Compared to local rivals Santa Clara and Saint Mary's, USF's football teams were historically not as strong.
Football made a brief comeback as a Division II sport from the 1960s to the early 1980s, but USF has not fielded a varsity team since 1982.
Lynn had little to offer prospective players in the way of scholarship inducements beyond tuition and room and board in an old ROTC barracks.
Two of the team's best players, Toler and guard Louis (Red) Stephens, had not even played high school football.
The criteria for the award are "success, leadership, public service, integrity, and commitment to American heritage and Walter Camp's philosophy."
Additionally, the Foundation also recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding support for promoting the game of amateur football.
The Distinguished American Award is presented on special occasions when a truly deserving individual emerges, the award honors someone who has applied the character building attributes learned from amateur sport in their business and personal life, exhibiting superior leadership qualities in education, amateur athletics, business and in the community.
It is named for longtime Club president and College Football Hall of Fame member Reds Bagnell.
In 1951, Matson's senior year at USF, he led the nation in rushing yardage and touchdowns en route to leading the Dons to an undefeated season.
Rozelle served as the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) for nearly thirty years, from January 1960 until his retirement in November 1989.
Rozelle attended USF as a student publicist in 1948-1949 and worked as the schools Athletic News Director for the Dons in 1950.
Matson was a 6× Pro Bowl (1952, 1954–1958), elected to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, enshrined in the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor.