Man of the Year was initiated in the 2006 season. In the first year of the award, it was "Men of the Year" as the league chose Lexington Horsemen cornerback Anthony "Champ" Kelly and Sioux Falls Storm offensive linemen John Semchenko for exemplifying sportsmanship and community service for their teams.
In 2007, RiverCity Rage kicker Derek Kutz was honored as UIF Man of the Year for his philanthropy. Kutz hosted a golf tournament entitle Touchdown 4 A Cure--Kickin' for the Kids of St. Jude. The event raised $10,164 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kutz' generous nature is not new. in 2004, while attending Southeast Missouri State University, he founded Touchdown 4 A Cure. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $100,000.
