The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award presented by Dr Pepper was awarded to Dallas Brannon this year, a senior linebacker from Independence High School. In high school, Brannon completed 394 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 1 interception. He is committed to continuing his career next year at the University of Virginia. The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF), Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and the community chose their winner from a competitive pool of 21 nominees.
The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick award is given annually during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to a CMS high school senior who displays talent on the football field and a passion for helping his community. The award comes with a trophy and a $10,000 scholarship prize.
The award’s namesake is Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick of Myers Park High School, who fought for the desegregation of North Carolina’s all-star bowl game, the Shrine Bowl. He went on to play football at Purdue and eventually settled in Oregon, where he continued to push for equal rights. Modern-day nominees embody his commitment to excellence on and off the field.
“We’re honored to recognize a deserving young man in our community alongside Dr Pepper and Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick,” said Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “Football is more than a game; it’s an opportunity to develop the next generation’s leaders, instilling in them the values that Jimmie embodies.”
Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick offered Brannon some advice on his win. “As I look back at my playing career, beyond the athleticism, it is an opportunity to grow and meet new people, new influences, new cultures, just to grow as an individual and to get an overall life experience.” Kirkpatrick said, “I encourage people to don’t just be an athlete, be an all-around great person.”
“Providing tuition opportunities is something near and dear to Dr Pepper and is a personal passion point for me,” said Jeff Smith, Division Sales Manager at Dr Pepper. “Collectively, Dr Pepper has given away over $20 million in tuition over the last 30 years. We are proud and humbled to partner with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to help sponsor the Jimmy Lee Kirkpatrick Award.”
Since its inception in 2021, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick award winners include: