Former National Football League head coach Dave Shula will deliver the keynote address at the 33rd annual Lou Groza Award Celebration on December 9 at the West Palm Beach Marriott. The current collegiate assistant will join an event to celebrate the nation’s top three collegiate place-kickers and award the best of high school football in Palm Beach County.

Shula, the eldest son of famed coach Don Shula, starred as a wide receiver for Dartmouth before earning playing time in the NFL as a receiver and punt returner. Shortly after ending his playing career he joined the his father’s coaching staff with the Miami Dolphins. Working his way through the ranks in South Florida, Shula nurtured the careers of pro bowlers and eventually worked closely with Dan Marino before moving to a successful stint with the Dallas Cowboys. After working his way into the Cincinatti Bengals organization, he was promoted to head coach and led the team for over five seasons. Shula joined the family restaurant business after his NFL coaching career and helped the company expand globally. After over 20 years away from coaching, Shula joined the Darthmouth football team as its wide receiver coach.

Shula will give remarks at a night dedicated to honoring the final three kickers who remain in the hunt for the Lou Groza Award. Last year’s banquet included finalists Will Reichard (Alabama; now of the Minnesota Vikings), Jose Pizano (UNLV), and eventual winner Graham Nicholson (then of Miami (Ohio) and now with Alabama).

As the national spotlight turns to Palm Beach County for the home stretch of the Lou Groza Award race, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission is also set to recognize the best place-kicker, coach, player, and team in local high school football.

Individual tickets and full table reservations for the banquet are available now.