EA Sports College Football 26 to Feature Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award in Partnership with American Heart Association

EA SPORTS College Football 26 has announced a groundbreaking addition to its Dynasty Mode, the inclusion of the Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award, in partnership with the American Heart Association. This collaboration not only enhances the gaming experience but also serves a greater purpose by raising awareness and funds for heart disease and stroke research, the leading causes of death in America.

The Paul Bear Bryant Award, named after the legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach, is one of the most prestigious honors in college football, recognizing leadership and excellence in coaching. By featuring this award in EA SPORTS College Football 26, players now have the unique opportunity to compete for this honor within the game, bridging the virtual and real worlds of college football. Josh Gregory, Senior Manager of Business Development at EA SPORTS, emphasized the importance of authenticity and legacy in the game, stating that the inclusion of the Bryant Award celebrates the sport's greatest leaders and their impact on the game.

The American Heart Association's partnership with EA SPORTS leverages the popularity of college football and video gaming to reach a broader audience with its message about heart health. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in meeting fans where they are and using Coach Bryant's legacy to connect the importance of heart health in a game setting.

Since its establishment in 1983, following Coach Bryant's death from a heart attack, the Paul Bear Bryant Awards have honored coaching excellence while supporting the fight against cardiovascular diseases. The awards ceremony, which includes categories like the Heart of a Champion and Lifetime Achievement, has become a key event in the college football calendar, with the 2025 winner to be announced in January 2026.

This initiative represents a innovative approach to combining sports, entertainment, and health advocacy, offering a platform to educate and inspire action against heart disease and stroke. For more information on the Paul Bear Bryant Awards, visit https://www.bryantawards.org.