SEC Football: SEC Legends Award Winners for 2016 Announced

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The SEC has just released its recipients of the 2016 SEC Legends awards. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the program, the SEC hosts a dinner prior to the SEC Championship game at which they honor a legendary SEC Football player from each of the 14 member institutions.

Players who have already made the list of SEC Legends include Bo Jackson, Joe Namath, Billy Cannon, Archie Manning, John David Crow, Fred Taylor, Herschel Walker, George Blanda, Kellen Winslow Sr., Sheldon Brown, Reggie White, and Earl Bennett.

This year’s class includes two quarterbacks, seven offensive linemen, two tight ends, one defensive lineman, and two defensive backs? Who do you think made it for your school? Who should have made it by now but hasn’t yet? Let us know in the comments below.

As for who actually made it into this year’s class, you can click the handy link at the bottom of this page to find out who won from each school. We are going to state the winner, tell you a little about them and their career, and then its on to the next one.

We will go in alphabetical order. Alabama is first and then we will go all the way to Vanderbilt. Click the link to find out which former Crimson Tide standout is now an SEC Legend. Without any further ado, let’s dive in.

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders fly the flags after their team scored against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Samuels, Offensive Tackle, Alabama, 1996-1999

Chris Samuels came to Tuscaloosa from Mobile, Alabama’s Shaw High School. During his time there, Samuels played both offense and defense, and helped lead Shaw to an 8-3 record and a playoff berth during his senior season.

At Alabama, Samuels earned the starting left tackle spot early in his freshman year, and started 42 consecutive games for the Tide. He was the first Crimson Tide player to receive the Outland Trophy in his senior season. That same year he was named a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC. In addition, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s most outstanding blocker, and he was a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.

After his time at Alabama was done, Samuels went on to be a star in the NFL. He was drafted 3rd overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He spent his entire 10 year career in Washington, where he started 141 games, including 73 consecutive, at left tackle. Samuels was named to the Pro Bowl six times over the course of his career, and was All-Pro in 2001.

Samuels retired from the NFL after the 2009 season due to concerns over long-term injury effects. After his retirement, Samuels elected to go into coaching. He returned to Alabama to serve as an assistant offensive line coach from 2012-2014. Currently, Samuels is the head coach at Osbourn High School in Manassas, Virginia.

Oct 1, 2016; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks fans during the first half against the Alcorn State Braves at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Andrews, Offensive Tackle, Arkansas, 2001-03

Shawn Andrews grew up in the city of Camden, Arkansas. He attended Camden Fairview High School. During his time there, Andrews became a star football player on the offensive line. His exceptional play earned him national attention. He was named a Parade, USA Today, and Prep Football Report First-Team All-American.

Andrews elected to stay close to home, and went to Arkansas. During his time there, Andrews started 35 games for the Hogs. In those 35 games, Andrews gave up only two sacks. Needless to say, he continued to win accolades for his stellar play. In both his sophomore and junior seasons, Andrews was First-Team All-SEC, First-Team All-American, and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

In addition, he won the Jim Parker award in 2003, as the nation’s best offensive lineman. Also, he was a finalist for the Lombardi and Outland trophies that season. Finally, he was named the 2003 SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Andrews elected to go pro after his junior season, citing a desire to provide for his mother. He was drafted 16th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. Andrews struggled with injuries during his NFL career, but was extremely effective when on the field. He started 57 games from 2004-2010. During that time, he was a three time pro bowler and two time All-Pro.

Andrews retired from the NFL after seven seasons due to chronic back pain. Andrews moved back to Arkansas and reportedly wants to become a stand-up comedian.

Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers fans in wigs and face paint react during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Campbell, Quarterback, Auburn, 2001-2004

Jason Campbell graduated from Taylorsville High School in Taylorsville, Mississippi. During his time in high school, Campbell was named a Parade All-American. Also, he was named the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year in 1999.

Campbell went on to play college football for the Auburn Tigers. During his time at Auburn, Campbell was a four year starter. He led the team to a 31-9 record over that span. Campbell’s best season, by far was his senior season.

In 2004 Campbell led the Tigers to an undefeated 13-0 record and an SEC Championship. During that season, Campbell completed 188 of his 270 passes for 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also scored three rushing touchdowns on the season. For his stellar performance that season, Campbell was named the SEC Offensive Most Valuable Player, as well as the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 Sugar Bowl.

