18-88 Football Scholarship

Funder: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Inc, in partnership with Peyton Manning

Purpose: In honor of former Denver Bronco Demaryius Thomas, this scholarship supports high school senior football players in Colorado who have faced and overcome adversity. The scholarship honors Demaryius Thomas's life and legacy both on and off the football field, continuing his belief in paying it forward.

Geographic Scope

• Location: State of Colorado
• College Attendance: Must plan to attend a 2 or 4-year college in the U.S.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Rising high school senior who will graduate in Spring
2. Male or female football player in the State of Colorado
3. Planning to attend a 2 or 4-year college in the U.S.
4. Have overcome adversity in personal or academic life
5. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
6. Present evidence of financial need
7. Demonstrate outstanding character, integrity, leadership and community service involvement
8. United States Citizen

Key Dates

• Application Period: October 1 - January 31 (annual)
• Notification Date: First week of March
• Award Announcement: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Banquet in Spring

Application Period

• Submission Deadline: January 31st (annual)
• Application Window: October 1 - January 31
• Notification: First week of March

Required Materials

1. Letters of Recommendation (2 required):
   • One from high school (on official letterhead) commenting on:
   • Overall record as member of high school
   • Special recognition received
   • Any adverse circumstances affecting schoolwork or athletic performance
   • One from non-family member who knows candidate well, addressing overall qualifications for the scholarship
2. Academic Information:
   • Unofficial high school transcript (including overall GPA and class rank if available)
   • Test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT) – Optional
   • List of academic and extracurricular activities, awards, clubs, and other distinctions
3. Financial Need Documentation:
   • Parent or guardian statement summarizing family's financial condition, including extraordinary expenses or factors (employment conditions, medical expenses, support of dependents)
   • Copies of front pages of parent(s) 2020 and 2021 Federal tax returns (Form 1040 only; do not include schedules and W-2 forms)
   • Parents' most recent pay stub(s)
4. Essay (Typed, 2 pages, double-spaced):
   • Personal background
   • Future goals
   • What candidate expects from college education
   • Candidate's qualifications for the 18-88 Football Scholarship
   • Personal experiences and specific examples of how candidate has overcome adversity
5. College Plans Information
6. Household Information

Submission Instructions

• Format: All materials can be submitted via email or mail
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Empower Field at Mile High, Gate 1 1701 Bryant Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80204

Important Notes

• Applications will receive full consideration when directions and materials are followed accurately and completely
• Once submitted, all application information and supporting materials become exclusive property of the 18-88 Football Scholarship and cannot be returned
• Application form available for download