Shanna Rose I WV Sports Chat
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.- West Virginia University wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III was named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List on Wednesday.
The Uniontown, Pa. native is one of 67 student-athletes nationwide recognized for their leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field.
The award, presented annually by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on leadership. It is named after former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, one of the most respected role models in the sport. In addition to a decorated 16-year NFL career, Witten earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012 and has been recognized for his community work throughout his career.
Twenty semifinalists will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 14, followed by three finalists on Monday, Dec. 15. The winner will be recognized on April 16, 2026, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a $10,000 contribution made in his name to his school’s athletic scholarship fund.
Since joining the Mountaineers Gallagher has been instrumental in the community. As a freshman, he sold t-shirts with proceeds benefiting the Morgantown Children’s Hospital. He has also hosted youth football camps.
During the 2024 season, Gallagher adopted WVU’s Children’s Hospital as a special cause and after catching a game-winning pass against Kansas, he made a hefty $1,500 contribution to the hospital.
This year the junior started a program, whose aim is to provide a place for children who, like himself, have lost a parent and need someone or something to help them fill that void.
In 2011, Gallagher lost his own mother, Crystal Fields-Gallagher, when he was seven years old and wants to help children who are going through similar situations.
When WVU hosted Pitt earlier last month, the wide out wore a Children’s Grief Awareness decal on his helmet to honor his mother and grieving children all around the world.
Photo Credit: Kelsie LeRose, WVSN
