FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – April 2, 2025 –  University of Minnesota defensive lineman Danny Striggow has been named this year’s Stein-Fallon College Scholar-Athlete by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

The award, which highlights outstanding academic, athletic and community service accomplishments, is presented annually to a student-athlete from a Minnesota college or university. Striggow will be recognized during this summer’s Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast. 

“We are excited to honor Danny for his excellent achievements in every area of his life,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “In addition to his strong performance on the field, Danny has made an impact on many people, including through his outstanding work with Special Olympics. He embodies everything that this award is all about. We are looking forward to honoring him during this summer’s Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast.”

Here is a quick snapshot biography for Striggow: 

University of Minnesota defensive lineman Danny Striggow:

Danny Striggow became a fixture of the Gophers defense during his five-year stint in maroon and gold. Striggow, a rush end in Minnesota's system, made disruptive plays as a pass rusher and run defender. He finished his college career with 124 tackles (71 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Striggow’s strong play earned him All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors during the 2022, 2023 and 2024 campaigns. He also received the 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. In the classroom, Danny was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2021-2024) while taking classes in the Carlson School of Management. He is now scheduled to graduate with a master’s degree in Human Resource Development in the spring of 2025. Off the field, Striggow fulfilled his passion for inclusion by serving as an honorary co-chair for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held in Minnesota. Danny first became involved in Special Olympics' Unified Sports when he was in middle school. The organization brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together and allows them to engage through sports.

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show later this summer to honor its high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Full broadcast details will be announced at a later date on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com. To view a statewide map of past and present Minnesota Football Honors Award Winners, visit this site. 

Previous Stein-Fallon Award Winners include: 

• 2010: Eric Decker: University of Minnesota 
• 2011: Isaac Odim: University of Minnesota-Duluth
• 2012: Brad Kruckeberg: Gustavus Adolphus 
• 2013: John Rabe: University of Minnesota
• 2014: JD Mehlhorn: Bethel University 
• 2015: Tom Obarski: Concordia University-St. Paul
• 2016: Jon Christenson: University of Minnesota 
• 2017: Carter Hanson: St. John’s University 
• 2018: David Franta: St. John’s University 
• 2019: Will Gallach: St. John's University
• 2020: Alex Goettl: Minnesota State-Mankato
• 2021: JD Ekowa: Minnesota State-Mankato
• 2022: Blaise Andries: University of Minnesota 
• 2023: John Michael Schmitz (University of Minnesota) and Michael Wozniak (St. John’s University) 
• 2024: Johnson Fallah: St. Thomas 

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar-athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org