Defensive back Sam Sams of Pana High School in Illinois is the Week 17 winner of the NFL Way to Play Award.
The weekly NFL Way to Play award celebrates the best examples of playing technique from high school and NFL FLAG players. The award recognizes the excellence demonstrated by youth players, who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Through this initiative, and in partnership with Hudl and NFL FLAG, players will be honored each week during the regular NFL season for demonstrating exceptional in-game playing technique.
The NFL Way to Play High School Award is featured nationally on Thursdays on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, and the school of each honoree receives a $3,000 equipment grant through USA Football.
A panel of representatives from the NFL Football Operations Department selects the player who most positively impacted the game through proper technique:
- Phil Bogle – 2-year NFL guard, Director of Game Operations
- Kevin Boothe – 9-year NFL offensive lineman, Director of Labor Operations, Management Council
- Jay Manahan – Director of Player Communications
- Jon Runyan – 14-year NFL offensive tackle, Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration
- Bobby Taylor – 10-year NFL cornerback, Strategic Advisor for Football Development
- Troy Vincent – 15-year NFL cornerback, Executive Vice President of Football Operations
Know a high school player who uses exceptional technique to make impactful plays? Nominate them for the NFL Way to Play High School Award.
Click here to nominate a player for the NFL Way To Play HS Award
2023 NFL Way to Play Award Winners
Week 16 – Zion Graham, St. Vincent Pallotti HS (Maryland)
Week 15 – Josiah Heald, Fulton HS (Illinois)
Week 14 – Jayden Polk, Pennsauken HS (New Jersey)
Week 13 – Marcus Dawson Jr., University Lab HS (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Week 12 – Abdul Chase, Dobson HS (Arizona)
Week 11 –
Week 10 – Isaiah Wilson, Taft HS (Oregon)
Week 9 – Ty Sanchez-Evans, Mason City HS (Iowa)
Week 8 – David Parker, Blue Springs HS (Missouri)
Week 7 – Duke White, Marist HS (Illinois)
Week 6 – Noah Terry, Tell City HS (Indiana)
Week 5 – Gabriel Sansone, Hernando HS (Florida)
Week 4 – Michael Adesola, Elgin HS (Oklahoma)
Week 3 – Jaden Mair, Milton HS (Wisconsin)
Week 2 – Carson Knight, Lighthouse Christian Academy (Missouri)
Week 1 – Jerry Misaalefua, Carson HS (California)
