Shell Oil Company honored Herm Edwards, former NFL player, coach, mentor and current ESPN analyst, on Tuesday with the 2015 Shell Legacy Award – a recognition that celebrates individuals who share in the Shell Houston Open’s legacy of charitable giving. Edwards is known as a difference maker not only on the football field, but also in his philanthropic efforts off of the field, founding and taking part in numerous organizations that give back to the community, including The Youth Foundation.

The Foundation supports children and youth development in Monterey Peninsula, California, near Edwards’ hometown. The organization has positively impacted thousands of children since it was founded in 1989. A major fundraiser for the foundation, The Herm Edwards Charity Golf Tournament, has supported Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County, YWCA of Salinas, Voices for Children Casa – Salinas and more. Past events include the Herm Edwards Youth Football Camp, which throughout its 10 years taught more than 8,000 boys and girls how to play football in a safe environment supportive of character development.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with great coaches and mentors who helped form me into the person I am today,” Edwards said. “It’s important to instill positive values in our youth and to provide strong role models. I want to inspire others to get involved in their own communities, and I am thankful for the recognition from Shell with the 2015 Legacy Award.”

With 33 career interceptions, including one of the most notable in NFL history, Edwards was a true example of commitment and leadership. In fact, he never missed a game in his nine-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles – a shining example of dedication, one of the characteristics Edwards instills in the youth he mentors. Throughout his career, Edwards has spoken to hundreds of thousands of professional and amateur athletes. He is also a passionate fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, has an active position on the Positive Coaching Alliance’s National Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Santa Catalina School.

“Herm Edwards is an outstanding individual – a tremendous football player and coach, public speaker, author, amateur golfer, sports analyst, and philanthropist,” said Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Company. “Among his most impactful contributions has been his continuous effort and dedication to developing youth education and the characters of thousands of children. For this and many other reasons, Shell is proud to recognize Herm with the 2015 Shell Legacy Award.”

The Shell Legacy Award recognizes and honors individuals who have greatly impacted the community. The award was established in 2008 and previous recipients include: World Golf Hall of Fame Member, the late Dr. Charles Sifford (2008); former First Lady Barbara Bush (2009); NFL Hall of Fame Member Emmitt Smith (2010); former Secretary of State James A. Baker III (2011); nationally acclaimed recording artist and humanitarian Clay Walker (2012); two-time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman (2013); and former Houston Dynamo star and philanthropist Brian Ching (2014).

Tuesday’s dinner and award presentation kicked off the 2015 Shell Houston Open, which runs through Sunday, April 5 at Golf Club of Houston – Tournament Course. Since Shell Oil Company became title sponsor in 1992, the Shell Houston Open and its related activities have raised more than $58 million for local charitable organizations.

The Shell Houston Open is the 10th oldest tournament on the PGA TOUR and is run by the Houston Golf Association, which has administered professional golf events since 1946. Funds raised benefit local youth programs such as The First Tee® of Greater Houston, reaching more than 130,000 young people annually. Through the Shell Houston Open, Shell continues to support children and students by demonstrating a commitment to education at all ages. Visit www.ShellHoustonOpen.com and www.shell.com for details on how Shell impacts the global community.

Shell Oil CompanyRay Fisher, 832-244-2958ray.fisher@shell.comorMMI AgencyMaggie Malek, 832-768-6680maggie.malek@mmiagency.com