Greg Allen, a former Syracuse University football standout, is set to receive the 2026 Zunic Award, a tribute that acknowledges both his athletic achievements and his lifelong dedication to community service. Allen famously recorded 172 punt return yards in a single game against Penn State in 1969, a record that still stands, and he earned his degree in public communications in 1973 before completing an MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School. His professional journey spanned 33 years with Liberty Mutual, where he rose to managerial positions before retiring in 2012.
The Zunic Award was created in 2001 to commemorate the selfless actions of Mike and Judy Zunic, who gave up their seats to aid fellow passengers after a tragic plane crash in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989. The award celebrates individuals who, like the Zunics, demonstrate extraordinary courage and a commitment to helping others, and it has become a hallmark of recognition for those who blend personal excellence with civic responsibility.
The Zunic Award's Origin
Beyond his football fame, Allen has been an active volunteer, serving on the boards of the Arizona Mental Health Association and the Syracuse University School of Education, and he regularly coaches youth sports teams and participates in local church activities. His contributions have earned him the Chancellor’s Medal for Extraordinary Courage in 2006 and the Syracuse LetterWinner of Distinction in 2009, underscoring a career marked by both professional success and humanitarian impact.
The upcoming ceremony will feature Allen speaking at the Syracuse 8 Courage Award event, where he will join other distinguished guests in honoring the legacy of service that the Zunic family began over three decades ago. His continued involvement in outreach programs and community initiatives reflects a lifelong commitment to the values that the award represents.