Will Shields to Highlight NAIA Champions of Character Awards & Fundraiser

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that former Kansas City Chiefs lineman and 12-time Pro Bowl honoree Will Shields will be the keynote character honoree at the 2023 NAIA Champions of Character Awards & Fundraiser Event, which will be held at the Kansas City Marriot Downtown Muehlebach Tower on November 2, 2023 from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. CT.

A staple in the Kansas City community since being drafted in the third round of the 1993 National Football League Draft, Shields has embarked on a life of remarkable service to the community. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2003, which is given annually honoring a player's commitment to philanthropy and community impact, as well as his excellence on the field.

In his rookie season, he helped the team earn the AFC West Division title for the first time since 1971 and during his time with the Chiefs, they won a total of four division crowns and made the playoffs six times.

His first Pro Bowl recognition came after the 1995 season and was the first of a dozen straight appearances. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 1999, 2002, and 2003 in addition to four second-team finishes in his career. Shields was selected as All-AFC seven total times including each of his final six seasons. He was been inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame (2011), Chiefs Hall of Fame (2012), and NFL Hall of Fame (2015).

With all of his accomplishments on the grid iron, Shields has been even more impressive in the community. His charitable involvement is brought to life through the Will to Succeed Foundation, co-founded with his wife, Senia. Since 1993, the organization has worked in Kansas City to guide, inspire, and improve the lives of abused and neglected women and children. Additionally, he serves as the Community Central South Director of the NFL Legends program.

As the keynote character honoree, Shields will join a prestigious list which has seen some of the top names in college and pro sports.  Past honorees include Bethany Balcer (OL Reign), John Sherman (Kansas City Royals), Bill Snyder (Former Kansas State University Head Coach), Tom Osborne (Former University of Nebraska Head Coach), Tom Watson (World Golf Hall of Famer), Jay Bilas (ESPN Basketball Analyst), Tamika Catchings (Vice President of Basketball Operations, Indiana Fever) and Dayton Moore (Kansas City Royals General Manager).

The Champions of Character Foundation was established by the NAIA to impact the lives of student-athletes through sport and to reward those that keep as a vital part of their athletics experience. It has quickly become one of the newest Kansas City traditions which has raised north of $1,500,000 in its first nine years. It is supported by thousands around Greater Kansas City each year and this inspiring event recognizes student-athletes, coaches, teams, and businesses that reflect the Five Core Values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character Program – Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.

For more information on the Champions of Character Foundation Awards & Fundraiser, go to NAIA.org/COCLuncheon