Press Release

January 24, 2018 (, PA) Maxwell Football Club Announces 2017 Tri-State Player of the Year

The Maxwell Football Club announced today that Justin Watson from the University of Pennsylvania has been selected as the winner of the Club’s 17th Tri-State Player of the Year of the Year Award.

During the 2017 season Watson capped off his legendary career at Penn in style, leading the team with 1,083 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 81 receptions. He leaves Penn holding the program records in receiving yards, all-purpose yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions, all of which he broke during the course of the season.

A five-time All-American and a two-time finalist for FCS Player of the Year, Watson was recently named a STATS FCS first-team All-American and a unanimous first-team All-Ivy selection for the third year in a row. He had a 2017 campaign more valuable than any wide receiver in all of Division I football.

He accounted for 47.6 percent of Penn’s total receptions, which is the highest percentage of any player in FCS or FBS football. He finished with 50.5 percent of Penn’s total receiving yards (1,083). That total also ranked him No. 1 among all FCS receivers and No. 2 in all of Division I football.

Additionally, he became the first player in league history to catch a pass in 40 consecutive games, making at least one catch in all 40 potential varsity games in which he played. For good measure, he had at least two catches in all 40 of those games and finished with 6-plus in his final 18 contests.

Maxwell Club President Mark Dianno commented, “The University of Pennsylvania Football Program and the Maxwell Football Club have a long and celebrated relationship dating back to George Munger, , and Francis “Reds” Bagnell. In the storied history of Penn football, Justin Watson has distinguished himself as one of the all-time greats. Not only did he finish his illustrious career as Penn’s greatest wide receiver, he also cemented his legacy as one of the best players to ever lace them up in the Ivy League. A team leader and All-American, it is an honor to present this year’s Maxwell Football Club Tri- State Player of the Year to Justin and we look forward to seeing him play at the next level.”

Watson will be honored Friday, March 9, 2018 at the 81st Maxwell Club National Awards Gala, which will be held at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Also receiving awards at this event will be; Carson Wentz – ( Award), – Philadelphia Eagles – ( Coach of the Year Award), – Oklahoma (), Minkah Fitzpatrick - Alabama (Chuck Bednarik Award), Bill Clark – UAB (The Thomas Brookshier Spirit Award), – Florida State University (The Francis Reds Bagnell Award for Contributions to Football). The Maxwell Football Club will announce additional high school and college awards later this week.

Tickets for the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala are available for purchase on the Club’s website https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/product/national-awards-individual-ticket/ or by calling 215-643-3833.

Questions concerning any of the Maxwell Football Club’s awards or programs can be directed to MFC Executive Director Mark Wolpert at [email protected].

About the Maxwell Football Club

The Maxwell Football Club (MFC) was founded in 1935 and is a registered 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation. The MFC promotes and recognizes excellence at all levels of football from youth leagues through the professional ranks. Each year the MFC offers programs which focus on player and coach development, safety, and player wellness. The Club also presents many of the premiere awards in the football world each year. Membership is open and additional information on the Club can be found at www.maxwellfootballclub.org.