If case you might be wondering how Ernie Els scored such a great seat at the 2017 Heisman Trophy presentation Saturday night, there is a pretty good reason.
The Heisman Trust has chosen Els as the recipient of the 2017 Heisman Humanitarian Award.
Els received the award as recognition for the ongoing work of his Els For Autism foundation.
The foundation is ready to open a high school for autistic children as part of the Jupiter complex occupied by the foundation. Other projects planned include an Olympic-size pool, a track and field facility for Special Olympics and an adult facility.
Els is the 12th recipient of the honor and the first professional golfer named to the list.
“I’m a little embarrassed,” Els said. “My name is up front but the entire movement, my wife Liezl and her staff, everyone involved, it’s a reflection on them. We’ve started to get awards now but that’s not what we’re after.”
Els’ son Ben was diagnosed with autism early in his childhood and Els has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds to search for a cure.
Heisman Humanitarian Award Winners:
