Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans

For high school football players across Tennessee, the Mr. Football Awards represent the pinnacle of individual achievement— a recognition of hard work, skill, and leadership on and off the field. Each year, the Tennessee Titans take center stage in celebrating this talent, organizing and hosting the awards to honor the state’s top athletes. On [Date], the Titans made waves in the local sports community by announcing the 2024 Mr. Football Awards finalists, a group of 30 standout players spanning 10 classifications (from Division I to Class 1A). Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans marks a key milestone in the state’s football calendar, shining a light on rising stars and reinforcing the Titans’ commitment to nurturing football culture at the grassroots level.

Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans begins with the breadth and diversity of this year’s finalists—a reflection of Tennessee’s rich high school football landscape. The 30 finalists hail from 28 different schools across the state, from large urban programs like Memphis University School to small-town teams such as Alcoa High School. Each classification features three finalists, ensuring that talent from every corner of Tennessee gets recognition. For example, in Class 6A (the state’s largest schools), the finalists include quarterback Jaden Gibbs of Brentwood High School (who threw for 3,200 yards and 35 touchdowns this season), running back Marcus Williams of Oakland High School (1,800 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns), and wide receiver Tyler Johnson of Maryville High School (85 catches, 1,400 yards). In smaller classifications like Class 2A, finalists include dual-threat quarterback Luka Clemons of Trousdale County High School, who led his team to an undefeated regular season with 2,500 total yards and 30 touchdowns. “What’s special about these finalists is their dedication to both their teams and their communities,” said Titans community relations director Kate Guerra. “They’re not just great players—they’re leaders in the classroom and on the field, embodying the values of football.”

A key part of the Mr. Football Awards’ legacy is the rigorous selection process that precedes the finalists’ announcement— a process overseen by the Tennessee Titans in collaboration with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and local sports media. The selection committee includes 25 voters: TSSAA representatives, high school football coaches from across the state, and journalists who cover high school sports. Voters evaluate players based on statistical performance, team success, leadership, and sportsmanship. This year, the committee reviewed over 150 nominations before narrowing it down to 30 finalists. For example, Gibbs of Brentwood High School wasn’t just selected for his passing stats—voters also noted his role in leading his team to a 10–2 record and his work volunteering with youth football camps. “The selection process is designed to reward well-rounded excellence,” said Titans alumni and selection committee member Eddie George, a former NFL Pro Bowler. “We want to honor players who make their teams better and set a positive example for their peers.” The Titans’ involvement ensures the process is transparent and fair, with regular check-ins between the team and the TSSAA to align on criteria.

A defining aspect of Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans is the Titans’ longstanding commitment to supporting high school football—a partnership that goes beyond just announcing finalists. For over 20 years, the Titans have served as the title sponsor of the Mr. Football Awards, covering event costs, providing trophies, and hosting the awards ceremony at Nissan Stadium (the team’s home venue). This year, the Titans are taking their support a step further: each finalist will receive a custom Titans jersey, a tour of the team’s locker room, and an invitation to attend a Titans practice. Additionally, the Titans are donating $500 to each finalist’s high school football program to help cover equipment and training costs. “High school football is the lifeblood of our sport,” said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “These players are the future—whether they go on to play in college, the NFL, or pursue other careers. We want to show them that their hard work matters, and that the Titans community is behind them.” For the Tennessee Titans, this support is personal: many of the team’s players, coaches, and staff are from Tennessee or have deep ties to the state’s high school football scene. By investing in these athletes, the Titans are investing in the future of football in their home state.

Another critical element of the Mr. Football Awards is the impact on the finalists’ lives—a testament to the Tennessee Titans’ role in elevating young athletes. For many finalists, being named a Mr. Football finalist is a life-changing honor that opens doors to college recruitment and personal growth. Take Clemons, the Class 2A finalist from Trousdale County High School: before being named a finalist, he had received interest from two small colleges. Within 48 hours of the Titans’ announcement, he received offers from three NCAA Division I programs, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “This nomination has changed everything for me,” Clemons said in an interview. “The Titans giving me this platform has helped college coaches notice me, and it’s given me more confidence to pursue my dream of playing college football.” The Titans also highlight the finalists’ stories through their social media channels and local media partnerships, sharing videos of their games, interviews with their families, and stories of their community service. This exposure not only boosts their recruitment prospects but also inspires younger football players across the state. For the Tennessee Titans, these stories are why they invest in the Mr. Football Awards: to celebrate talent, inspire the next generation, and strengthen the bond between the team and the community.

Wrapping up Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans is the anticipation building for the awards ceremony—a night that will bring together the state’s top football talent, their families, coaches, and Titans players and staff. The ceremony, scheduled for [Date] at Nissan Stadium, will feature speeches from Titans players (including George and current Titans linebacker Harold Landry), presentations of the awards by TSSAA officials, and a special performance by the Titans’ cheerleading squad. Each classification’s winner will receive the Mr. Football trophy—a 12-inch bronze statue of a football player, custom-made for the Titans’ awards program. Additionally, one finalist will be named the overall Mr. Football Player of the Year, receiving a $10,000 scholarship to the college of their choice, funded by the Titans Foundation. “The ceremony is more than just an awards show—it’s a celebration of Tennessee football,” said Guerra. “We want these players to feel like superstars, because they are. They’ve worked tirelessly all season, and this night is for them.” For the Tennessee Titans, the Mr. Football Awards are a cornerstone of their community engagement efforts, a way to give back to the fans who support the team and to nurture the sport that unites the state. Mr. Football Awards Finalists Announced by the Tennessee Titans ultimately shows that football is more than a game—it’s a community, a tradition, and a pathway to success. And the Titans are proud to be at the center of it all.