KTGR ESPN 100.5 FM & 1580 AM
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper was one of 51 players named to the preseason watch list for the 39th annual Butkus Award®.
The number of linebackers on the watch list, 51, is a nod to the storied “51” pro jersey worn by the award’s namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football.
Hopper is also on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy. He was a Preseason Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the league’s media. Athlon made Hopper a preseason Third-Team All-America selection and a First-Team All-SEC honoree. He earned Phil Steele Third-Team Preseason All-SEC awards. He was graded as the No. 2 returning linebacker in the league by PFF College – behind teammate Chad Bailey.
The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 30 with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
All 2023 Butkus Award winners will be honored at a televised event in Jan. 2024. BTN (the Big Ten Network) aired the event last season, featuring Butkus and numerous noted NFL Alumni.
Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs.
A 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts, and journalists guides the selection process. Past winners of the collegiate award include such greats as Patrick Willis, Von Miller, Luke Kuechly, Devin White, Roquan Smith and many more. The Butkus Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
Mizzou opens the season on Thursday, August 31, against South Dakota at Memorial Stadium. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. CT and airs on SEC Network and the Tiger Radio Network. The SEC Nation pregame crew will be on hand to broadcast its pregame show from Faurot Field.
GET YOUR 2023 TICKETS NOW!
Season tickets for the 2023 campaign are on sale now! The Tigers’ robust home schedule features games against Kansas State, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.
Purchase your 2023 season tickets now by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS or buying online. Fans interested in learning more about available seats can fill out an interest form.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For all the latest information on Mizzou Athletics, please visit MUTigers.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Tigers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
