Jackie Sherrill Named 2027 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Jackie Sherrill, a coaching legend whose tenure at Texas A&M reshaped Aggie football, has been selected as the recipient of the American Heart Association's 2027 Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The award, now in its 28th year, honors a coach for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the field and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association based on criteria established by the Bryant family, including integrity, leadership, dedication to the development of young people, and excellence in teaching the game of football.

Sherrill's connection to coach Bryant runs deep. A native of Duncan, Oklahoma, Sherrill played for Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962-65, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He later served as a graduate assistant under Bryant before embarking on a head coaching career that spanned 27 seasons at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State, compiling a career record of 180-120-4. "Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person," Sherrill said. "I've always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I'm deeply honored and humbled by this recognition."

At Texas A&M, Sherrill transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference powerhouse, capturing three consecutive SWC championships from 1985-87 and earning three straight SWC Coach of the Year honors. He also established the famed "12th Man Kickoff Team" tradition that remains part of Aggie football culture today. His impact on the program and the state of Texas extends beyond wins and championships, shaping generations of student-athletes and cementing a legacy that resonates throughout college football.

"Coach Sherrill's impact on college football spans generations and extends far beyond wins and championships," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Through his leadership, commitment to excellence and dedication to developing young people, he exemplifies the values that defined coach Bryant's remarkable legacy and continue to inspire others today." The award carries special meaning because coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement, and the awards have since united the football community in support of the Association's lifesaving work.

The recognition matters beyond the gridiron. The Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health, a mission that touches communities across Texas and the nation. The ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on Wednesday, January 27 in Houston and will air on the CBS Sports Network, where Bruce Arians will also receive the Heart of a Champion Award and the 2026 National Coach of the Year will be announced. For businesses and organizations across Texas, Sherrill's honor underscores how leadership and community commitment can drive lasting economic and social impact, a theme familiar to those who follow the state's most influential figures.

Fans can track progress of the awards at bryantawards.org, and more information about the Association's cardiovascular health mission is available at heart.org and stroke.org.