BOCA RATON, Fla. (November 29, 2016) – West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman alumnus and former New Orleans Saints kicker, John Carney will receive this year’s Built Ford Tough Palm Beach County Football Legends Award for his contributions both on and off the football field.

“Palm Beach County is home to some of the nation’s leading kickers and John Carney is one of them,” said Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley. “John Carney is the type of place-kicker who inspired the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, although his talent passed through Palm Beach County before the inception of the award, his skill set is the foundation and material that make up a Lou Groza Award Winner. We are proud to honor John Carney as this year’s Legends Award Winner.”

The award began in conjunction with the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl and was awarded to legendary football coach Howard Schnellenberger in 2014 and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Riedel Anthony in 2015. Its purpose is to honor those in Palm Beach County who have made notable achievements and contributions to the sport of football. Carney was selected as the third recipient by a selection committee that is chaired by Palm Beach County Sports Commission Executive Director George Linley.

“John Carney is an iconic football legend from the Palm Beaches. He is a tremendous ambassador for Palm Beach County, both on and off the field,” said Linley. “John Carney’s recognition for this prestigious award is exceptionally gratifying considering the Palm Beach County Sports Commission is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award. John Carney is one of the greatest football players to come from Palm Beach County and arguably the greatest place-kicker to compete in the National Football League. John Carney embodies the meaning of the Boca Raton Bowl’s Legends Award.”

Carney graduated from West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. Born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Jupiter, Carney lettered in football, soccer and track. As a senior, Carney earned all-state honors at kicker and all-county honors at punter.

Carney went on to become a four-year member of the Notre Dame Football Program. He left his legacy as a Fighting Irish, becoming the all-time leader in field goals made (51) and the honor of being named to the Sports Illustrated Notre Dame all-time team.

Carney was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1987, which started his quest to a 23-year NFL career. He played his first NFL game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988. Carney also joined the roster of the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants – spending a majority of his NFL career with the Chargers (11 seasons) and the Saints (seven seasons). Carney departed the Chargers as their all-time leading scorer and departed the Saints as their all-time field goal percentage leader.

“I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of the 2016 Legends Award. There is no other place in the country like Palm Beach County,” said Carney. “To grow up here, compete here and experience the sporting opportunities and level of talent, brings awareness to the fact this region is a breeding ground for exceptional athletes. I will always cherish the time spent amongst the great sportsman and coaches of Palm Beach County.”

Carney will receive the Legends Award and be recognized on Dec. 19 at the Boca Raton Bowl Kickoff Luncheon beginning at 12 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The 2016 Boca Raton Bowl will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ET, at FAU Stadium. The game will air nationally on ESPN. For additional information about the Boca Raton Bowl, please visit www.TheBocaRatonBowl.com or e-mail [email protected].

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