After graduating from Auburn, Campbell went on to play in the NFL. He was drafted 25th overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2005 NFL Draft. Campbell would ultimately prove to be something of a journeyman in the NFL. He played five seasons in Washington, two in Oakland, and one season each in Chicago, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

Over the course of his career in the NFL, Campbell completed 60 percent of his passes, threw 87 touchdowns to 60 interceptions, and amassed 16,771 passing yards. Campbell retired after the 2014 season, despite offers from multiple teams.

Oct 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators players celebrate after a win against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Florida won 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Spurrier, Quarterback, Florida, 1963-1966, Head Coach, 1990-2001

Florida quarterback Steve Spurrier was the Gators’ starter for three seasons and a two-time consensus All-American, winning the Heisman Trophy in his senior season of 1966. During his record-setting career he passed for more than 4,800 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Following a 14-year NFL career, he returned to Florida in 1990 to become the Gators’ head coach. For 12 seasons he led Florida to unprecedented success with his Fun ‘n’ Gun offense, recording Florida’s first six SEC championships and first consensus national championship in 1996.

Meanwhile, his squads and players set numerous school and SEC records. In 1996, Spurrier became the first Heisman Trophy winner to coach a Heisman winner when UF quarterback Danny Wuerffel won the award. Spurrier later was head coach at South Carolina from 2005-2015. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1986.

Sep 10, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fans in the student section before the game against the Nicholls State Colonels at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Stinchcomb, Offensive Line, Georgia, 1999-2002

Georgia offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb made early headlines for the Bulldogs as a Freshman All-American, then went on to a stellar career capped by first team All-American honors his senior year of 2002. It was his senior season when he helped lead Georgia win its first SEC championship in 20 years, the same year he was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team for the second year in a row.

He also was one of 11 Division I players nationally to be named to the AFCA National Good Works Team for outstanding contributions to community service. A 2002 recipient of the National Football Foundation Post Graduate Scholarship, Stinchcomb was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft, was recipient of the Saints Man of the Year Award for 2008, and was a starting offensive lineman on the Saints’ 2010 Super Bowl Championship team.

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats fans after the second half of the championship game of the SEC tournament against Texas A&M Aggies at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

James Whalen, Tight End, Kentucky, 1997-1999

Kentucky tight end James Whalen had a storybook rags-to-riches collegiate career. After first joining the Wildcats as a walk-on, he eventually became a mainstay in the Kentucky lineup and soon was recognized as one of the best in the country at his position.

He earned first-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, CNN/SI and CBS SportsLIne in 1999. A sure-handed receiver who also earned consensus All-SEC honors, Whalen caught 90 passes his senior campaign, totaling 1,019 yards and 10 touchdowns as he led the nation’s tight ends in all three categories.

He also set an NCAA record for most catches by a tight end in a season. Selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the 2000 NFL draft, Whalen played four years with the Dallas Cowboys.

Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers fans wait in the stands as rain comes down over Tiger Stadium during a lightning delay prior to kickoff against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Dugas, Offensive Tackle, LSU, 1976-1978

LSU offensive tackle Robert Dugas is one of the most decorated student-athletes in LSU history, earning first team All-America honors for his play on the football field as well as his performance in the classroom. Dugas was a 1978 National Scholar-Athlete and was also a first-team Academic All-America selection in 1977. On the field, Dugas earned All-America honors from the Football News as he anchored an LSU offensive line known as the “Root Hogs.”

He helped pave the way for LSU running back Charles Alexander who set numerous school rushing records. Dugas was a two-time All-SEC pick in 1977 and 1978 and he earned Academic All-SEC in 1977 and 1978. He later served as team physician for the Nebraska football program for many years before returning to Baton Rouge.

Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs fans cheer during the first quarter of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Thomas, Offensive Guard, Mississippi State, 1997-1998

Mississippi State offensive guard Randy Thomas was a two-year starter for the Bulldog from 1997-98. Thomas was a valuable leader of MSU’s 1998 SEC Western Division championship team that reached the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. Although he didn’t start playing football until the tenth grade, he started all 24 games of his career at Mississippi State while earning second-team All-America honors by the Sporting News and second-team All-SEC accolades by the Associated Press as a senior.

Thomas was selected in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, becoming the highest drafted MSU offensive lineman since 1976 at the time. Thomas played 11 NFL seasons, starting 143 games from 1999-2009 that included stints with the Jets and Washington Redskins.

Sep 24, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; The Missouri Tigers mascot Truman entertains fans during the second half against the Delaware State Hornets at Faurot Field. Missouri won 79-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Smith, Defensive End, Missouri, 1998-2000

Missouri defensive end Justin Smith was one of the top pass rushing defensive ends in Tiger history. Smith was a first-team All-American as a junior in 2000 before bypassing his final year of eligibility for the NFL. In his final season as a Tiger, he recorded 97 total tackles and 11 quarterback sacks, both Mizzou season records at the time. In just three years, he established the MU career sacks record with 22.5.

