TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona linebacker
Jacob Manu and offensive lineman
Jonah Savaiinaea have been named to the Lombardi Award Watch List, as announced today by the organization.
Manu and Savaiinaea join the Lombardi Award watch list for the first time in their collegiate careers. This honor values Character, Discipline, and Excellence on and off the football field.
Manu adds the Lombardi Award watch list to a growing list of preseason accolades including the Butkus Award, Nagurski Trophy, and All-Big 12 Team. He led the Pac-12 with 116 total tackles in 2023 and earned AP First-Team All-Pac-12 and All-Pac-12 First-Team honors following a record season.
Savaiinaea makes his first appearance on the Lombardi Award preseason watch list of his collegiate career. Add the Lombardi Award watch list to his preseason accolades including the Outland Trophy watch list, All-Big 12 Team, Athlon Sports All-American, and Phil Steele Magazine All-American.
Thirteen previous winners and finalists are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Forty-three previous winners and finalists are College Football Hall of Fame members. Since the award's inception, millions of dollars have been raised to support cancer research.
The Lombardi Award trophy, made from 40 lbs. of Texas pink granite chiseled to resemble the stance of a lineman, is presented annually in Houston at a gala dinner where the four finalists are honored.
ABOUT THE LOMBARDI AWARD
The history and significance of the Lombardi Award are deeply rooted in the legacy of Coach Vince Lombardi and his commitment to character, discipline, and excellence. Just weeks after Coach Vince Lombardi's passing in 1970 due to colon cancer, the Rotary Club of Houston established the Lombardi Award with the authorization of Vince Lombardi's widow, Marie, and his sister, Madeline Lombardi Werner.
This prestigious accolade continues to honor the Outstanding College Football Lineman, whether on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
Mrs. Lombardi stipulates that the net proceeds generated from Gala sponsorship and table sales support cancer research efforts. This commitment is in honor of Coach Vince Lombardi, who tragically lost his life to the disease. Since the inception of the Lombardi Award in 1970, charitable fundraising services have been an integral part of the initiative. Notably, these efforts have raised millions of dollars to advance cancer research programs.
Arizona opens the 2024 season against New Mexico on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. MST on ESPN at Arizona Stadium.
