Tulsa’s John Beckley nominated for Orange Bowl Courage Award
DALLAS (FWAA) — Tulsa’s John Beckley is this week’s nominee for the 2026 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Beckley, the Golden Hurricane’s outside linebackers coach, has coached this season after his pregnant wife, Kayla, died suddenly in September.
“Kayla was a beautiful, loving, and unforgettable soul whose laughter, kindness, and love touched so many lives,” Beckley wrote after the tragedy. “She and Sawyer will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and love them.”
Kayla Saager-Beckley collapsed and died during a workout on Sept. 9 while pregnant with the couple’s daughter, Sawyer. Kayla was 30 years old.
Beckley returned to work, having missed only two games after his loss. He has led a talented pass rush attack, as Tulsa ranks third in the American Conference in sacks (18) and second in takeaways (15).
The 4-4 Golden Hurricane are fourth in the league in scoring defense (24.4) and fourth in yards per play allowed (5.54).
The team has worn helmet stickers in honor of Kayla. Beckley has asked that donations be made in memory of Kayla and Sawyer to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Bee Foundation, which supports awareness, education, prevention, and research surrounding brain aneurysms.
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.
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 2026 CFP Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 14, 2027. 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.
2026 Courage Award Nominees
First Week: Texas OT Trevor Goolsby
Second Week: Illinois LB Ismael Kante
Third Week: Pittsburgh Equipment Manager Niko Pitinii
Fourth Week: Yale QB Dante Reno
Fifth Week: Arizona State OT Jalen Klemm
Sixth Week: Penn State QB Alex Manske
Seventh Week: Tulsa OLB coach John Beckley
All-Time FWAA Courage Award Recipients
2025 Alex McPherson, Auburn
2024 Tylee Craft, North Carolina
2023 Mike Hollins, Virginia
2022 Cam McCormick, Oregon
2021 Utah Team
2020 Alex Charlton, Arkansas State
2019 Blake Anderson, Arkansas State
2018 Kyle Richard, SUNY-Cortland
2017 D’Cota Dixon, Wisconsin
2016 James Conner, Pitt
2015 Hunter Knighton, Miami
2014 Laken Tomlinson, Duke
2013 Anthony Larceval, San Jose State
2012 Daniel Rodriguez, Clemson
2011 Arthur Ray Jr., Michigan State
2010 Eric LeGrand, Rutgers
2009 Connecticut Team
2008 Wilson Holloway, Tulsa
2007 Zerbin Singleton, Navy
2006 Ray Ray McElrathbey, Clemson
2005 Tulane Team
2004 Haracio Colen, Memphis
2003 Neil Parry, San Jose State
2002 William Bratton, Toledo
