NLCP Athletic Director Terrence Redmond Named Recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Award of Character

Terrence Redmond, Athletic Director and boys track and field coach at North Lawndale College Prep, has been named a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Award of Character, which is presented in partnership with USA Today.

Redmond was surprised in person by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimbo Covert, a former offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, including the Super Bowl-winning 1985 team. The award recognized the leadership and mentorship he brings to NLCP students every day.

“This is an incredible honor,” Redmond said shortly after being presented with the award. “I’m not someone who does things for recognition. I do it because it’s genuinely coming from my heart and I feel like I’m serving my purpose working with these kids.”

A North Lawndale native, Redmond has spent his career giving back into the community that raised him — and the numbers speak for themselves. In just one year since stepping into his role, he's grown NLCP's athletics program from serving less than 30% of students to more than 50%, launching six brand-new sports in a single year, including bowling, chess, and girls' flag football. The girls' flag football team qualified for the playoffs in its inaugural season.

Under his leadership, NLCP's track and field program has also flourished with the boys’ team winning their sectional meet and 86 medals won across three meets by the boys’ and girls’ teams this past season, all while training without access to a traditional track.

"This is his community, and these are his kids," said CEO Jemia Cunningham-Elder. "You can see that dedication in everything he does. I don’t think people can see this community without him."

Visit USA Today to watch the video and read Coach Redmond's story.

About the Award of Character Program

Courage. Integrity. Commitment. Honesty. Respect.

Those are the core values of those enshrined in Canton. But football isn't the only field to find them in.

Through its Award of Character program, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in partnership with USA TODAY, honors teachers, nurses, coaches, firefighters, police officers and veterans whose impact strengthens communities and changes lives. You can nominate someone you know by clicking this link.

About North Lawndale College Prep

North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) is a charter high school serving grades 9-12 on Chicago's West Side, giving students from the historically underserved North Lawndale community a clear path to and through college for more than 25 years. Today, NLCP educates more than 750 students. Through academic rigor paired with a culture of love and support, NLCP prepared its Class of 2026 to earn $21.6 million in scholarships, with select graduates banking college credit through a dual-enrollment partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago. NLCP is led by CEO Jemia Cunningham-Elder. To learn more, visit www.nlcphs.org.