The National Football Foundation (NFF) is a national organization that promotes and celebrates the complete scholar athlete primarily through recognition and scholarships. The Walter J. Zable / San Diego Chapter is one of the 120 chapters of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Our chapter was established in 1971 to ensure that all young San Diego athletes have the chance to develop leadership qualities, learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence. We award over $40k of scholarships annually through our individual and corporate sponsors.
Each year we also celebrate the life of Willie Jones by honoring one deserving nominee with the Willie Jones Most Inspirational Award. Willie was a decorated San Diego athlete and honor student from Lincoln High School who was tragically killed on June 17, 1994. Click to read more about Willie Jones.
Congratulations to our 2023 Awardees


2023 Scholar-Leader Athlete Awardees
Jake Jackson | Madison |
Easton Peterson | Granite Hills |
Daniel Ugarte | Bonita Vista |
Dominic Denha | El Capitan |
Justin Scully | La Jolla |
Anthony Thomas | Fallbrook |
Brayden Wilson | West Hills |
Noah Snyder | San Pasqual |
Blake McGihon | Horizon |
Drew Ventimiglia | Mt. Carmel |
Saxton Sylvester | Coronado |
Jacob Pablo | Otay Ranch |
Joseph Matthews | Oceanside |
Luke Gonzalez | Poway |
Conner Annicharico | La Costa Canyon |
Victory Johnson | Cathedral Catholic |
Aleksandr Wojcik | Mar Vista |
Troy Bassler | University City |
Chase Lowary | Point Loma |
Luke Heggie | Santa Fe Christian |
Abel Estrada | Montgomery |
Chance Bell | Mira Mesa |
Owen Tsay | Maranatha |
Tyler Bourke | Eastlake |
Brian Butler | San Marcos |
Dominic Nankil | Mater Dei |
Charles Hines | Lincoln |
Willie Jones Most Inspirational Player
Charles Hines | Lincoln |
Coach of the Year
Kellan Cobbs, Granite Hills
Outstanding First Year Head Coach
Ross Johnson, Fallbrook
Most Outstanding Official of the Year
Marlow Fitzgerald