December 16, 2024 / 8:00PM / Pre-Recorded
December 16, 2024 / 8:00PM
Pre-Recorded
Pre-Recorded
Pony Express Award Show Premiere 2024
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
December 16, 2024 / 8:00PM / Pre-Recorded
December 16, 2024 / 8:00PM
Pre-Recorded
Pre-Recorded
Pony Express Award Show Premiere 2024
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
The Pony Express Award 2024
Origin of the Pony Express
SMU’s legendary running back combination of Eric Dickerson and Craig James were the perfect example of teammates putting team first, while uplifting the team and its individuals through production, leadership and core values.
Both were high school All America running backs in Houston, both signed to attend SMU, both lived up to lofty expectations.
James went on to a pro bowl career with the New England Patriots, while Dickerson had a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Rams. Neither time nor distance compromised their friendship.
Sharing history, common beliefs, and faith, they realized that post-career, they still had influence, the ability to mentor, and share their faith. After all these years, they were still better together.
James went on to a pro bowl career with the New England Patriots, while Dickerson had a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Rams. Neither time nor distance compromised their friendship.
Sharing history, common beliefs, and faith, they realized that post-career, they still had influence, the ability to mentor, and share their faith. After all these years, they were still better together.
The Award
Presented by the Pony Express Huddle Foundation, the “Pony Express Award” is given to, and determined by, college football players, honoring college football’s outstanding tandem, regardless of position.
The Heisman – Maxwell – Thorpe – Groza – Walter Camp – Biletnikoff – and Doak Walker are all college football awards honoring individual players. Individuals described as most outstanding, the top, the best, the premier, most inspirational, and the most versatile.
But football is, at its core – a team game… The Pony Express Award pays tribute to teammates… Players who often sacrifice individual honor for team success, uplifting others on the field, off the field, and in life.
The Nominees
Better Together…
While this is a nation or rugged individualism, the Team of Two is ingrained in the fabric of society…
Batman and Robin, Bonnie & Clyde, Simon & Garfunkle, Woody & Buzz…
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto…
It’s the “&” that unites…
The Award is the legacy of Eric Dickerson & Craig James, as the Pony Express, they were better together.
The initial Nominees list included duos ranging the roster: Quarterback & Wide Receiver, Tackle & Tackle, Edge Rusher and Linebacker, Cornerback & Safety, Kicker and Kick Returner, even Running Back and Running Back…. The effect and effectiveness of the two together is what was measured.
Selection Committee
As stated, this is an award for players – determined by players. In this inaugural presentation, the 7 captains of the Southern Methodist University football Mustangs will serve as the selection committee. While other awards are determined by committees of past winners, coaches, writers and broadcasters, The Pony Express Award is determined by a committee comprised solely of players/peers.
Co-Hosts
Alex Jean Glover
Alex Jean Glover, a former middle blocker for the 2023 SMU conference champions, is a seasoned content creator and sports broadcaster. With over 10 years of professional modeling and acting experience, she partnered with brands even before NIL legislation passed, collaborating with 70+ brands like Kellogg’s, Ulta Beauty, and Southwest Airlines. Named the *2024 NIL Female Athlete of the Year*, Alex holds degrees in Data Science, Engineering, and a Master’s from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Now working in sports media, she also travels nationwide as a NIL consultant, empowering female athletes and advocating for underserved communities.
Preston Stone
From a football family, highly regarded 4 Star quarterback Preston Stone had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas and Texas A&M, but chose to stay at home attending Southern Methodist. In 2021, he was named Academic All-Conference by the AAC. He is a captain on the 2024 team, and his scouting report, according to NFL Draft Buzz.com describes him having an advanced football IQ, and a natural leader who commands the huddle and elevates teammates performance in critical moments.
Selection Committee
As stated, this is an award for players – determined by players. In this inaugural presentation, the 7 captains of the Southern Methodist University football Mustangs will serve as the selection committee. While other awards are determined by committees of past winners, coaches, writers and broadcasters, The Pony Express Award is determined by a committee comprised solely of players/peers.
Co-Hosts
Alex Jean Glover
Alex Jean Glover, a former middle blocker for the 2023 SMU conference champions, is a seasoned content creator and sports broadcaster. With over 10 years of professional modeling and acting experience, she partnered with brands even before NIL legislation passed, collaborating with 70+ brands like Kellogg’s, Ulta Beauty, and Southwest Airlines. Named the *2024 NIL Female Athlete of the Year*, Alex holds degrees in Data Science, Engineering, and a Master’s from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Now working in sports media, she also travels nationwide as a NIL consultant, empowering female athletes and advocating for underserved communities.
Preston Stone
From a football family, highly regarded 4 Star quarterback Preston Stone had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas and Texas A&M, but chose to stay at home attending Southern Methodist. In 2021, he was named Academic All-Conference by the AAC. He is a captain on the 2024 team, and his scouting report, according to NFL Draft Buzz.com describes him having an advanced football IQ, and a natural leader who commands the huddle and elevates teammates performance in critical moments.
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Pony Express Foundation
The Pony Express Huddle Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, is a faith-based outreach structure, arming today’s young athlete with a moral compass for living lives inside and outside their field of competition, while offering mentorship and support opportunities.