Tre Tipton found himself trapped in the darkness before, and he’s made it his goal to help those who feel as he once did. Pitt’s redshirt senior wide receiver has made an impact on the football field his whole life (first at Apollo, now at Pitt), but perhaps more importantly, he’s made an impact off the field for so many.
An outspoken mental health advocate, CEO of his nonprofit L.O.V.E (Living Out Victoriously Everyday), a group that meets weekly to help student-athletes dealing with anxiety, depression and injury, his efforts to spread awareness and actually help others haven’t gone unnoticed.
Tipton has been honored with the 2021 Disney Spirit Award — the honor bestowed upon the most inspiring figure in college football.
A long-time presence at Pitt, suffering through untimely injuries during his entire career, Tipton returned this season for his seventh and final season of college football. Tipton has served as a depth receiver and key special teams leader, racking up 396 receiving yards over his career.
Tipton has also partnered with SpreadshopHQ to raise money and awareness on suicide and mental health awareness, with 25% of all proceeds of his apparel being used to support L.O.V.E.
The Disney Spirit Award will be awarded to Tipton on Dec. 9 at the College Football Awards show on ESPN at 7 p.m. During which Pitt teammates Kenny Pickett will be up for the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards and Jordan Addison will be up for the Biletnikoff Award.
Tipton is Pitt’s second Disney Spirit Award winner, joining James Conner who won the award in 2016.
