CONGRATULATIONS: Mark Richt, Former Georgia Bulldogs Football Coach, Awarded the Prestigious National Football Foundation Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to the Game of Football
Mark Richt, the beloved former head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, has been honored with one of the most prestigious accolades in the realm of American football—the National Football Foundation (NFF) Gold Medal. This distinguished award is presented to individuals whose contributions to the game have gone far beyond the field, symbolizing leadership, integrity, and a lasting legacy in the sport.
Richt, known for his calm demeanor, deep faith, and dedication to shaping young men both as athletes and as people, coached the University of Georgia football team from 2001 to 2015. During his 15-year tenure, he transformed the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse, compiling an impressive 145–51 record, two SEC championships, and multiple top-ten finishes. Beyond the wins, however, Richt earned widespread admiration for his strong character and commitment to his players’ development, academically, spiritually, and morally.
Following his time at Georgia, Richt went on to coach at his alma mater, the University of Miami, where he continued to uphold the values that defined his career. Though he retired from coaching in 2018, Richt never truly stepped away from the game. He became a respected college football analyst and remained active in charitable efforts, especially those focused on supporting youth and spreading faith-based values.
The NFF Gold Medal, previously awarded to presidents, generals, and cultural icons, places Richt in the highest echelon of individuals who have used the platform of football to inspire positive change. His influence has extended well beyond stadiums and locker rooms. He has mentored countless players, many of whom credit him with helping them become not only successful athletes but also responsible men.
This honor is especially poignant given Richt’s public battle with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in 2021. Even amid health challenges, his strength and optimism have remained unwavering, further solidifying his role as a figure of resilience and inspiration in the sports world.
In honoring Mark Richt, the National Football Foundation acknowledges a man who has truly exemplified what it means to contribute meaningfully to the game of football. His legacy is etched not only in wins and championships, but in lives changed and values upheld. Congratulations to Coach Richt on this well-deserved recognition.
