LOUISVILLE, KY -- Hornung, the 1956 Heisman Trophy, NFL MVP in 1961 and member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, is considered by many to be the most versatile player in the history of the sport. He played quarterback, halfback, fullback, place kicker, punter, and defensive back at Notre Dame and was a multi-threat back and place kicker for the title town Green Bay Packers. He held the NFL single-season scoring record for nearly 46 years.

To this day, Paul is passionate about the game. "Football had a tremendous impact on my life,” said Hornung. “I still love college football and follow it closely. The idea of giving back to college football by recognizing players who excel at multiple positions is exciting.

“This award is not necessarily about speed, strength or statistics. The award is about players who compete consistently at a high level and contribute to their teams in every way possible. I'm glad the award winner will be honored in Louisville. I love Louisville, it’s my home."

"Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said it best when he called Paul Hornung 'The most versatile man ever to play the game,'” said Karl Schmitt, Louisville Sports Commission executive director and former sports information director at the University of Miami. “The landscape of college football is changing and many of the nation’s most talented players have opportunities to excel at multiple positions. Paul Hornung’s stature as a multi-position star at Notre Dame and the Green Bay Packers makes him the perfect namesake of a national award that recognizes the most versatile players in college football.

“Paul Hornung is a tremendous asset for our community and all of us associated with the Louisville Sports Commission are delighted to oversee a national award given in his name."

Finalists for the Award will be named in December and the winner will be selected following the 2010 bowl season and honored at a banquet in Louisville in late January.

Hornung’s name also adorns The Paul Horning High School Award presented annually to the outstanding high school football player in Kentucky by the Louisville Quarterback Club.

The Louisville Sports Commission is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501-c (3) organization committed to creating a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on the City, enhance the image of the Louisville area as a premier sports destination, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information on the LSC is available at www.louisvillesports.org and on our Facebook fan page.