Kurt Hester nominated for the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award
DALLAS (FWAA) — Houston’s Kurt Hester is this week’s nominee for the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Hester, the Cougars’ director of strength and performance, has been battling cancer this season.
“Everybody’s on a time limit,” Hester told the Houston Chronicle this summer. “Death is undefeated. But the way I look at it, I’ll take it to three overtimes.”
In February, Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma, as doctors had discovered masses on his lungs and liver. He was told that he had a 20 percent chance to live.
Hester had only sought medical attention because he had broken his rib while lifting weights — a blessing in disguise, as it led to doctors discovering the cancer diagnosis and accelerated his treatment before it was too late.
The Louisiana native kept busy, devouring books on oncology. He underwent immunotherapy, then chemotherapy after immunotherapy was unsuccessful. He adjusted his diet, and he began alternative forms of treatment. As an ordained minister, he presided over his son’s wedding.
Though he has lost nearly 50 pounds, Hester has worked as much as possible. He has seen his tumors recede. He calls being around the 100-plus Cougars football players every day his form of therapy, and players have been inspired by Hester’s relentless attack on cancer.
Houston head coach Willie Fritz and other members of the football program have worn shirts that say “Unbreakable,” in honor of Hester’s fight.
The Cougars are off to a 6-1 start and head to defending Big 12 champion Arizona State this Saturday.
The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award are North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft (2025), Virginia running back Mike Hollins (2023), Oregon tight end Cam McCormick (2022), the University of Utah football Team (2021), Arkansas State analyst Alex Charlton (2020), Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson (2019), SUNY Cortland linebacker Kyle Richard (2018), Wisconsin safety D’Cota Dixon (2017), Pitt running back James Conner (2016), Miami offensive lineman Hunter Knighton (2015), Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson (2014), San Jose State defensive lineman Anthony Larceval (2013), Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez (2012), Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (2011), Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (2010), the University of Connecticut football team (2009), Tulsa’s Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy’s Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson’s Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis’ Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State’s Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo’s William Bratton (2002).008), Navy’s Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson’s Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis’ Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State’s Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo’s William Bratton (2002).
About Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization with more than 400 members that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement, and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026.For more information about Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, visit orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
To submit a nomination for the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, contact Matt Fortuna at matt.fortuna@gmail.com.
2025 Weekly Nominees
- 17: Army safety Larry Pickett Jr.
- 24: Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann
- 1: North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson
- 8: Missouri State fullback Connor Lair
- 15: Auburn kicker Alex McPherson
- 22: Houston director of strength and performance Kurt Hester
