ESPN issued the following press release announcing the finalists for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian awards of 2020. One of the names includes WWE ambassador and star Titus O’Neil, who joins the NBA’s Kevin Love, the NFL’s Jason McCourty, the WNBA’s Maya Moore, and the MLB’s Nelson Cruz.
The sixth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb, is a celebration of the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who are using sports to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world. This year, the Sports Humanitarian Awards will combine with The 2020 ESPYS Presented by Capitol One for an inspirational evening that showcases the true power of sports. The show will air on June 21 on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.
The Sports Humanitarian Awards will feature its honorees as part of The 2020 ESPYS including the recipients of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award presented by Dove Men+Care, the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award presented by Anthem Foundation, the League Humanitarian Leadership Award and the Sports Humanitarian Team Award. The Sports Humanitarian Awards will present five additional honors in ESPN studio shows the week leading up to The ESPYS.
“ESPN recognizes that this year more than ever, athletes, teams and leagues have been leading the way in responding to the needs of communities across the country and the world,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “For six years, ESPN has been honored to telecast the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which highlights the impact that sports has to create social change, and we’re excited to carry that narrative through The ESPYS and our other platforms.”
This year’s nominees include (see below for descriptions on each award and finalist):
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award presented by Dove Men+Care finalists: Nelson Cruz (MLB’s Minnesota Twins), Kevin Love (NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers), Devin and Jason McCourty (NFL’s New England Patriots), Maya Moore (WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx) and Titus O’Neil (WWE Superstar)
O’Neil would take to Twitter to comment on his nomination. He writes, “Very HONORED to be named a Finalist. Proud of All of my @WWE @WWECommunity Family for all that everyone Does to put Smiles on FacesSmiling face with heart-shaped eyes @VinceMcMahon @StephMcMahon THANK YOU!!”
WWE would later issue their own press release congratulating O’Neil.
Titus O’Neil has been named a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award as part of ESPN’s annual Sports Humanitarian Awards.
O’Neil is seen as a Community Relations Ambassador for WWE where he has helped thousands of individuals through non-profit organizations and WWE partners, such as Susan G. Komen, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics. He is also known for his outstanding work in his local community of Tampa, Fla. leading The Bullard Family Foundation, where he is currently transforming Sligh Middle Magnet School and the surrounding area into an innovative education and community hub to create lasting generational change.