“We are extremely pleased to have Chris Howard join the NFF Board of Directors. Chris’ presence on the NFF board will provide us powerful insights on the impact of the NFF’s programs on college campuses nationwide,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Chris’s authentic love of the game, coupled will his distinguished and long list of accomplishments, make him an absolute natural to join the NFF Board.”

One of the very few university presidents to have played NCAA Division I football, Howard was a starting running back and three-year letterman for the United States Air Force Academy, from which he graduated in 1991. He was the inaugural recipient of the Campbell Trophy, the highest academic award presented to a senior college football player. That award is presented by the National Football Foundation. 

“Chris Howard represents everything right with our great game. A Rhodes Scholar who played football at Air Force, Chris encapsulates everything we hope to inspire in future generations,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “Chris now becomes the first recipient of the prestigious Campbell Trophy to ever serve on the NFF Board. We are lucky to have his counsel, and we could not be more thrilled that he has agreed to accept the position.”

Howard is a member of the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame and has received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award and the Armed Forces Merit Award, which is given by the Football Writers Association of America. He is a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics and served as one of 13 members of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.

“I am honored to join the National Football Foundation Board of Directors and to serve with such an illustrious group to promote this special sport as it is reimagined for the 21st century,” said Howard. “All the things I learned playing football – teamwork, attention to detail, and intestinal fortitude -- have benefited me in every phase of my life.”