Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Virginian Award
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation’s Board of Directors presents the Distinguished Virginian Award to an individual with a sports background who is a distinguished citizen of the Commonwealth based on outstanding life accomplishment. Each awardee, by personal example, exemplifies the best ideals and purposes of sport exhibiting superior leadership qualities in education, athletics, business or in the community.
2025 Recipient

Ed George, from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg and Ferrum College football, is the Hall of Fame’s 2025 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient. George played collegiately at Ferrum where he was named Captain of the football team, before transferring to Wake Forest. A 4th round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970 NFL Draft, George would opt to play professionally in Canada. Over 11 professional seasons, 7 in the CFL and 4 in the NFL, George would be named All-Pro five times (CFL) and be part of two Grey Cup Championship teams with the Montreal Alouettes. In 2005 he was inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. His impact has been felt away from the gridiron as well, where his success in the financial sector has led to multiple philanthropic endeavors, many of which have been centered on support for student-athletes. The Hall of Fame at Ferrum bears his name, the Ed George Sports Hall of Fame at Ferrum College, and he has also been honored by Ferrum as a Distinguished Alumni, and with the Beckham Medallion, Ferrum’s highest honor.
Ed will honored along with the rest of the Class of 2025 during Induction Weekend, April 25 & 26 in Town Center of Virginia Beach. Click the button below for more information
Past Recipients
2024, Rick Jeffrey

2023, Joe Montgomery

2020, Dennis Ellmer

2013, Dr. Frank C. McCue, III

2012, Elmon T. Gray

2011, G. Robert Aston, Jr.

2009, E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
