ESPN today announced the nominees for the 2023 Sports Humanitarian awards, with Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver nominated for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for the second consecutive year. Stuver remains the first and only Major League Soccer player ever to be nominated for the award, given to an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports.
The winner will be announced at The 2023 ESPYS, airing live on ABC at 7:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 12.
“I’m incredibly honored to be nominated for this presitigious award for a second consecutive year,” Stuver said. “My career as a professional athlete has given me a platform to help others, and my goal has always been to use that platform to do as much good as I can for as long as I can.”
Throughout his career and during his time with Austin FC, Stuver has consistently and continually advocated for marginalized people and to provide resources for underserved members of Central Texas communities. Stuver is a board of trustees member for Equality Texas Foundation, the largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy nonprofit in Texas, and an ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization that works to encourage athletes to be outspoken for LGBTQIA+ equality.
Stuver also is actively involved with Current Initiatives’ The Laundry Project, an initiative which holds events to provide free laundry services and materials to low-income families, leading projects that have served thousands of families. He has also organized multiple supply drives in partnership with Austin FC supporters groups and local businesses to collect donations.
In addition to back-to-back Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award nominations, Stuver was a finalist for the MLS Works Humanitarian of the Year award in each of the last two (2) seasons, and was named 4ATX Foundation Legend of the Year in both 2021 and 2022.
“Brad’s work on the pitch and in the community has made him a foundational member of this Club ever since he arrived in Austin ahead of our inaugural season,” said Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff. “We want to congratulate him and his wife Ashley on this well-deserved recognition.”
Stuver is one of four (4) nominees for the award, joining paralympic swimmer and UN ambassador Jamal Hill, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday and retired U.S. Women’s National Team player Lauren Holiday. The Award will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
