(WKYT) – The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame announced today that veteran NFL quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco will receive the 2026 Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field. The honor recognizes Flacco’s leadership, character, and commitment to the game and his communities throughout his distinguished professional football career. Flacco will receive the award on Friday, June 26, during the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual Purple Jacket Dinner and Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony at the Hilton in downtown Lexington.
Named in honor of legendary coach Blanton Collier, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify integrity, humility and respect for the game both on and off the field while using their athletic platform to give back to their communities. Collier, a former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and the University of Kentucky, was widely admired for his character and dedication to sportsmanship. Established in 2007, the award has honored football legends including Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Tony Dungy, the Manning family, Nick Saban, Jerome Bettis and Romeo Crennel.
This year’s honoree, Joe Flacco, is a Super Bowl–winning quarterback who has enjoyed a distinguished 18-season NFL career. A graduate of the University of Delaware, Flacco was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He rose to national prominence during the 2012 season, leading the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII while earning the game’s Most Valuable Player honors. Known for his strong arm, poise in the pocket and postseason success, Flacco has earned widespread respect throughout the league as a leader and teammate. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023, and his career has also included time with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dr. Kay Collier-McLaughlin, Blanton Collier’s daughter and chair of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, said this: “While the name Joe Flacco has long been associated with great success on the football field, recent years have added significantly to his reputation as a man of integrity whose love of the game and appreciation for the teams and cities that were once his competitors have uniquely bonded them to him. Whether leading, supporting when needed, or building relationships, Joe has consistently modeled the kind of character that contributes positively to our world. These qualities truly represent what the Blanton Collier Award for Integrity On and Off the Field stands for.”