April 2, 2026

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO

The Year is Off to a Fast Start

The beginning of this year has been fast, full, and a whole lot of fun.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the country, meeting with each of our regions. These conversations have been invaluable — listening to feedback, understanding what’s working, where we can improve, and how we continue to evolve Pop Warner into the best possible experience for our student-athletes, volunteers, and families. There’s a shared passion across every corner of this organization, and it’s clear that our future is being shaped by the people closest to the game. [Read more...]

A Return to the Stage: Scholars Celebrated

For the first time since 2019, the Pop Warner Little Scholars’ annual celebration of our academic all-stars returned to an in-person stage on March 21, bringing together student-athletes and their families for a national celebration that marked both a milestone and a renewed sense of connection.

Held at the Schaumburg Convention Center outside Chicago, the Annual All-American Scholars Banquet welcomed approximately 300 students and their families, representing the nearly 5,000 student-athletes across the country who earned Pop Warner All-American Scholar status for the 2025–26 academic year with GPAs of 96% or higher.

“It’s about more than sports,” Pop Warner CEO Steve Strawbridge said. “It’s about shaping the next generation of leaders.” [Read more...]

Andre Reed Delivers Powerful Keynote

At the center of the evening was Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed, whose keynote address tied together the past and present of the Pop Warner experience.

Rather than focus on his NFL career, Reed reflected on the earliest stages of his journey, when football was less about accolades and more about routine, discipline and learning how to grow.

“I played, I slept, I ate, I drank football,” said Reed, describing the commitment that began in his Pop Warner days in Allentown, PA. 

Reed, who spent 16 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, emphasized that his success was shaped long before he reached the professional level. The lessons of accountability, preparation and perseverance learned as a young athlete remained central throughout his career.

“If you’re in a position to do something for somebody, take advantage of it… it only comes around maybe once or twice in your life,” he said.

That message defined the evening, which blended academic recognition with tributes to leadership, service and the broader impact of youth sports. Pop Warner and its partners this year awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships. [Watch Reed's keynote speech...]

Inaugural Hall of Fame Class Inducted

All-American Scholar Weekend was also marked with a tribute to the men and women who are the true lifeblood of the organization. The Pop Warner Hall of Fame inducted its first class with 15 volunteers who each spent at least 30 years in service to Pop Warner. The program added a layer of historical weight to the night, recognizing individuals who built the foundation long before the athletes in attendance ever took the field. [Watch the ceremony...]

Chicago Bears Named NFL Team of the Year

The Chicago Bears, represented by team owner and Chairman George McCaskey, were named the 2026 Pop Warner NFL Team of the Year, recognized for their sustained investment in youth football development, community outreach and efforts to expand access to the game, including initiatives supporting girls flag football. [Watch McCaskey accept the award...]

Humanitarian Award to Dion Dawkins

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins was honored as the 2026 Pop Warner Humanitarian Award recipient.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and the team’s 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Dawkins has become known as much for his community impact as his play on the field. Through his foundation, Dion’s Dreamers, he supports youth and families in underserved communities across Buffalo and Western New York.

His message to the audience, however, focused on the lessons learned early in his own development.

“What Pop Warner taught me… is you have to learn how to fight,” Dawkins said, referring to the internal resilience required to push through challenges. “You have to learn how to make decisions. You have to learn how to live with discipline.”

Dawkins shared that his path included setbacks, including stepping away from the game as a young player before understanding the importance of commitment, not just to himself, but to his teammates.

“I’m an offensive lineman and to be able to show your personality and have an impact is a beautiful thing,” he said. [Listen to Dawkins' message...]

Wendy Brown is This Year's Trailblazer

Dr. Wendy Brown, a biomedical engineering researcher at the University of California, Irvine, received the 2026 Pop Warner Trailblazer Award for her work in tissue engineering and cartilage research, including studies connected to the International Space Station. A former NFL and NBA cheerleader, Brown spoke about embracing multiple passions and the value of skills developed through youth sports.

“I once felt like I had to choose between my love of cheer and dance and my passion for science,” she said. “This award reminds me that you don’t have to choose. These experiences are preparing you to succeed in whatever path you choose.” [Check out Brown's speech...]

Jalon Daniels Joins Event for Q&A

Jalon Daniels, a four-time team captain and quarterback at the University of Kansas, was honored with the Pop Warner College Football Award after a standout career that included 90 total touchdowns and nearly 11,000 all-purpose yards. Daniels also founded the Mom 2 J6 Foundation, which supports single mothers and student-athletes.

“You can’t get ‘student-athlete’ without ‘student,’” Daniels said, emphasizing the role academics play in long-term success. “Championships will fade at some point, but one thing that will never fade is your knowledge.” [Watch the full conversation...]

"The Spark" Brand Video Premieres

Pop Warner is excited to introduce its latest brand video. ‘The Spark’ captures the essence of Pop Warner. It’s more than just football and cheer & dance — it’s about character, community, and scholastics. [Watch now...]

Photos from Scholar Weekend

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