
2. Kerry Byrne, Cold Hard Football Facts
3. Paul Kuharsky, ESPN.com
Features
1. Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press
2. Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
3. (tie) Thomas Danyluk, Pro Football Weekly; Brian Heyman, Journal News (Westchester, N.Y.)
Enterprise Features
1. Kerry Byrne, Cold Hard Football Facts
2. Nolan Nawrocki, Pro Football Weekly
3. Nolan Nawrocki, Pro Football Weekly