TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Some of college football’s biggest names are headed to Tallahassee this fall — but they won’t be taking the field.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club is bringing fans, former players, coaches and community members together for a season of weekly dinners featuring nationally recognized speakers and local student-athlete recognition, continuing a tradition that dates back more than 75 years.
“This has been about community. Our club has been about community. We’re still community today,” said Hugh Tomilson, president of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club.
The club traces its roots to 1949, when it was created to support local football, especially high school athletes. Its founding members also helped sell the first 10,000 seats for what is now Doak Campbell Stadium.
Over the years, the organization has grown into a weekly gathering that blends football talk, community service and appearances by prominent figures in the sport.
“Nationally recognized speakers come to each meeting while we’re recognizing at least four student-athletes who play the game we love here locally each and every week,” Tomilson said.
The club hosts eight dinners each football season at the University Center Club overlooking Doak Campbell Stadium. This year’s speaker series opens with Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, followed by former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, college football analyst Danny Kanell, and national championship coaches Mack Brown and Gene Chizik.
Members will also hear from Super Bowl champion Ed “Too Tall” Jones, veteran broadcaster Tim Brando and ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain.
“Oh, this one that he just put together is phenomenal. I mean, you got Too Tall Jones, you got the former Dallas Cowboy coach…” said club member John Lojan.
Members say the appeal goes beyond the guest list, pointing to the conversations and the experience of gathering with others who love the sport.
“And it’s just really fun. And the experience is of a lifetime,” Lojan said. “You may come one day and think, ‘I don’t want to listen to anybody talk for a couple hours.’ But then you have some of the most interesting speakers that you just get so entwined in it that you want to hear them talk longer than they’re allowed to.”
Membership is open to anyone interested in football, with access to the weekly dinners, guest speakers and special events throughout the season.
“We want you to share this club with people because it’s a fantastic group. It’s one of the most meaningful things in their life outside of their family, faith and football,” Tomilson said.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club’s first regular dinner of the season is scheduled for Aug. 25. More information on membership is available at tallahasseeqbclub.com.