New Orleans, LA—-New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan received the prestigious 2025 Bart Starr Award at the 38th Annual Super Bowl LIX Breakfast on Saturday morning. The event, held at a sold-out Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, brought together NFL greats, community leaders, and fans to celebrate character, leadership, and service.
Jordan, a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to his community. The Bart Starr Award, named after the legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback, is given annually to an NFL player who exemplifies character, integrity, and leadership both on and off the field.
A Morning of Inspiration and Reflection:
The event opened with a hype video, highlighting the most impactful moments of the 2024-2025 football season. Host James Brown acknowledged the hardships the country faced—including the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street tragedy, California wildfires, and aviation accidents—and emphasized the power of events like this to uplift and inspire.
A collection of past Bart Starr Award recipients then took the stage to share their favorite Super Bowl memories, setting the stage for a powerful morning of reflection.
One of the highlights came when Terry Crews, known for his energetic personality, playfully took on the role of security as Drew Brees made a surprise appearance. The former Saints quarterback spoke fondly of his time sharing the locker room with Jordan, praising his work ethic, leadership, and selflessness.
Testimonies of Strength and Leadership:
Saints linebacker Demario Davis and his wife, Tamela Davis, shared a heartfelt testimony about how their faith was strengthened when their daughter battled cancer. This emotional moment led to Davis emphasizing why the Bart Starr Award is such a significant honor.
“This award embodies you,” Davis said, addressing Jordan. “The city loves you. The team loves you. When you talk about community and giving back, nobody does it better.”
NFL legend Tony Dungy, who has known Jordan since childhood, also spoke about his lifelong leadership qualities. Dungy recalled how, even as a young boy, Jordan watched over his one-year-old son—an early sign of his natural inclination to care for others. He highlighted that the award carries extra weight because it is voted on by fellow NFL players, making Jordan’s recognition even more special.
A Commitment to Giving Back:
Jordan has long been dedicated to philanthropy and youth development, regularly visiting schools, donating supplies, hosting turkey drives, and organizing shopping sprees for families in need. His passion for giving back is deeply rooted in his upbringing.
Taking the stage to accept the award, Jordan credited his family—particularly his father, former NFL player Steve Jordan—as his inspiration.
“I watched my father give back while he was in the NFL,” Jordan shared. “Now, as a father of four, I know my kids are watching me. It’s my responsibility to set the example.”
He emphasized the importance of leading by example:
“When you see the standard, you know it’s an attainable goal. I was inspired by watching my father, and I’m motivated by my family.”
A Legacy of Generosity:
The Bart Starr Award honors the legacy of Bart Starr, who led the Vince Lombardi-coached Packers to five world championships and two Super Bowl titles from 1957-1971. Beyond his success on the field, Starr was known for his unparalleled generosity—even donating his Super Bowl II MVP Corvette to charity.
The ceremony concluded with a special recorded message from Peyton and Eli Manning, welcoming Jordan to the Bart Starr brotherhood. Starr’s son, Bart Starr Jr., also spoke, alongside Jon Sumrall and Clark Hunt, reinforcing the importance of service and integrity in sports.
The Super Bowl Breakfast, hosted annually since 1988 by Athletes in Action (AIA), serves as a reminder that football’s greatest impact extends far beyond the field. Jordan’s recognition as the 2025 Bart Starr Award winner cements his status not only as a great player but as a pillar of leadership and generosity in the NFL.
Looking Ahead:
Despite receiving one of the NFL’s most prestigious character awards, Jordan remains focused on doing more.
“How much more can I do for the city? How much more can I give?” he asked.
For Jordan, the work doesn’t stop here. His mission to uplift his community continues—one act of kindness at a time.
