Selected from a pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes identified by the nationwide NFF Chapter Network, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced recently the 82 members of the 2025 NFF Team of Distinction.

Northwestern’s Eli Zimmerman was among the players picked for this honor.

Part of the NFF’s mission to promote the scholar-athlete ideal, the initiative honors the top high school football players from across the country for their all-around excellence — while also highlighting the vital work of the NFF Chapter Network at the grassroots level.

The members of the team all played their final high school football season during the 2024-25 school year. Criteria to make the team include (but are not limited to) academic achievement, athletic accolades and community involvement. Each chapter is limited to one honoree, distinguishing them as the top scholar-athlete from all the high schools covered by the chapter.

Zimmerman was one four players chosen from Pennsylvania. He was submitted by the NFF Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter. His credentials included a 94.84 Avg., National Honor Society, High Honor Roll, Team captain, two-time All-State, and Mr. PA Football finalist.

“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer — young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “These 82 honorees exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal that is at the heart of our mission, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements. We are equally grateful to our NFF Chapter Network leaders, whose tireless efforts ensure that the values of football continue to thrive at the grassroots level.”