While the majority of NFL fan bases were bickering over the big awards at the NFL Honors program Thursday night, there was a lesser known award given out at the Super Bowl Breakfast which is certainly worth noting. The award is the Bart Starr Award, and is given to a player which honors a player for his outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the field.

“The award is given every year to an NFL player, and that player is selected by his peers, by the rest of the players in the NFL,” said Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy, an honorary co-chairman of the Super Bowl Breakfast, as he introduced the award. “And it’s not for accolades on the field, it’s the best representation of character and leadership, first in the home, then on the field and in the community.”

The winner of the award was Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Mike Tomlin was on-hand to present his prized safety with the award.

What an honor it was to present Minkah Fitzpatrick with the Bart Starr Award today. This young man exemplifies all that is good in this world. His journey of faith is one he holds close to his heart and it shines in all he does. Congratulations, @minkfitz_21. pic.twitter.com/aGJt3hM4ue

— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) February 10, 2024

Past winners of the award were on hand to present it to Fitzpatrick, including Anthony Munoz, Mike Singletary, Darrell Green and Warrick Dunn. But it was Coach Mike Tomlin who had the honor of introducing Fitzpatrick and speaking about him.

Here is what Tomlin had to say about Fitzpatrick, courtesy of the Steelers official website:

“What a blessing and honor to be here,” said Tomlin. “Particularly because of that young man sitting before me. I am never surprised by God’s greater plan. I’m just always ready to receive it.

“A couple of nights ago, we recognized Cam Heyward with the Walter Payton Man of the Year. This morning it’s Minkah Fitzpatrick. It’s not my style to be at the Super Bowl site to be quite honest with you, unless I’m working. I’m leaving here and going directly to the airport. This man, Minkah Fitzpatrick, is so deserving of this recognition. I would not miss this. I read the description of what this award embodies…a man of high character, values, integrity, and leadership on and off the field.

“And it could have just said, Minkah Fitzpatrick.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being around this guy day-to-day since we acquired him in 2019 and he just continually displays that. Oftentimes he gets recognized for his extraordinary successes on the field and the talents, but those of us that know him, we appreciate those things. But we appreciate Minkah so much more.

“It is an honor to be associated with him and it’s an honor to present him with the Bart Starr Award.”

A big congratulations to Minkah for the award, and here is hoping he returns to the team healthy and ready for another prolific 2024 season both on, and off, the field. Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.