Sporting Tribune's Lambkins takes top PFWA column writing prize
Eric Lambkins II of The Sporting Tribune won first place in the Dave Anderson Column Writing category of the Professional Football Writers of America's 2026 Dick Connor Writing Awards. It is his first top writing honor from the organization.
The award, announced by the Professional Football Writers of America, recognizes Lambkins for his column work during the 2025 NFL season, as the organization’s annual Dick Connor Writing Awards honor the best in football journalism across multiple categories. Lambkins’ win marks a milestone for The Sporting Tribune, a digital outlet that has steadily grown its NFL coverage. The Dave Anderson category specifically celebrates opinion and commentary writing, placing Lambkins among a select group of columnists who have previously received the honor. His first-place finish signals rising recognition for his voice in a competitive field dominated by larger national publications.
This recognition could elevate Lambkins’ profile and that of The Sporting Tribune, potentially drawing more readers to independent sports journalism. It may also encourage emerging writers to pursue column work, knowing that outlets beyond major legacy media can earn top industry honors. For fans, the award highlights quality commentary that shapes how NFL stories are discussed, though its direct societal impact remains limited to the sports media sphere.