HOUSTON (October 6, 2025) — As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, the American Heart Association will host its annual kickoff reception on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at The Houstonian Hotel in Houston, Texas. Chevron will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor.
This intimate event will feature personal stories and reflections from legendary former Texas A&M University and University of Alabama football figures, including Jackie Sherrill, Gene Stallings and members of the famed “Junction Boys,” spotlighting the enduring legacy of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
As part of Chevron’s sponsorship of the event, the company will fund CPR-in-Schools Kits to be distributed to select high schools in the Houston area. These kits will help schools fulfill the state requirement to provide CPR training to students before graduation—empowering the next generation with lifesaving skills.
“Chevron is a longstanding community partner of the American Heart Association, and we continue to embrace new opportunities to build and strengthen heart-healthy communities,” said Janis Davis-Street, Manager of Workforce and Community Health. “Houston is home, and this platform will help expand awareness of vital lifesaving skills to benefit students, teachers, and families in our area.”
The kickoff reception will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and feature the reveal of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List, the announcement of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, and appearances by some of the legendary Junction Boys. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to engage with football icons while supporting the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke.
An invite-only kickoff dinner featuring members of the Junction Boys as well as other celebrated football legends will be held immediately following the reception.
“We’re excited to have Chevron as sponsor of our kickoff events,’” said Steven Embree, Executive Director of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards. “Their support helps bring to life both the spirit of Coach Bryant’s legacy and the critical work of the American Heart Association.”
Event details at a glance:
- What: “Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Kickoff Reception and Dinner,” a fundraiser featuring former players of Coach Bryant
- When: October 22, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (reception); 8:00 p.m. (dinner)
- Where: The Houstonian Hotel, Houston, Texas
For more information or to register, visit https://bryantawards.org/event/a-seat-at-bears-table/ or contact Alexxa Newman at Alexxa.Newman@heart.org or call (732) 599‑4142.
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