Astronaut Victor Glover and Steve Hatchell Named 2026 NFF Gold Medal Recipients

By Habari Sports

IRVING, Texas — Astronaut Victor J. Glover Jr. and National Football Foundation President and CEO Steven J. Hatchell have been selected as the 2026 NFF Gold Medal recipients, the organization announced October 14.

The two will receive the foundation’s highest honor during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, scheduled for December 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The recognition brings together two careers connected to football’s influence beyond the field: Glover’s work in space exploration and Hatchell’s decades of leadership in the sport.

Football’s Lessons Beyond the Playing Field

In its announcement, the NFF identified Glover as the pilot of the Artemis II mission and highlighted the connection between his football background and his career.

“The lessons learned through football can shape a person’s life long after their playing days are over,” NFF Chairman Archie Manning said.

Manning described Glover as carrying those lessons from football into space exploration, while crediting Hatchell with more than five decades of work strengthening the game and creating opportunities for future generations.

“Both exemplify the character, integrity, and commitment to serving others that are at the heart of the NFF’s mission and the Gold Medal,” Manning said.

Recognizing Career Achievement and Integrity

The NFF Gold Medal recognizes Americans who have demonstrated integrity and honesty, achieved significant career success, and reflected values associated with amateur athletics, particularly football.

Glover and Hatchell will become the 69th and 70th recipients, according to the foundation.

For Hatchell, the selection recognizes a career devoted to football leadership, including his role overseeing the NFF’s work. For Glover, it extends the award’s tradition of honoring people whose achievements reach well beyond sports.

An Honor Dating to 1958

The first NFF Gold Medal was presented to President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the organization’s inaugural annual awards dinner in 1958.

According to the NFF, past recipients include seven U.S. presidents, four generals, three admirals, a Supreme Court justice, and 29 corporate CEOs and chairmen.

The recipient list also includes Jackie Robinson and actor John Wayne, illustrating the range of public service, business, sports and cultural achievement recognized by the award.

The December ceremony will add Glover and Hatchell to that history, with the NFF citing their professional accomplishments and commitment to service as central to their selection.

Source: National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announcement dated October 14, 2026.