NFL Hall of Fame Coach and Player Mike Ditka to Speak at Paul Hornung Award Banquet

(Louisville, KY) - January 12, 2012 - The Louisville Sports Commission announced today that former Chicago Bears Coach, NFL Hall of Famer and current ESPN commentator Mike Ditka will be the guest speaker at the Paul Hornung Awards Banquet presented by Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine. The banquet will be held February 2nd at The Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.

"I couldn't be happier that Mike has agreed to be part of this year's banquet," said Paul Hornung, the award's namesake. "Mike and I go back quite a few years and I have tremendous respect for him personally and professionally. As someone who has spent his entire career in some facet of sports, Mike will bring his own, very interesting perspective to the evening."

Ditka was a devastating blocker and premiere pass catcher who redefined the tight end position in the NFL, earning Rookie of the Year in 1961 then All-Pro five straight years for the Chicago Bears. He is one of two people to win Super Bowls three different ways - as an assistant coach and player for the Dallas Cowboys and as head coach of the Bears. Known as "Da Coach," Ditka led Chicago's resurgence as head coach from 1982-1992, winning six NFC Central titles and Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986, with a 46-10 trouncing of the New England Patriots. In addition to his role as NFL analyst for ESPN, he has done guest spots in TV and movies and owns Ditka's restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The 2011 Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, will honor Georgia senior Brandon Boykin. Other sports dignitaries scheduled to attend include Howard Schnellenberger; Charlie Strong, University of Louisville Head Football Coach; Jeremy Schaap, ESPN; Christine Brennan, USA Today; Gil Brandt, NFL.com and former Dallas Cowboys VP of Player Personnel; Sam Madison, former NFL player, four-time All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion; Frank Minnifield, former University of Louisville and NFL player; Will Wolford, former NFL All-Pro lineman; and Dexter Heyman, University of Louisville linebacker and winner of the Howard Schnellenberger Award as MVP of the UofL-UK football game.

"Last year, our inaugural awards banquet set a high bar in terms of elegance and execution of sports-related banquets," said Karl Schmitt, Louisville Sports Commission executive director. "We were able to sell out the event well in advance and, with Mike Ditka, Brandon Boykin and these other outstanding sports figures in attendance, we expect a full house and high energy again this year."

Tickets to the annual Paul Hornung Awards Banquet presented by Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine are now on sale. Single tickets are available for $75 each; corporate tables of 10 are $1,250. For more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Howell at (502) 587-6742 or julie@paulhornungaward.com.

Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse
Created by the Louisville Sports Commission in 2010, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. The Award is designed to promote college football and help preserve the legacy of one of Kentucky's best-known and accomplished athletes who has always called Louisville home. Hornung, the 1956 Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame and NFL MVP for the Green Bay Packers, set a single season NFL scoring record that stood 46 years. Paul is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and Vince Lombardi once called Hornung, “The most versatile man ever to play the game.” A national selection committee comprised of 16 sports journalists and former NFL stars votes for the Hornung Award, and this year fan voting on Facebook will comprise the 17th vote. All votes are tabulated independently by regional accounting firm Dean Dorton Allen Ford. The winner is honored at a banquet presented by Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine in late January each year in downtown Louisville. For more information, visit www.paulhornungaward.com Fans can also follow online on Twitter (@hornungaward) and Become a Fan on Facebook.

Louisville Sports Commission
The Louisville Sports Commission is a Kentucky-based 501 c-3 organization whose mission is to attract, host and create quality sporting events and activities in the Louisville area that increase economic vitality; enhance the quality of life; promote healthy lifestyles; and brand Louisville as a great place to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.louisvillesports.org and follow the Louisville Sports Commission on Twitter (@SportsinLou) and Become a Fan on Facebook.