PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While Jordan Addison and Kenny Pickett wait to see if they win national awards, the Panthers had one player win one on Wednesday.
Apollo-Ridge graduate Tre Tipton named the 2021 Disney Spirit Award winner, given annually to the most inspiring figure in college football.
“It means everything to me,” Tipton said following the team surprising him after practice with the news. “The opportunity to inspire people is what I live for. Losing my mom this year allows me to know I’m doing the right things in the world, to make her proud, making my family proud is my goal. Also to inspire others to inspire others, is one of my bigger goals as well.”
Tipton will officially receive the trophy during The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 9. When Pickett and Addison could receive honors as well.
The seventh year senior created L.O.V.E.-Living Out Victoriously Everyday, a nonprofit organization he started with a classmate aimed at providing mental health support for fellow students on campus and beyond. The receiver created it to help any athlete at the university dealing with mental or emotional difficulties.
“That feeling was more special to me than playing ball,” Tipton said of helping another. “In that moment, you give someone an opportunity that you may or may not have had. Those moments are big to me. A lot bigger than catching a touchdown.”
“Tre Tipton is a leader on and off the field,” said teammate Calijah Kancey. “He’s the same guy every day. He comes to work, he leads. Tre Tipton is a great teammate. You never know if he’s sad or not because he’s always happy.”
“Tre Tipton is the heart and soul for what he does off the field,” said senior Deslin Alexandre. “Things that he goes through. He always perseveres, never gives up. He teaches that to a lot of young guys.”
“Wisdom,” said receiver Jordan Addison of what Tipton brings. “He means a lot. He teaches the younger guys and the older guys. He motivates me to do anything, all the things that he has been through. He just keeps going. He shows me how to face adversity. It’s mind-blowing, really.”
Tipton said its he who is inspired by his teammates. Also inspired by his family to get past his issues and then help others.
“My dad is a warrior that always fought back no matter the situation he’s been through,” Tipton said. “My mom, before she passed away, she was a fighter as well. The world doesn’t stop because you are in pain. I had to find a way to battle back.”
Tipton is now actively recruiting someone to take over LOVE, ‘anyone with aspirations to actually want to change the world’.
“We created the Disney Spirit Award to honor and recognize precisely the kind of indomitable spirit that Tre has shown in turning back from the dark places in the human mind,’’ said Disney Sports Vice President Faron Kelley, “and his passion around helping others struggling with similar mental health issues is inspiring and likely helping to save lives too. We couldn’t think of a more deserving honoree this year.’’
Tipton is one of 26 winners of the award and second Pitt player, joining former Pitt running back James Conner (2016).