The DC Touchdown Club Awards Dinner presented by Xcelerate Solutions and The Chertoff Group brought down the house on Thursday night as a capacity crowd roared with approval as the best and brightest in the National Capital Region’s football community were honored.

It was a special night that included a patriotic performance by U.S. Navy (ret.) Lieutenant Commander Vann Morris and a video that recounted the storied history of the Touchdown Club.

Following dinner, the award presentations began with Washington Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris receiving the Touchdown Club’s prestigious Founder’s Award and the event took off from there.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work to restore Washington football to what it was when I was a kid,” Harris told the crowd in accepting the Founder’s Award. “A source of joy, pride and unity for everyone in the DMV.”

Former Redskins great Jeff Bostic, an original member of the Hogs – the most famous offensive line in football – was unable to attend but shared a video message where he thanked Redskins fans for all of their support and showed off his “bling” that included three Super Bowl championship rings. Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams accepted Bostic’s Career Achievement Award on his former teammate’s behalf.

“You’re talking about one of the toughest guys,” Williams said. “Never forget Jeff Bostic. Every coach will say the center is where it starts. And with us, that was Jeff Bostic.”

The slate of high school award winners was quite impressive:

·        Maryland High School Player of the Year Manny Iheanacho (University of Oregon)

·        Washington, D.C. High School Player of the Year Tariq Boney (University of Michigan)

·        Virginia High School Player of the Year Kedric Golston II (University of Tennessee)

·        Coach of the Year Rick Conner, Linganore High School

Conner, who this past season led the Lancers to a 15-0 mark and his fourth state title at the Frederick County school, shared his memories of attending the Touchdown Club Awards Dinner in 1971 and 1972, where he got autographs from Redskins greats Billy Kilmer and Larry Brown, among others.

“It was pretty neat as a little kid,” Conner said with a beaming smile. “Still a pretty night neat for a big kid.”

Navy football coach Brian Newberry introduced Midshipmen stars Blake Horvath and Landon Robinson as they were honored as the Washington Metro College Players of the Year. Longtime Seneca Valley High football coach Terry Changuris was inducted into the Circle of Legends.

Washington Metro Pro Player of the Year Tress Way had the crowd rollicking as he shared a few tales from his career, then emcee Bram Weinstein enjoyed toasting and roasting the final award winner of the night, Career Achievement Award recipient Rick “Doc” Walker.

Walker, who has established himself as the voice and face of football in the region with a 40-year media career following his football career, called himself addicted to winning and can’t wait for the Commanders to once again win the Lombardi Trophy.

“I learned how to win at age 11,” Walker said. “When we won, we got to go to McDonald’s. Growing up on a military base, that was a big deal. I do my job and we get to go to the Golden Arches? Wow!”

The presentations capped a sensational event that repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet. Proceeds from the event benefited Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers.

“What a memorable night!” said Steve Beck, president and executive director of the Military Bowl Foundation, which operates the Touchdown Club. “It was a tremendous group of award winners, who certainly earned all of the honors they have received throughout their careers. Thanks to everyone who joined us, to all of our sponsors and everyone who continues to support the Touchdown Club and football in the Washington area.”

The Awards Dinner was sponsored by American Airlines, Constellation Brands, DC News Now, McCartin Insurance, Old Virginia Tobacco Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and WTOP.