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David Brian Rimington, born on May 22, 1960, had an exceptional career as a center in college and professional football. He played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he became a two-time consensus All-American and received numerous accolades recognizing him as the best college lineman in the country. Rimington was the first overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. His impressive college career led to the establishment of the Rimington Trophy, an annual award presented to the nation's top collegiate center.

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During his college years at the University of Nebraska from 1979 to 1982, Rimington emerged as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in college football history. He achieved two-time first-team All-American status and became the only player to win the prestigious Outland Trophy in consecutive years (1981 and 1982). Rimington's remarkable performance also earned him the Lombardi Award in 1982 and a fifth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting that same year. His jersey, number 50, was retired by Nebraska, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

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After his successful college career, Rimington was selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played five seasons with the Bengals and two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring at the end of the 1989 NFL season. Rimington's contributions to the game extended beyond his playing days. The Rimington Trophy, named in his honor, has been awarded annually since 2000 to recognize the nation's top collegiate center.

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Following his professional career, Rimington became actively involved in the Boomer Esiason Foundation, supporting the fight against cystic fibrosis. He served with the foundation from 1993 and has been its president since 1995. Rimington also had a brief stint as the interim athletic director of Nebraska in 2017. With his impressive achievements on and off the field, Rimington's legacy remains unquestioned as one of the greatest college linemen of all time.

DAVE RIMINGTON

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We’re always happy to pay tribute to the giants of the past whose shoulders we proudly stand on. With a tradition of recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of the brightest and best from our industry, we are happy to present the past winners below. If you’d like more information, feel free to get in touch.

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