Vic Knight named ASWA Hall of Honor recipient

Former media relations director helped make Senior Bowl an annual destination for reporters from around the nation.

Vic Knight, who has worked in sports media and management in Mobile since 1988, has been selected as an Alabama Sports Writers Association Hall of Honor recipient. Knight, 62, will be presented the honor at the ASWA’s annual awards banquet on June 12 in the ballroom of the UAB Hilton Hotel in Birmingham.

The award is the highest honor presented by the ASWA to a non-sportswriter in honor of contributions to the association and professionalism.

"When we brought up Vic's name for consideration there wasn't a single objection raised," said Christopher Walsh, president of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. "That alone tells you what kind of person he is, and how well he's regarded across the state. 

"Nevertheless, let me share some of the things that were said in support."

"Vic Knight was always professional to me. He stands for honor, class and integrity." — James Jones, of the Selma Times-Journal.

"There is no one more deserving of this award as a professional and a person than Vic Knight," — Jimmy Creed. 

"Vic is one of the best guys in the business," — John Zenor, ASWA president 2017-18.

"For the last 20 years plus, Vic has quite often gone above and beyond the call to assist members of the ASWA, whether they cover high school, college or the pros. He’s been a great friend to the organization." — Creg Stephenson, ASWA president 2019-20.

A native of Stoughton, Wisc., Knight is a 1982 graduate of Ole Miss. Following his college graduation he served as editor of a sports memorabilia magazine prior to moving to Mobile as media relations director for the Senior Bowl. He remained with the annual college football all-star game for 20 years. 

Following his time at the Senior Bowl, Knight was the director of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic football in Mobile for two seasons. He followed that as general manager of Ladd-Peebles Stadium through the Mishkin Group in 2011, which oversees the operation of the stadium, a position he still holds today.

“I’m shocked and humbled,” Knight said of being named a Hall of Honor recipient. “It’s such a great honor because of who it comes from and who have previously won the award. I’m just so thankful for the people who voted for me.

“It’s recognition of the job you did and it’s so satisfying to get recognition for that. I’m thrilled. It’s unbelievable and a fantastic thing. I can’t wait for the banquet and the ceremony in June. It’s just fantastic. This means a lot to me.”

Knight becomes just the seventh person to receive the award in the 50 years of the organization. Previous winners include Auburn’s David Housel, Alabama’s Charles Thornton and Talladega Superspeedway’s Don Naman (2007), Alabama’s Larry White (2009), Jacksonville State’s Greg Seitz (2018) and national sportswriter Ivan Maisel (2021).

Knight has been married to his wife Katie for 31 years. They have three children — Ellie, Sam and Jack.

Vic Knight

The 2021 Hall of Honor award