Homewood High senior earns national honor from National Football Foundation
Watts and other honorees were selected from a pool of over 3,500 athletes across the nation who played their final high school football season last year.
Olivia Bennett 
A standout senior from Homewood High School has earned prestigious national recognition. John Tyler Watts was officially named to the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction, placing him among a select group of 63 student-athletes across the country honored by the organization this week.
Elite Recognition
The NFF Team of Distinction highlights the top tier of high school football, celebrating individuals who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, impact in their local communities, and superior performance on the gridiron. Watts was chosen from an incredibly competitive pool of more than 3,500 athletes who completed their final high school football season last year.
A Legacy of Leadership
NFF president and CEO Steve Hatchell praised the group for their multifaceted success. "The NFF Team of Distinction represents everything great about the future of football," Hatchell said. "These remarkable young men have pushed themselves to succeed in every arena imaginable: in the classroom, on the field, and in service to their communities."
The honor recognizes a diverse group of leaders, ranging from valedictorians and team captains to Eagle Scouts. Watts’ resume certainly fits that mold. As a tight end, he served as a three-year letterman for Homewood and competed on the wrestling team, all while upholding a 4.15 GPA.
Beyond his athletic and academic success, Watts is a member of the National Honor Society, a University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship recipient, and holds a leadership role in a weekly boys Bible study. 205focus.com will continue to follow the success of our local student-athletes as they move to the next level.
