Don McPherson

Bio

Cultivating one of the most highly decorated careers in Syracuse football history, Don McPherson was the recipient of over 18 national Player of the Year honors. McPherson's many honors include the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award and the Maxwell Player of the Year Award. Garnering unanimous first-team All-America laurels and finishing second in the 1987 Heisman balloting, the West Hempstead, N.Y., native set 11 Syracuse records. He claimed MVP honors in the 1987 Sugar Bowl, capping an undefeated regular season and a number four final ranking for the Orange. Professionally, McPherson played four years in the NFL and three seasons in the Canadian Football League. He later founded the Sports Leadership Institute at Adelphi University and created the John Mackey Award, which annually recognizes college football's most outstanding tight end. Honored with numerous humanitarian awards, including the Frederick Douglas Men of Strength Award and Lifetime's Champions for Change Award, McPherson has become one of the nation's leading educators and advocates for the prevention of men's violence against women.

Career Highlights

• 1987 Heisman - Second
• 1987 Maxwell Award winner
• 1987 O'Brien Award winner
• 1987 Unanimous All-America