All-American Icons (Preview) | Help Select America's Icons | Countdown 250 Ball, July 3, 2026
The All-American Icon Award medal — gold circle with an eagle and torch, encircled by the words 'ALL-AMERICAN ICON' and 'EXCELLENCE · INFLUENCE · INSPIRATION' — resting on the rippling stars and stripes of the American flag

All-American Icons

Public Voting Now Open

Help Select America’s Icons

Be part of history by helping recognize the people whose achievements, leadership, dedication, courage, and character have helped shape the American story.

What Is an All-American Icon?

An All-American Icon is someone whose life, work, accomplishments, or leadership has helped shape their field, define their generation, or leave a lasting mark on the American story. They are not just successful — they are significant — inspiring admiration, representing excellence, and reflecting something enduring about the American spirit.

Nominees Under Consideration

Review the Nominee Categories

A few icon honorees are already confirmed. See who’s been selected below ↓

Be part of the process. Explore the individuals currently under consideration as All-American Icons. Browse the categories, discover the nominees, cast your vote, or suggest additional individuals who deserve to be considered.

After you vote, please share this page so others can participate as well. Public input will help inform the selection process. Final selections will be made at the sole discretion of the All-American Ball Committee.

Voting Note: You may vote for as many individuals as you believe deserve consideration. Multiple honorees will be selected. Some categories may have multiple honorees, while others may have none.

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Sports & Athletics

Professional Sports Legends

7 nominees
  • Tom Brady

    Seven-time Super Bowl champion and widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time

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  • Peyton Manning

    NFL legend and beloved sports personality with broad cultural appeal

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  • Serena Williams

    Tennis icon and global trailblazer whose influence transcends sports

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  • Tiger Woods

    Generational golf icon who transformed the popularity and visibility of the sport

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  • Michael Phelps

    Most decorated Olympian in history and one of the greatest athletes of all time

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  • Katie Ledecky

    Most decorated American female Olympian and dominant force in international swimming

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  • Caeleb Dressel

    Olympic swimming champion and world-record holder

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Women's Basketball

6 nominees
  • Caitlin Clark

    Record-breaking basketball superstar and cultural phenomenon

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  • Angel Reese

    National champion and major women’s sports influencer

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  • A'ja Wilson

    WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist

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  • Paige Bueckers

    College basketball superstar and NIL-era icon

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  • JuJu Watkins

    Explosive young college basketball superstar

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  • Sophie Cunningham

    WNBA fan favorite and rising media personality

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Wrestling

11 nominees
  • Dan Gable

    NCAA, World, and Olympic wrestling legend

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  • Jordan Burroughs 2026 Honoree

    NCAA, World, and Olympic wrestling champion

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  • Mike Moyer 2026 Honoree

    Longtime Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association whose leadership has helped transform the modern landscape of American wrestling

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  • David Taylor

    Olympic and World wrestling champion

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  • Spencer Lee

    NCAA champion and Olympic medalist

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  • Bo Bassett

    World champion wrestler and youth wrestling phenomenon

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  • Jax Forrest

    Emerging American wrestling standout under consideration

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  • Daniel Zepeda

    Emerging American wrestling standout under consideration

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  • Melvin Miller

    Emerging American wrestling standout under consideration

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  • Jayden James

    Emerging American wrestling standout under consideration

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  • Aaron Seidel

    Emerging American wrestling standout under consideration

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Gymnastics & Performance Sports

5 nominees
  • Simone Biles

    Most decorated American gymnast in history and global symbol of excellence and resilience

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  • Sunisa Lee

    Olympic all-around gymnastics champion and inspirational American sports figure

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  • Jordan Chiles

    Olympic gold medalist gymnast and NCAA champion celebrated for her power and consistency

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  • Jade Carey

    Olympic gold medalist gymnast and World Championship medalist

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  • Livvy Dunne

    Gymnastics and NIL-era social media superstar

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Motorsports

8 nominees
  • Richard Petty

    Legendary NASCAR champion whose legacy helped define generations of American racing culture

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  • Dale Earnhardt Jr.

