(Undated) -- Kenny Chesney's days as a high school football player are gaining him new recognition. The singer has earned the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame's title of "Tennessean of the Year." The honor recognizes, quote, "an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to our society through sports or other methods, demonstrating strong character and high profile leadership."
Chesney will be formally recognized as the "Tennessean of the Year" at an event in Nashville on Friday. The singer has credited the life lessons he learned as a student athlete for helping him become the man he is today. While he is one of today's top country stars, Chesney has also expressed his admiration and appreciation to those who excel and mentor others in high school, college, and professional football through two documentaries -- "Boys Of Fall" and "The Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story."
Chesney isn't the first country star to earn the "Tennessean of the Year" award. Barbara Mandrell was the inaugural winner back in 1982, while Vince Gill and Hank Williams Jr. have also received the title. Other honorees over the years have included actress Cybil Shepherd, NFL star Peyton Manning, and the 101st Airborne Division.
