Brian McCarthy Honored with 2026 PFWA Horrigan Award

The Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) has named NFL vice president of communications and chief spokesperson Brian McCarthy as the recipient of the 2026 Horrigan Award. The honor recognizes league or club officials for their professional style and dedication in assisting the media in covering the sport of professional football.

A Legacy of Professional Excellence

McCarthy becomes the 54th individual to receive the prestigious Horrigan Award. His selection marks the seventh time a member of the NFL’s league communications office has been honored, placing him in the company of notable predecessors including Joe Browne, Leslie Hammond, Greg Aiello, Steve Alic, Michael Signora, and Randall Liu.

The award is named in honor of Jack Horrigan, a distinguished figure in sports journalism and public relations who served as a sportswriter for UPI and the Buffalo Evening News, and later as a public relations director for both the American Football League and the Buffalo Bills. The legacy of the award is also tied to Joe Horrigan, the current senior advisor and long-time executive at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

McCarthy’s Role within the NFL

Since joining the NFL in 1994, Brian McCarthy has become a central figure in the league’s media operations. As the chief spokesperson, a role he assumed in 2022, McCarthy manages a wide array of high-stakes responsibilities. His work involves facilitating both local and national media requests and serving as the primary point of contact for complex, off-the-field matters.

His portfolio includes:

• Managing league policies and addressing stadium-related issues.
• Handling sensitive personal conduct matters.
• Overseeing the promotion of major league events, including the NFL Draft, the NFL Scouting Combine, and the annual schedule release.

Under his guidance, many of these league events have evolved into significant marquee programs that draw widespread national attention.

Recognition Among Peers

The selection of McCarthy followed a nomination process that featured other prominent league executives, including San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. The Horrigan Award remains one of the most respected accolades in the industry, highlighting the essential partnership between league officials and the journalists tasked with reporting on the NFL.

Key Takeaways

• Award Winner: Brian McCarthy, NFL VP of communications and chief spokesperson.
• Honoring Excellence: The PFWA presents the Horrigan Award to those who provide exceptional service and professional cooperation to football writers.
• Historical Context: McCarthy is the 54th recipient of the award and the seventh from the NFL’s communications office.
• Career Milestone: McCarthy has been with the NFL since 1994, taking on the role of chief spokesperson in 2022.

By consistently providing clarity and professionalism in a fast-paced media environment, McCarthy has solidified his reputation as a vital resource for those covering the league. His recognition by the PFWA underscores the importance of transparent and effective communication in modern professional sports.