    NASCAR icon and broadcaster with one of the most loyal fan followings in American motorsports

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  • Danica Patrick

    Trailblazing driver and media personality who helped expand the national visibility of motorsports

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  • Kyle Busch

    Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion

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  • Chase Elliott

    NASCAR Cup Series champion and fan favorite

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  • Denny Hamlin

    NASCAR superstar and Daytona 500 winner

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  • Ryan Blaney

    NASCAR Cup Series champion

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  • Hailie Deegan

    Motorsports star and social media personality

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Combat Sports

9 nominees
  • Dana White

    President of the UFC who built mixed martial arts into a global American sports and cultural powerhouse

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  • Jon Jones

    One of the most dominant champions in MMA history

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  • Ronda Rousey

    Women’s MMA pioneer and UFC superstar

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  • Georges St-Pierre

    Multi-time UFC world champion and MMA legend

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  • Chuck Liddell

    UFC icon and pioneer of mainstream MMA

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  • Randy Couture

    UFC Hall of Famer and Army veteran

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  • Daniel Cormier

    Olympian and two-division UFC world champion

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  • Sean O'Malley

    UFC champion and major social media personality

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  • Jake Paul

    YouTube star turned professional boxer and one of the most followed crossover combat-sports figures

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Action & Winter Sports

8 nominees
  • Tony Hawk

    Skateboarding pioneer and global icon who helped bring action sports into the mainstream

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  • Shaun White

    Olympic snowboarding legend and one of the most recognizable figures in action sports

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  • Mikaela Shiffrin

    Most decorated alpine skier in World Cup history

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  • Chloe Kim

    Olympic snowboarding champion and international action-sports superstar

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  • Ilia Malinin

    Figure skating sensation known internationally as the “Quad God”

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  • Nyjah Huston

    Championship skateboarder and Olympic competitor known for redefining modern street skating

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  • U.S. Men's National Ice Hockey Team

    2026 Olympic gold medal champions representing American excellence on the international stage

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  • U.S. Women's National Ice Hockey Team

    2026 Olympic gold medal champions and leaders in women’s international hockey

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Rising Stars

5 nominees
  • Travis Hunter

    Heisman Trophy winner and elite two-way football star

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  • Arch Manning

    High-profile college football quarterback and NIL superstar

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  • Cooper Flagg

    Generational basketball talent and No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick

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  • Paul Skenes

    All-Star MLB pitcher and one of the most exciting young arms in baseball

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  • Fernando Mendoza

    Standout college football quarterback and one of the brightest rising names in the sport

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Arts, Entertainment, Media & Influence

Music

12 nominees
  • Dolly Parton

    Country music legend; philanthropist and cultural icon

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  • Garth Brooks

    Stadium-selling country music superstar

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  • Reba McEntire

    Country music legend and entertainer whose decades-long career helped shape modern American country music and television culture

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  • Chris Stapleton

    Grammy-winning singer-songwriter celebrated for his powerful vocals and authentic Americana sound

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  • Jelly Roll

    Award-winning artist known for his redemption story, crossover success, and connection with working-class America

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  • Luke Combs

    Chart-topping country music superstar with one of the most loyal fan bases in live music

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  • Zach Bryan

    Rising Americana and country artist recognized for heartfelt songwriting and military background

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  • Lainey Wilson

    Award-winning country artist and one of the leading new voices in modern country music

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  • Craig Morgan

    Country artist and U.S. Army veteran

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  • John Rich

    Country music performer and entrepreneur

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  • Tony Orlando 2026 Honoree

    Award-winning entertainer and patriotic icon

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  • Bob Anderson 2026 Honoree

    Award-winning vocal impressionist and performer

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Film & Television

10 nominees
  • Clint Eastwood

    Oscar-winning actor/director and American film legend

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  • Harrison Ford

    Legendary American actor whose iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones roles helped define generations of Hollywood

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  • Tom Hanks

    Beloved actor and veterans advocate

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  • Denzel Washington

    Two-time Academy Award-winning actor

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  • Morgan Freeman

    Academy Award-winning actor whose iconic voice and unforgettable performances have made him one of the most revered figures in American cinema

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  • Ben Stiller

    Actor, director, and producer behind many beloved American films and television series

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  • Pedro Pascal

    Beloved actor recognized for iconic roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones

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  • Florence Pugh

    Critically acclaimed actress and one of the most exciting voices of contemporary film

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  • Tim Allen

    Actor and comedian known for iconic television roles and humor rooted in everyday American life

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  • Dean Cain

    Actor and producer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Superman in Lois & Clark

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Comedy

6 nominees
  • Jerry Seinfeld

    Legendary comedian and television creator whose work helped define modern American comedy

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  • Theo Von

    Comedian and podcast host known for his storytelling style and devoted fan following

