The American Heart Association has named Jackie Sherrill the recipient of its 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The announcement, made via NEWMEDIAWIRE, recognizes a coaching career that spans generations and connects directly to the legacy of coach Bryant, who died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Sherrill’s ties to Bryant run deep. A native of Duncan, Oklahoma, Sherrill played for Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1965, 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 lasted more than three decades. Over 27 seasons at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M and Mississippi State, Sherrill compiled a record of 180-120-4. At Pittsburgh, he guided the Panthers to a 50-9-1 mark from 1977 to 1981, developing future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. At Texas A&M, he transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference powerhouse, winning three consecutive conference titles from 1985 to 1987 and establishing the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition. At Mississippi State, he inherited a program that had not posted a winning season since 1986 and led the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998 and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories remain the most in program history.
The award’s significance extends beyond football. Now in its 28th year, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award is voted on by the National Sports Media Association and based on criteria established by the Bryant family, including integrity, leadership, dedication to the development of young people and excellence in teaching the game. The annual Bear Bryant Awards celebrate excellence in coaching, honor coach Bryant’s legacy and raise awareness and critical funds for the American Heart Association’s mission. Since its inception, the awards have united the football community in support of the Association’s lifesaving work. The ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on January 27 in Houston and will air on the CBS Sports Network.
Sherrill said receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant’s name is truly special. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person,” he 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.” Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, said Sherrill’s impact on college football spans generations and extends far beyond wins and championships. “Through his leadership, commitment to excellence and dedication to developing young people, he exemplifies the values that defined coach Bryant’s remarkable legacy,” she said.
The recognition also underscores the close link between the awards and cardiovascular health. The Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, funds groundbreaking research and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. More information about the Association’s work is available at heart.org and stroke.org, while details about the awards can be found at bryantawards.org. The 2027 honor places Sherrill among a celebrated group of coaches while reinforcing the awards’ dual purpose: celebrating coaching excellence and advancing the fight against heart disease and stroke.
