Kent Hull embodied all we respect in an offensive lineman: strength, quickness, toughness, intelligence, intense work ethic and humility.

The Entergy Kent Hull Lineman of the Year Trophy annually goes to the Mississippi collegiate offensive lineman who most displays those traits that enabled Hull to play in three Pro Bowls, four Super Bowls and become one of the most respected linemen and leaders in the National Football League.

Sponsored by The Hull Foundation and Entergy along with the support of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and CSpire, the award winner is chosen by a panel of experts, including scouts and coaches. The award is given each year at the C Spire Conerly Trophy Banquet.

This award is so special because not only does it capture the skills and talent needed to perform as a successful offensive lineman on the field, it also captures the leadership and respect among teammates that made Kent Hull such a great football player. 

Jim Kelly (Pro Football Hall of Famer and Kent Hull’s quarterback with the Bills): “Kent was the heartbeat of the Buffalo Bills.  He was the leader of the Buffalo Bills.  People talk about Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly, but if you were looking for the glue to it all you looked no further than number 67.”

Marv Levy (Pro Football Hall of Famer and Kent Hull’s head coach with the Bills): “It was a privilege to coach Kent Hull.  He was a great leader, he was our leader”

Rick Cleveland (long-time MS Sports writer who covered Kent his entire career): “Kent never changed.  He was like a wise, old man at 18 and all the success in the NFL never changed him.  He was a good ole’ boy, Charlie Hull’s boy, from Greenwood.  Kent was just solid, as solid as they come.  He was a great player, a better person.  Emory Bellard [Kent’s coach at Mississippi State] once said Kent was as tough as ‘a rollin’ bunch of butcher knives,’ and on the field, he was. But he also had one of the kindest hearts of any athlete I’ve known.  I think Kent would love the fact that his name is attached to an award that draws attention to — and recognizes the importance of — offensive linemen.” 

RECOGNITION... 

Archie Manning (MS Sports Hall of Famer and friend of Kent):  During his keynote speech during the 2017 trophy presentation "Martinas... In your career, you are going to win many awards and receive many accolades..  But none like this one... This one is SPECIAL." 

THE ENTERGY KENT HULL LINEMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD