STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | Jan. 27, 2026 — Oklahoma offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu was honored Tuesday as the recipient of the East-West Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, one of the most meaningful distinctions presented during Shrine Bowl week. The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies intelligence, sportsmanship, service, and character, values that extend well beyond the football field.
Nwaiwu earned widespread respect throughout the week of the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl, not only for his steady play in practices, but for the leadership, humility, and professionalism he displayed among teammates, coaches, and staff. His selection for the Pat Tillman Award underscores the Shrine Bowl’s longstanding commitment to honoring players whose impact transcends box scores and highlight reels.
“This award reflects character, perseverance, and integrity,” said Lunda Wells, Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach and head coach of the West team. “Febechi embodies everything this honor stands for and its connection to an incredible philanthropic cause such as Shriners Children’s. He approaches the game the right way, leads by example, and earns respect through his work ethic and humility. He is truly deserving of this recognition.”
For Nwaiwu, the recognition serves as a defining moment in a week already filled with opportunity. As one of college football’s most reliable offensive linemen, the Oklahoma product entered Shrine Bowl week focused on showcasing his fundamentals, football intelligence, and versatility. Yet it was his presence off the field — in meeting rooms, walkthroughs, and community events — that left the strongest impression.
Coaches noted Nwaiwu’s consistent engagement during film sessions, his willingness to mentor younger players, and his professionalism in a setting that often places prospects under intense scrutiny. Those qualities align directly with the spirit of the Pat Tillman Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate leadership rooted in service and selflessness.
The award carries profound historical significance. Pat Tillman, who played in the 1998 East–West Shrine Bowl, became one of the most revered figures in American sports history. After a successful NFL career, Tillman famously left professional football to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11 attacks. His decision to place service above personal success, and the ultimate sacrifice he made, transformed his legacy into a lasting symbol of courage, integrity, and purpose.
Each year, the East-West Shrine Bowl uses the Pat Tillman Award to reinforce those ideals. The honor reflects the event’s broader mission of celebrating athletes who lead with character while supporting Shriners Children’s, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specialized pediatric care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The Shrine Bowl’s philanthropic foundation remains a cornerstone of the event, linking football excellence with meaningful service.
Nwaiwu’s recognition places him among a select group of players whose influence extends beyond competition. Teammates consistently described him as dependable, composed, and selfless — traits that translate seamlessly to the next level. In an environment where players are often evaluated solely on measurable traits, Nwaiwu distinguished himself through the intangibles NFL organizations value just as highly.
As the Shrine Bowl concludes and attention shifts toward the NFL Draft process, the Pat Tillman Award adds a powerful dimension to Nwaiwu’s profile. It signals to evaluators that he brings more than physical tools to a locker room — he brings leadership, accountability, and a deep respect for the game and those around him.
In a week designed to spotlight the future of football, Febechi Nwaiwu’s honor served as a reminder that the sport’s most enduring impact is often measured not in wins or accolades, but in character. By embodying the values Pat Tillman stood for, Nwaiwu leaves Frisco having made a lasting impression — one rooted in integrity, service, and leadership that will follow him far beyond Shrine Bowl week.
