The Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award will return to EA SPORTS College Football 27, the latest installment of the popular video game franchise, set for release on July 9. The award, presented by the American Heart Association, recognizes the National Coach of the Year in the game's Dynasty Mode, joining other prestigious honors like the Heisman Trophy and the Lombardi Award.
This marks the second consecutive year the Bryant Award has been included in the game, after its debut in the previous release. The American Heart Association, which manages the award, sees this as a key opportunity to engage with college football fans and celebrate coaches who embody the legacy of Paul 'Bear' Bryant, a coaching icon who led the University of Alabama to six national championships.
The award is part of the broader Paul 'Bear' Bryant Awards program, now in its 41st year. In addition to the National Coach of the Year Award, the program presents the Heart of a Champion Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Newcomer Coach of the Year Award, and Conference Coach of the Year Awards. The 2025 winner was Indiana's Curt Cignetti, and the 2026 winner will be announced at a ceremony in Houston on January 27, 2027.
Notably, the Paul 'Bear' Bryant National Coach of the Year Award is the only college football coaching honor selected after the national champion has been determined. The winner is chosen by a voting body that includes the National Sports Media Association, current NCAA coaches, former winners, the award's executive leadership team, and the Bryant family.
The inclusion of the award in EA SPORTS College Football 27 serves a dual purpose: it honors Coach Bryant's legacy and raises awareness for heart disease and stroke, which are the nation's leading killers. Coach Bryant himself died of a heart attack on January 26, 1983, just weeks after his final game. The Bryant family partnered with the American Heart Association to keep his memory alive and fund lifesaving research.
For business and technology leaders, this partnership highlights the growing intersection of sports, gaming, and health advocacy. By integrating a health-focused award into a major video game franchise, the American Heart Association reaches a broad audience of fans who may otherwise not engage with heart health messaging. This could set a precedent for other health organizations to leverage popular entertainment platforms for awareness and fundraising.
The return of the Bryant Award also underscores the enduring appeal of college football video games, which have seen a resurgence after years of absence. EA SPORTS College Football 27 is expected to be a major release, and the inclusion of the award adds a layer of authenticity and purpose to the gaming experience.
For more information on the American Heart Association Paul 'Bear' Bryant Awards, visit www.bryantawards.org.
