The Merit Award is given to a former NJCAA student-athlete that have distinguished themselves and are recognized nationally for their achievements in their profession.
Merit Award Recipients
| Year | Name | College; Sport | Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Zac Taylor | Butler (Kan.); Football | NFL Head Coach |
| 2020-21 | Mark Carlson | Parkland (Ill.); Baseball | MLB Umpire |
| 2019-20 | Manny Ohonme | Lake Region State (N.D); Men's Basketball | Samaritan's Feet |
| 2018-19 | Sheryl Swoopes | South Plains (Texas); Women's Basketball | WNBA, Olympic Gold Medalist |
| 2017-18 | Ryan Ciminelli | Erie (N.Y.); Bowling | PBA Bowler |
| 2015-16 | Kwamie Lassiter | Butler (Kan.); Football | Non-Profit Youth Development |
| Ross Pesek | Central (Neb.); Men's Basketball | Immigration Attorney | |
| 2013-14 | Masai Ujiri | Bismarck State (N.D.); Men's Basketball | NBA General Manager |
| 2012-13 | Wellington Webb | Northeastern (Colo.); Men's Basketball | Mayor of Denver (Colo.) |
| 2006-07 | Gerald Bender | Wilbur Wright (Ill.); | Attorney, Federal Judge |
| 2004-05 | Deion Branch | Jones County (Miss.); Football | Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion |
| 1996-97 | Larry Keenum | Calhoun (Miss.); Baseball | Athletic Director, Athens State (Ala.) |
| 1994-95 | Bob Bullock | Hill (Texas); Football | Lt. Governor of Texas |
| 1990-91 | Marti Lea Griffith Hobbs | Jefferson State (Ala.); Women's Gymnastics | Gymnastics Official |
| Gary Morris | Cisco (Texas); Football | Country Music Artist | |
| Reagan Turner Ragsdale | Jefferson State (Ala.); Men's Tennis | Tennis Coach, Player, Instructor | |
| 1989-90 | Pete Babock | Sauk Valley (Ill.); Men's Basketball | NBA General Manager, Executive |