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  • Nate Bargatze

    Stand-up comedian celebrated for his clean humor and broad cross-generational appeal

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  • Shane Gillis

    Stand-up comedian and podcast personality with a rapidly growing national audience

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  • Katt Williams

    Award-winning comedian and actor recognized for his distinctive voice and cultural impact in stand-up comedy

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  • Kevin Hart

    One of the most popular and successful stand-up comedians and film stars of the modern era

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Podcasting & Broadcasting

6 nominees
  • Joe Rogan

    Influential podcaster, comedian, and UFC commentator with one of the largest audiences in digital media

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  • Pat McAfee

    Former NFL player turned major sports media personality and broadcaster

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  • Shawn Ryan

    Former Navy SEAL and podcast host focused on veterans, leadership, and American life

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  • Mike Rowe

    Television host and advocate for skilled trades, hard work, and American grit

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  • Jason and Travis Kelce

    NFL Super Bowl champion brothers and hosts of the wildly popular New Heights podcast

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  • Emma Chamberlain

    Cultural-defining podcaster and content creator with a massive Gen Z audience

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Digital Creators & Influencers

7 nominees
  • MrBeast

    YouTube megastar and philanthropy influencer

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  • Mark Rober

    Former NASA engineer and science creator known for making innovation and discovery engaging for millions online

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  • Logan Paul

    YouTube megastar, podcaster, and entrepreneur with one of the largest digital followings of his era

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  • Dude Perfect

    Trick-shot crew with one of YouTube’s largest and most family-friendly fan communities

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  • Hank and John Green

    Brothers, authors, and creators behind beloved online educational and storytelling communities (Vlogbrothers, Crash Course)

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  • Cleetus McFarland

    Automotive creator with a massive fan community

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  • Nick Bare

    Fitness entrepreneur and military-inspired creator

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American Voices & Leadership

8 nominees
  • Gary Sinise

    Actor, humanitarian, and longtime advocate for America’s veterans and military families

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  • Pat Tillman

    NFL player turned Army Ranger whose service and sacrifice became a lasting American symbol

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  • Chris Kyle

    Navy SEAL veteran and bestselling author recognized for his military service and enduring cultural impact

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  • Marcus Luttrell

    Former Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor author

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  • Dakota Meyer

    Medal of Honor recipient and veterans advocate

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  • Jocko Willink

    Retired Navy SEAL, bestselling author, and leadership and discipline advocate

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  • David Goggins

    Endurance athlete and mental toughness icon

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  • Cameron Hanes

    Endurance athlete and outdoor personality

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Current Honorees

2026 All-American Icon Honorees

These are the All-American Icons already selected for recognition in 2026. Additional honorees will be announced as the event nears — don’t forget to vote for your favorites to help shape the final list. All honorees will be celebrated at the official All-American Icon Awards presentation on July 3, 2026 at the Countdown 250 Ball.

Tony Orlando

Tony Orlando

Selected 2026 Honoree

Legendary Entertainer

Tony Orlando is one of America’s most beloved entertainers — a Grammy-nominated, Hollywood Walk of Fame icon celebrating more than six decades in show business, with five #1 hits and millions of records sold. Read more →

He has sold millions of records, including five #1 hits — “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose,” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” — plus two platinum and three gold albums and 15 Top 40 hits. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” was Billboard’s #1 Song of the Year in 1973 and grew into an American anthem of hope, homecoming, and renewal.

The enormously popular Tony Orlando and Dawn variety show ran for four seasons on CBS (1973–1977) — the first television show to feature a multi-racial singing group, with Tony the first and only Latin American to host a network variety series. Tony Orlando and Dawn rank among Billboard’s Top 100 artists of all time.

Few entertainers have excelled in so many realms: recording artist, songwriter, concert headliner, network television star, motion-picture actor, Broadway performer, and author. As VP of CBS’s April-Blackwood Music (1966–1970) he signed and produced Barry Manilow’s first recordings and represented songwriters including James Taylor, Laura Nyro, and Blood, Sweat & Tears alongside the legendary Clive Davis. He first reached the charts in 1961 as the first pop vocalist signed to Epic Records, with “Halfway to Paradise.”

His honors include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the American Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Lee Greenwood Patriot Award, induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame (2023) and the East Coast Music Hall of Fame (2022), two American Music Awards, and the People’s Choice Award for Best Male Entertainer.

A devoted champion of America’s veterans, Tony has performed for troops around the world and for several U.S. Presidents, from Carnegie Hall to the White House, and received the Bob Hope Award for excellence in entertainment from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. In 2023 he marked the 50th anniversary of “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and the return of America’s Vietnam POWs — whom he first honored at Bob Hope’s invitation at the 1973 Cotton Bowl — and for two decades welcomed some 175,000 veterans each year to his Yellow Ribbon Music Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

For 33 years he co-hosted the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon alongside Jerry Lewis, and today hosts “Saturday Nights with Tony Orlando” on 77WABC Music Radio, streaming worldwide. Tony and his wife, Francine, are the parents of Jenny and Jon.

Bob Anderson

Bob Anderson

Selected 2026 Honoree

World’s Greatest Singing Impressionist

Hailed by People magazine as “America’s Greatest Singing Impressionist,” Bob Anderson has spent five decades as one of the most celebrated entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip. Read more →

A Vietnam veteran from a musical family, Anderson arrived in Las Vegas in his early twenties and was on stage at the famed Sahara within hours. His extraordinary gift for recreating the voices of the world’s greatest singers — most famously Frank Sinatra — has earned standing ovations at Carnegie Hall and performances for two U.S. Presidents and the Royal Family.

He is an inductee of both the Casino Legends Hall of Fame and the Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame, was praised by Simon Cowell as the best on the planet, and was summed up by Frank Sinatra himself: “Bob Anderson has a hell of an act.”

All-American Icon Award medal — placeholder for Jordan Burroughs

Photo Coming Soon

Jordan Burroughs

Selected 2026 Honoree

Olympic Gold Medalist · World & NCAA Champion

Jordan Burroughs is one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history — an Olympic gold medalist, four-time World Champion, and two-time NCAA Division I National Champion who has spent his career redefining what is possible for U.S. wrestling on the world stage. Read more →

Burroughs captured Olympic gold at the 2012 London Olympics, winning the 74 kg freestyle wrestling division and becoming one of the faces of American wrestling for a generation. He has since added four World Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) along with multiple World silver and bronze medals, ranking him among the most decorated American wrestlers ever to compete on the international stage.

Before his international dominance, Burroughs was a force in collegiate wrestling. As a Nebraska Cornhusker, he won two NCAA Division I National Championships (2009 and 2011), going undefeated in his senior season. In 2011 he was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy — college wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman — recognizing him as the most outstanding college wrestler in the country.

His remarkable career also includes Pan American Games gold medals, World Cup championships, and recognition by USA Wrestling as one of the all-time greats of American freestyle wrestling. Known for his trademark “All I See Is Gold” mantra and his relentless competitive drive, Burroughs has become one of the sport’s most prominent ambassadors — growing American wrestling at every level, from youth programs to international competition, and inspiring the next generation of American wrestlers.

Mike Moyer

Mike Moyer

Selected 2026 Honoree

Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association

Mike Moyer has served as Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) since 1999, leading the most transformative era in American wrestling’s modern history — growing NWCA membership from 1,700 to more than 10,000 and helping launch over 350 new intercollegiate men’s and women’s wrestling programs nationwide. Read more →

Under Moyer’s leadership, the NWCA has become the central force behind the growth, advocacy, and modernization of American wrestling at every level. Beyond expanding NWCA membership and launching hundreds of new collegiate programs since 2000, he founded the NWCA CEO Leadership Program, which has trained more than 900 college coaches and 2,000 high school coaches in the best practices for building and sustaining strong wrestling programs across the country.

He also expanded the NWCA National Duals from a 16-team event into a national competition that now brings together more than 100 schools across men’s and women’s wrestling at every collegiate division — building a stage that has helped grow the sport’s reach and elevate its champions.

Before his work at the NWCA, Moyer was head wrestling coach at George Mason University from 1985 to 1995. He led the Patriots to three Virginia Intercollegiate League team titles, two Colonial Athletic Association team championships, and an East Regional team title, compiling a career record of 126–29–2.

For his lifetime of impact on the sport, Moyer has been recognized with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Order of Merit and inducted into the Hall as a Distinguished Member. His vision and tireless work have made him one of the most consequential figures in modern American wrestling.

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Join Us July 3, 2026

The All-American Icon Awards will be presented during the historic Countdown 250 Ball at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., as America begins its 250th anniversary celebration.

Vote, nominate, share the campaign — then be in the room when America’s Icons are recognized.

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