Smith went on to become the highest-ever draft pick by a Mizzou Tiger when he was selected with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He turned in a stellar 14-year NFL career, becoming one of the league’s most feared defenders in seven seasons with the Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers.

He was selected for five consecutive Pro Bowls (2009-2013), and was named to the AP All-Pro Team in both 2011 and 2012. Sports Illustrated named him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and he helped lead the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII.

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels fans cheer during the second quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Mangum, Tight End, Ole Miss, 1994-1996

Ole Miss tight end Kris Mangum earned first-team All-America honors in 1996 when he served as team captain for the Rebels. A two-time All-SEC selection, Mangum caught 74 passes for 729 yards and four touchdowns during his three seasons with the Rebels, averaging 9.9 yards per reception. He was named the 1996 SEC Most Outstanding Lineman by the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and he finished his collegiate career ranked second among Ole Miss tight ends in passes caught and third in receiving yards.

Mangum enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, retiring after the 2006 season as the fifth-leading receiver in franchise history with 151 catches for 1,424 yards and nine TDs and third in team history in games played with 126. He was inducted into the Ole Miss Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks fans sing the Sweet Caroline song during the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. South Carolina wins 20-15 over ECU. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Travelle Wharton, Offensive Tackle, South Carolina, 2000-2003

South Carolina offensive tackle Travelle Wharton started 45 of the 47 games the Gamecocks played from 2000-2003. A South Carolina native and high school standout, he was a relentless blocker and highly-decorated player during his college career, beginning with his first season at Carolina as he earned Freshmen All-America honors from The Sporting News in 2000.

As a senior in 2003, Wharton played left tackle as he anchored an offensive line that allowed only 10 quarterback sacks the entire season. He was named a team captain his senior year and earned he All-SEC recognition before he was chosen to play in the Senior Bowl.

Wharton was selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and he logged a successful 10-year NFL career with the Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals, starting 111 of the 115 games in which he played.

Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans flies the Tennessee state flag and the Volunteer flag prior to the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Deon Grant, Defensive Back, Tennessee, 1997-1999

Tennessee defensive back Deon Grant had eyes for the football during his years on Rocky Top, totaling 14 interceptions and 141 tackles in a standout career for the Volunteers. The All-American defensive back had multiple interceptions in three different games during his junior season of 1999, finishing with nine picks and 167 return yards on the season to tie for the lead in the NCAA.

Grant helped lead the Vols to the inaugural BCS National Championship in 1998. He remains the last Vol to intercept three passes in a game as he accomplished the feat on Oct. 2, 1999 vs. Auburn.

Grant was selected in the second round draft of the 2000 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers and played 12 seasons in the NFL for Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle and the New York Giants. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in their win over New England in Super Bowl XLVI.

Sep 10, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies fans and corps of cadets members cheer during the game against the Prairie View A&M Panthers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Mickens, Defensive Back, Texas A&M, 1992-1995

Texas A&M defensive back Ray Mickens was an All-American for the Aggies in 1995. A four-year letterman in football, Mickens was a three-time All-SWC selection (1993-94-95). Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he played high school football in El Paso, Texas, where he attracted the attention of the Aggies.

During his career at Texas A&M, the Aggies compiled a record of 41-6-1 and was 25-2-1 in the SWC. Mickens started 36 games at cornerback and with his help the Aggie defense ranked No. 3 in the country in total defense his senior season and in 1993 the Aggie pass defense led the country in pass efficiency defense.

He was a third-round draft pick of the New York Jets in 1996 and played through the 2003 season for the Jets before suffering a torn ACL and missing the 2004 season. He finished his NFL career playing for the Cleveland Browns (2005) and New England Patriots (2006).

Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores cheerleaders entertain fans prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams arrived on the Vanderbilt campus as an undersized and under-recruited offensive line candidate. He left as one of the greatest lineman in Commodore team history. After adding more than nearly 60 pounds of bulk during his first two years on campus, Williams quickly established himself in 2005, becoming a starter at left guard as a sophomore.

Williams later developed into one of the nation’s premier left tackles, earning first team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior in 2007. After graduating, Williams was selected as the No. 14 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, becoming the first Commodore offensive lineman in more than two decades to be taken in the first round of the draft. Williams went on to enjoy a seven-year NFL career until injuries forced him out of the game in 2014.

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