JACKSONVILLE – One of the best has been honored as such.
Dan Edwards, who started and shaped the Jaguars' public relations department into one of the most-respected departments in its field, will be honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Edwards, an original Jaguars executive who exclusively led the team's communications department throughout the existence of the franchise until 2021, will receive the Hall of Fame's Award of Excellence for Public Relations.
"I knew within days of meeting Dan Edwards in the fall of 2011 that he was respected and trusted throughout the Jaguars organization, but where I really understood everything Dan represents was a few months later at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis – my first as a member of the NFL," said Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. "The number of friends and associates Dan had from other teams, the league office and the news media, in particular, was something to behold.
"No one has that kind of community unless you're the very best at what you do, and you're also a good human being while being the best. That's why Dan is being honored. There is no one more deserving."
Edwards joined the Jaguars as executive director of communications in May 1994 with 10 seasons NFL experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Miami Dolphins and the league office. He was promoted to vice president in 2003 and to senior vice president of communications in 2010.
Edwards as of his retirement following the 2021 season was one of six staff members who had been with the Jaguars since their first year in 1994.
Edwards began his NFL career as a public relations intern in the NFL office in New York after receiving a scholarship from NFL Charities. He spent the 1984 football season working in publicity for the Miami Dolphins, who played in Super Bowl XIX that year, before joining the Steelers.
Edwards spent nine years with the Steelers, the last seven as public relations director, and the team's public relations staff received the Pete Rozelle Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in 1991 following the 1990 season. The Pete Rozelle Award is given each year to the club public relations department that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media.
The Award for Excellence for Public Relations is among awards in five categories honoring those who have "helped drive the accomplishments of their profession, individual NFL Clubs and the sport of pro football." The Hall launched the Awards for Excellence program in 2022 to recognize significant contributors to the game.
Assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers and film/video directors are also honored annually.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will recognize the 15 recipients in Canton with an evening reception June 26 and an awards luncheon June 27 emceed by Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.
The five groups presenting the Awards of Excellence created their own selection committees and set their own criteria for choosing their class members. The Hall of Fame does not participate in any nominating or voting.
