The Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards banquet is having to adjust with the pandemic.
In its 35th year, the awards show will be held virtually, still in an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association.
“I’m really excited for the American Heart Association, the mission it has, the education it does, and the way it tells Bear’s story with his own heart disease,” said Marc Helm, chairman of the event referring to Bryant’s death from a massive heart attack in 1983. “And how somebody that was great with what he did was not immune to having heart disease and dying of a heart attack.”
Normally, about 1,000 people pack into a ballroom for the banquet. Conditions in 2020 make such an event challenging, but that’s not stopping the show.
There will still be a silent auction. There will still be watch parties. There will be what’s called “Bear in a Box” to allow guests hosting tables to receive a gift package at home.
The national online auction is scheduled for Nov. 27.
“We’re going to have autographed footballs, autographed items from coaches and schools from all over the country,” Helm said. “And these schools are really stepping up. We usually have a little over 100 auction items that are really special and can be special for your own alma mater or your favorite football team for you. The schools actually are stepping up even more this year.”
Sylvester Croom, who played for Bear Bryant in the mid-70s and later coached at Mississippi State, is receiving the Heart of a Champion Award.
Former Miami Hurricanes coach Howard Schnellenberger is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Learn more about the Bear Bryant Awards’ partnership with the American Heart Association at bryantawards.org.
Listen to Helm’s full interview with Sean Pendergast here.