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A few days ago Cornell Powell was named a finalist for the UFL Sportsman of the Year award, now, he's officially won the award.
The former Clemson wide receiver was named the 2026 UFL Sportsman of the Year, the DC Defenders announced Thursday. Powell had previously been named one of eight nominees for the honor, which recognizes character, leadership and service away from the field.
For Powell, this award fits the story he has been writing long after his Clemson career ended. The former Tiger has continued to make an impact through The Powell Project, a foundation he launched in 2021 to support his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina. The foundation focuses on youth empowerment, support for underserved families, and awareness initiatives tied to causes close to Powell’s heart, including breast cancer research and autism awareness.
Powell has said that being recognized for something off the field means a lot because it allows people to see the person beyond the player. He has also spoken about using the platform God gave him to help others, which is why The Powell Project has become such an important part of his life. The breast cancer work is especially personal, with Powell saying his grandmother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.
His service work includes youth football camps, mentorship programs, a Back to School Drive, Breast Cancer Awareness Month programming, a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, and a Christmas Toy Drive. The Defenders also noted that Powell has consistently volunteered for community appearances near the UFL hub in the Arlington area, often giving his time on days off.
On the field, Powell has still been producing. He led DC during the regular season with 34 receptions for 491 yards and a touchdown while helping the Defenders reach the United Bowl.
Powell had to wait patiently for his turn while he played for Clemson, being behind loaded WR rooms. He eventually had his breakthrough in 2020 with 53 catches for 882 yards and seven touchdowns.
Now, his impact is showing up differently. Powell’s football journey has taken him from Clemson to the NFL to the UFL, but this award is about something bigger than catches or yards.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson receiver honored as UFL Sportsman of the Year
Continue reading...
The former Clemson wide receiver was named the 2026 UFL Sportsman of the Year, the DC Defenders announced Thursday. Powell had previously been named one of eight nominees for the honor, which recognizes character, leadership and service away from the field.
For Powell, this award fits the story he has been writing long after his Clemson career ended. The former Tiger has continued to make an impact through The Powell Project, a foundation he launched in 2021 to support his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina. The foundation focuses on youth empowerment, support for underserved families, and awareness initiatives tied to causes close to Powell’s heart, including breast cancer research and autism awareness.
Powell has said that being recognized for something off the field means a lot because it allows people to see the person beyond the player. He has also spoken about using the platform God gave him to help others, which is why The Powell Project has become such an important part of his life. The breast cancer work is especially personal, with Powell saying his grandmother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.
His service work includes youth football camps, mentorship programs, a Back to School Drive, Breast Cancer Awareness Month programming, a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, and a Christmas Toy Drive. The Defenders also noted that Powell has consistently volunteered for community appearances near the UFL hub in the Arlington area, often giving his time on days off.
On the field, Powell has still been producing. He led DC during the regular season with 34 receptions for 491 yards and a touchdown while helping the Defenders reach the United Bowl.
Powell had to wait patiently for his turn while he played for Clemson, being behind loaded WR rooms. He eventually had his breakthrough in 2020 with 53 catches for 882 yards and seven touchdowns.
Now, his impact is showing up differently. Powell’s football journey has taken him from Clemson to the NFL to the UFL, but this award is about something bigger than catches or yards.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson receiver honored as UFL Sportsman of the Year
Continue reading...
