Walter Camp Man of the Year The Walter Camp Man of the Year is one of seven awards given annually by the Walter Camp Football Foundation . The award is given to the " Man of the Year " in the world of college football . It honors an individual who has been closely associated with the game of American football as a player , coach or close attendant to the game . He must have attained a measure of success and been a leader in his chosen profession . He must have contributed to the public service for the benefit of his community , country and his fellow man . He must have an impeccable reputation for integrity and must be dedicated to our American Heritage and the philosophy of Walter Camp . 2009 Man of the Year . Former Stanford University and Denver Broncos standout quarterback John Elway is the recipient of the Walter Camp Football Foundation ' s " Man of the Year " award . " John Elway ' s heroics and remarkable success on the football field are well known , but his continuing support of game of the football and the greater good symbolizes the life of Walter Camp and make John a deserving recipient of the Man of the Year Award " , said Foundation President Alphonse Paolillo , Jr . Elway was recognized for his tireless community involvement . by establishing the " Elway Foundation " , a non - profit organization that raises money directed towards the prevention and treatment of child abuse throughout Colorado . 2008 Man of the Year . Record - setting placekicker Morten Andersen ( Michigan State ) was the recipient of the 2008 Walter Camp " Man of the Year " award . Born in Denmark , Andersen attended Michigan State and was named to the 1981 Walter Camp All - America team . Anderson is also a member of the Walter Camp All - Century Team . After his successful collegiate career , Andersen went on to play 26 seasons in the NFL for five different teams ( New Orleans Saints , Atlanta Falcons , New York Giants , Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings ) . Andersen holds the distinction of being the all - time leader scorer in NFL history as well as the all - time leading scorer for two different teams ( Saints and Falcons ) . A seven - time Pro Bowl selection , Andersen was a member of the NFL All - Decade Teams for both the 1980s and 1990s . Andersen also holds the honor of being the first NFL kicker to kick three field goals of over 50 yards in a single game . For his career , Andersen connected on 565 - of - 709 ( . 797 pct . ) field goals and 849 - of - 859 ( . 988 pct . ) extra points for a total of 2 , 544 points – tops in NFL history . 2007 Man of the Year . Walter Camp All - Century Team member and NFL Hall - of - Famer Dick Butkus , University of Illinois , received the 2007 Walter Camp " Man of the Year " award . He was a two - time Walter Camp All - America selection ( 1963 and 1964 ) while playing center and linebacker . Butkus was an eight - time Pro Bowl selection and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 . A member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All - Time Team , Butkus had his number 51 jersey retired by the Bears in 1994 . After his playing career , Butkus became a well - known celebrity endorser , broadcaster and actor . In addition , the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando , Florida , created the Dick Butkus Award , an award given annually to the most outstanding linebacker in college football . 2006 Man of the Year . Mike Utley , the Former Washington State and Detroit Lions guard . Suffered a career - ending spinal injury during a game in 1991 . Utley was awarded because he " has become a symbol of courage with his own rehabilitation " . Also mentioned in his citation was his " commitment to help others with similar injuries " . The Mike Utley Foundation , with the motto " Thumbs Up " , has been dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and providing the motivational and emotional support for individuals who have been disabled with such injuries . Yearly honorees . 2011 — Harry Carson , South Carolina State 2010 — Will Shields , Nebraska 2009 — John Elway , Stanford 2008 — Morten Andersen , Michigan State 2007 — Dick Butkus , Illinois 2006 — Mike Utley , Washington State 2005 — Dwight Stephenson , Alabama 2004 — Anthony Munoz , Southern California 2003 — Ozzie Newsome , Alabama 2002 — Jim Kelly , Miami ( Florida ) 2001 — Mike Singletary , Baylor 2000 — Howie Long , Villanova 1999 — Gil Brandt , Dallas Cowboys 1998 — Lou Holtz , Kent State University 1997 — Calvin Hill , Yale 1996 — Lynn Swann , Southern California 1995 — Reggie Williams , Dartmouth 1994 — Dick Anderson , Colorado 1993 — Warren Moon , Washington 1992 — Bob Griese , Purdue 1991 — Mel Blount , Southern 1990 — Nick Buoniconti , Notre Dame 1989 — Paul Brown , Miami ( Ohio ) 1988 — Andy Robustelli , Arnold 1987 — Levi Jackson , Yale 1986 — Willie Davis , Grambling 1985 — Rocky Bleier , Notre Dame 1984 — Don Shula , John Carroll 1983 — Roger Staubach , Navy 1982 — Merlin Olsen , Utah State 1981 — Otto Graham , Northwestern 1980 — Gale Sayers , Kansas 1979 — Jack Kemp , Occidental 1978 — Floyd Little , Syracuse 1977 — Fred Dunlap , Colgate 1976 — Edward Krause , Notre Dame 1975 — Pete Dawkins , Army 1974 — Jake Gaither , Knoxville College / Florida A & M 1973 — Duffy Daugherty , Syracuse / Michigan State 1972 — Clinton Frank , Yale 1971 — Doc Blanchard , Army 1970 — Harry Kipke , Michigan 1969 — Pete Rozelle , San Francisco 1968 — Ted Blair , Yale 1967 — Hamilton Fish , Harvard