The Kansas City Committee of 101 was founded by Jack Wheeler.[1][2] The name was chosen because the membership was limited to 101 Kansas City Chiefs fans and cost $1,000 annually (equivalent to over $6,550 adjusted for inflation). The group began presenting its annual NFL awards in 1969, initially as NFL and AFL Awards. However, after the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the awards have been given to the top AFC and NFC players and coaches. The "Committee of 101" refers to a national media committee consisting of 101 sportswriters and sportscasters who cover the NFL. They are responsible for voting on the top offensive player, defensive player, and coach in each of the National Football League conferences, rather than for the entire NFL.[3][2]
The annual NFL 101 Awards is the nation's oldest awards event dedicated exclusively to professional football.[4]
The awards are presented at an annual event held in Kansas City, Missouri, and all proceeds from the 101 Awards go to benefit the Kansas City Chiefs Charities.