Two Niceville High School football players were recognized Tuesday as part of a historic milestone — the first-ever recipients of student athlete sponsorships from the Tommy Lazzaro Foundation, an organization built to honor the memory of a decorated Green Beret whose life was defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to others.

• Tri’Marcus Mays and Jakobe Gilyard were recognized during a special ceremony on Feb. 17 at Niceville High School. The Foundation will award two additional athletes from Mosley High School in Panama City on Feb. 23, rounding out its inaugural class of four sponsored student athletes. 

The Foundation was established in honor of Tommy Lazzaro, an exceptional athlete, leader and U.S. Army Green Beret whose life was tragically cut short in a hunting accident in December 2024. At the time, Tommy was traveling to assist a fellow Green Beret — a detail that speaks to the selfless character that defined him throughout his life.

Known as the person you called when you needed help — whether for guidance, encouragement or simply a smile — Tommy left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered through his work ethic, humility and relentless commitment to others. 

Created by his sister, Lexie Lazzaro, the Foundation exists to carry forward that legacy by supporting deserving high school athletes with access to elite training, conditioning, equipment and development opportunities designed to increase their chances of earning collegiate scholarships.

During the ceremony at Niceville High School, Tom Lazzaro, president of the Tommy Lazzaro Foundation and Tommy’s father, addressed the two honorees with visible pride.

• “We are super happy to be here today with you two. This is our inaugural event of awarding sponsorships for the Tommy Lazzaro Foundation, and we’re very proud of you,” Lazzaro told the athletes.

The selection process was rigorous and intentional. Candidates were evaluated based on athleticism, motivation, desire to compete at the next level and academic standing, and each had to be nominated by their head coach. The Foundation’s selection committee is composed entirely of former Division I quarterbacks who played alongside Tommy, keeping the evaluation rooted in the competitive standards he lived by. 

Sergeant Major Nate Smith, Tommy’s sergeant major at the Green Beret compound, also served on the committee, ensuring the military values of discipline and service were represented in the process.

“I can’t wait to see you guys grow and develop through the years and hopefully do awesome things for Niceville High School,” Lazzaro said.

Through the sponsorship, Mays and Gilyard each received new cleats, gloves and a water bottle donated by Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with Foundation-branded hats, T-shirts and other items. But tangible gifts are just the beginning.

• The sponsorship program provides each athlete with structured strength and conditioning training, upgraded football equipment and access to specialized camps and resources designed to elevate both their performance and their opportunities for collegiate recruitment.

Niceville High School Head Football Coach Richard Morgan praised both athletes and the Foundation’s mission.

“As we continue to grow and develop young men, we focus on some key components, and these young men have those — integrity, mental toughness, passion, accountability, courage, teamwork,” Morgan said. “They make an impact on their teammates and make an impact on the school.”

Morgan added that Mays and Gilyard are ideal representatives of both the Foundation and Tommy’s legacy.

• “I think they’re great representatives of this foundation, and I’m happy that these two can continue on Tom’s legacy of his son, who was a great football player and a hero in the military,” Morgan said. “I think these guys are going to represent him, his legacy and the foundation for many years to come.”

For Tom Lazzaro, watching Mays and Gilyard receive the Foundation’s first sponsorships was a deeply personal moment — a meaningful step toward ensuring his son’s legacy continues to shape the lives of young athletes across Northwest Florida.

“These young men embody the character, leadership and drive that Tommy lived every day,” said Tom Lazzaro. “They are the kind of athletes who not only have incredible potential on the field, but who show up for their teammates and community. We are honored to support them and walk alongside them on their journey.”

The four athletes selected for the Foundation’s inaugural sponsorship class represent the beginning of what the organization intends to grow into a lasting tradition. Moving forward, the Tommy Lazzaro Foundation plans to continue investing in student athletes who demonstrate both talent and character, extending the spirit of service, leadership and excellence that defined Tommy’s life.

• The Foundation will formally recognize the two Mosley High School recipients during a ceremony on Feb. 23 in Panama City.

For more information about the Tommy Lazzaro Foundation or to learn how to support its mission, visit here.