Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds may not have been a Heisman Trophy finalist, but the legendary Midshipmen took home a share of one of the most prestigious individual awards in collegiate athletics Sunday. Reynolds was named a co-winner of the 2016 AAU James E. Sullivan Award in New York. He shares the honor with Connecticut women’s basketball player Breanna Stewart.
“I’m extremely blessed and honored to have won this award,” said Reynolds. “I would like to thank my family, the coaching staff, my teammates, the Naval Academy Athletic Association, the Naval Academy administration, the Brigade of Midshipmen and the entire Naval Academy family for all the support they have provided me over the last four years. Winning this award is the cherry on top of a great four years.”
Reynolds was an all-around class act on and off the field and exhibited all of the best qualities a college football player could possess. Winning the Sullivan Award confirms that as the award is presented to an outstanding amateur athlete who has displayed outstanding achievement in athletics while showing great leadership, character and sportsmanship. Reynolds exhibited all of that in victory and defeat for the Naval Academy.
Reynolds is the third football player in three years to receive the high honor, joining Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott and Penn State offensive lineman John Urschel. Other football players to receive the honor previously include Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning.