LANGHORNE, PA (December 5, 2023) – Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s preeminent youth football organization, has announced Texas Tech defensive lineman Tony Bradford Jr. as the recipient of its 14th Pop Warner College Football Award. The award is given annually to a college football player who best exemplifies the Pop Warner ideals of character, leadership and community service.

Bradford is a leader on the defensive line for the Red Raiders and has been a key contributor to the team's success during his five-year tenure, recording 35 starts in 52 games and amassing 134 tackles, including 29 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, He is a three-time All-Big 12 selection and has helped the Red Raiders win back-to-back bowl games in the 2021 AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl. 

In the classroom, Bradford is a two-time graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's in interdisciplinary studies. This year, he is pursuing an additional graduate degree in public administration. His goal is to enter law enforcement following his playing career and, ultimately, rising to chief of police for a major metropolitan department.  

Bradford is a staple in the West Texas community through advocacy and volunteer work, especially in underserved areas of East Lubbock. Bradford has been actively involved in neighborhood cleanups as well as voter registration drives, peace walks and visits to local elementary schools and local non-profit organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Texas Boys Ranch, South Plains Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Burgers and Badges and more. Bradford has regularly visited local school districts to demonstrate, as he puts it, that "kids who look just like me can achieve what I have, too." His impact on the local community has earned him the title of Lubbock’s "honorary mayor.” 

For the holidays, Bradford organized a turkey giveaway that benefited roughly 200 Lubbock families. He donated 100 turkeys through his NIL proceeds, which were matched locally by United Supermarkets Arena. 

Bradford serves as a longtime member of the Texas Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was selected to represent the university as part of the Big 12 Champions for Life campaign, which recognizes stories of scholarship athletes who use their platforms and voices to promote change. His unwavering commitment to positive impact earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in 2023 and on the AFCA Good Works Team in 2022. 

"Tony’s on-field excellence is matched by his remarkable passion and dedication to giving back and inspiring others off of it. He embodies everything we aspire our young athletes to be – good students, hard workers and leaders in their community,” said Jon Butler, executive director of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “We are proud to honor Tony with this award, and grateful  for the incredible example all of our nominees set for the next generation.” 

“I’m truly honored and blessed to be named the winner of the Pop Warner College Football Award,” said Bradford..” My hope is that through this award and the accomplishments we’ve been able to achieve during my time as a Red Raider, it will inspire other student-athletes to actively contribute to their local communities and strive to be an example for future generations. I’m grateful for the Pop Warner organization for not only this honor but for what it does for the future leaders of our sport on a daily basis.”

This year’s other award finalists included:

• Elijah McAllister, Auburn University linebacker

• Malik Washington, University of Virginia wide receiver

• Matthew Cindric, University of California, Berkeley offensive lineman

• Ja'Mion Franklin, Duke University defensive tackle

“Tony Bradford is everything we could ask for in a student-athlete. He’s not only a leader on our defense, but he’s a powerful voice within our athletics department and our community,” said Joey McGuire, Texas Tech head coach. “When people hear ‘The Mayor’ speak, they immediately listen. We appreciate the Pop Warner organization for choosing him as this year’s winner in recognition of his commitment to making the world around him a better place.”

About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.