DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD
The Distinguished Citizen Award is a time-honored tradition of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. For more than 30 years, the Bowl has recognized some of America's most prominent citizens. The award has been presented to a cross-section of Americans from a wide range of professions, including military commanders, governors, and congressmen, as well as leaders in business, medicine, education, entertainment and sports.
LIST OF PREVIOUS HONOREES
2024
Joe Theismann
College Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion
2023
Jerry "The King" Lawler
Sports and Entertainment Icon
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2022 Steve Spurrier Former SEC Head Coach and Heisman Trophy Winner 2021 Peyton Manning NFL Hall of Famer and 2-Time Super Bowl Champion 2019 Donald Dell Tennis and Sports Business Innovator 2018 Priscilla Presley Business Entrepreneur, Actress, Producer, Author and Philanthropist 2017 Tim McCarver St. Louis Cardinals and National Baseball Hall of Famer
2016 Archie Manning Ole Miss legend, College Football Hall of Famer 1968 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Champion |
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2015 Dick Vitale Legendary College Basketball Analyst and Hall of Famer |
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2014 Bill Dance Hall of Fame Fisherman |
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2013 Darrell Waltrip NASCAR Hall of Famer |
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2012 Lee Corso Coach & College Football Analyst
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2011 Lou Holtz Legendary Coach |
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2010 Bobby Bowden Legendary Coach |
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2009 Tony Dungy Super Bowl winning NFL Coach |
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2008 Kenneth E. Tovo Brigadier General, U.S. Army |
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2007 Dr. Robert C. Khayat Chancellor, University of Mississippi |
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2006 Phil Bredesen Tennessee Governor |
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2005 Ambrose F."Bud" Dudley Liberty Bowl Founder |
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2004 Frederick W. Smith CEO, FedEx Corporation |
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2003 The Danny Thomas Family St. Jude Children's Research Hospital |
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2002 Pitt Hyde AutoZone Founder |
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2001 New York City Police Officers, Firefighters & Emergency Workers |
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2000 Franco Harris NFL Hall of Famer/ Running back, Pittsburgh Steelers |
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1999 Dr. Tom Osborne Legendary Coach, Nebraska/ Former U.S. Congressman |
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1998 William B."Billy" Dunavant, Jr. Business and Sports Entrepreneur |
| 1997
G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery U.S. Congressman |
| 1996
Dr. Peter Doherty Nobel Prize Recipient |
| 1995
Rochelle Stevens Olympic Gold Medal Winner |
| 1994
Johnny Majors Legendary Coach |
| 1993
Dr. Adrian Rogers Pastor |
| 1992
Charles M. Neinas Athletic Administrator |
| 1991
Jerry Clower Entertainer |
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1990 Alan C. Page Professional Athlete/Judge |
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1989 Chris Schenkel Sports Broadcaster |
| 1988
Lindsey Nelson Sports Broadcaster |
| 1987
Walter Byers Executive Director NCAA |
| 1986
Fred Russell Sports Writer |
| 1985
Kemmons Wilson Founder of Holiday Inn |
| 1984
William Lawrence Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy |
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1983 William Simon Former U.S. Secretary of Treasury |
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1982 Eddie Robinson Legendary Coach, Grambling |
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1981 Marguerite Piazza Entertainer |
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1980 Pearl Bailey Entertainer |
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1979 Danny Thomas Founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital |
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1978 Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson & Larry Newman Explorers |
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1977 Elvis Presley Entertainer |
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1976 Roone Arledge President, ABC Sports |
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1975 John McKay Legendary Coach |
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1974 Paul "Bear" Bryant Legendary Coach, Alabama |
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1973 John A. Dramesi Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force |
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1972 Frank Leahy Legendary Coach |
