Auburn star defensive tackle Derrick Brown picked up his first national award on Sunday when it was announced he won the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

The Lott Trophy, given annually, honors college football’s defensive player who demonstrates the highest quality of play on the field and superb character off the field. In the context of the award, IMPACT is an acronym for “Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.”

“I know what the game can do for me. I have a passion for the game, but I also have a passion for helping people. I always feel like God has blessed me with so much that I should be able to give back to others,” Brown said following winning the award.

The Pacific Club, through a foundation, provides the funds and publicity for the award. The club will give a $25,000 check to Auburn’s general scholarship fund as part of Brown’s win.

Ronnie Lott, the award’s namesake, presented the trophy to Brown. Lott was a consensus All-American at the University of Southern California during his college days and went on to have a Hall of Fame-worthy career in the NFL.

“It’s a great privilege to be involved with Mr. Ronnie Lott and the things he’s done. I’m very appreciative and it’s humbling to be presented with this award that bears his name,” remarked Brown.

Brown is the 15th winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Past winners from the SEC include University of Georgia’s David Pollack in 2004, former Alabama Crimson Tide star DeMeco Ryans in 2005, Lousiana State University’s Glenn Dorsey in 2007 and University of Kentucky’s Josh Allen in 2018.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.