CRITERIA: The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a concern for mankind. This individual should exhibit the qualities of dedication, grace under pressure, personal sacrifice, compassion, hope, and dignity that characterize the promotion of human welfare and social reform.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson broke the baseball color barrier by displaying his skills, while at the same time subjugating his pride, to prove an awareness of our failings as well as his abilities. Had he lacked the discipline, not to mention the dedication, America and sport would be spiritually and athletically poorer.

Previous Recipients

2019

Award not conferred

2018

Award not conferred

2017

Justin James “J.J.” Watt – National Football League Player and Leader of Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

2016

Mel Young – President, Homeless World Cup

2015

Jean Claude Mbvoumin – President and Founder, Football Solidaire

2014

Cristiano Ronaldo – Promoter of Human Welfare Through Philanthropic and Altruistic Efforts

2013

R.A. Dickey, Bombay Teen Challenge Supporter, Toronto Blue Jays Knuckleball Pitcher

2012

Jeremy Bloom, Founder of Wish of a Lifetime Foundation and Olympic Skier

2011

Al Buehler – Track and Field Coach Emeritus, Duke University

2010

Albert Pujols – Founder, Pujols Family Foundation

2009

Tim Tebow – University of Florida quarterback; Visits prisons, overseas missionary work

2008

LaDainian Tomlinson – NFL player; Founder Tomlinson’s Touching Lives

2007

Tiger Woods – Golfer; Founder Tiger Woods Learning Center

2006

Dikembe Mutombo – NBA player; Founder Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

2005

Andre Agassi – Tennis player; Founder Andre Agassi Foundation

2004

Pat Tillman – NFL player, killed in action while serving in Afghanistan

2003

Doug Flutie – NFL QB; Founder, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

2002

Boomer Esiason – Supports finding cure for Cystic Fibrosis through charity

2001

Michael Jordan – NBA superstar with Chicago Bulls

George Papandreou – Foreign minister, Greece

2000

Sergei Federov – NHL player/Founder of Sergei Federov Foundation

1999

Andrea Jaeger – Ex-tennis player/Founder of Kid’s Stuff Foundation

1998

Sammy Sosa – Baseball player/Founder of the Sammy Sosa Foundation

1997

Mark McGwire – Baseball player/Founder of the McGwire Foundation

1996

Hakeem Olajuwon – Rockets star, founder of The Dream Foundation

1995

Reggie White – All-Pro defensive end, Green Bay Packers

1994

Johann Olav Koss – Olympic speedskater/UNICEF Sports Ambassador

1993

Billy Mills – Ex-Olympian/Assists Native Americans

1992

Walter Payton – Hall of Fame running back/founder of Payton Foundatione

1991

Sam Wyche – Buccaneers coach/helps with homeless

1990

Chi Chi Rodriguez – Golfer/philanthropist

1989

Bill Cosby – Entertainer/philanthropists

1988

Reggie Williams – Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker

1987

Rafer Johnson – Ex-Olympic gold medalist, President, California Special Olympics

1986

Joe Morgan – MLB Hall of Famer; President, Joe Morgan Youth Foundation