Chambana Sun

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – National hero and former Illini football student-athlete Tim McCarthy has been selected as the second recipient of the Spirit of the Illini Award. This award was created by the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics one year ago to honor individuals who exemplify character, contribute significantly to the Fighting Illini community, and help unify it with excellence and honor. McCarthy will be honored during Homecoming weekend, culminating with his presentation at halftime of the football game against Central Michigan on Sept. 14, where he will join the Marching Illini in its performance of the alma mater.

"As part of our Homecoming festivities, we are excited to continue the Spirit of the Illini Award, introduced for the first time last season," said Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. "This year's recipient is Tim McCarthy, who has left an incredible legacy for his alma mater, the Illinois football program, and our nation through his unwavering commitment, loyalty and sacrifice. He embodies everything it means to be a Fighting Illini, and we are proud to celebrate him with this special honor."

McCarthy was a four-year member of the Illini football team and two-year letterwinner in 1969 and 1970. After a season on the scout team, McCarthy excelled as a sophomore at strong safety and was awarded a scholarship by head coach Jim Valek before eventually becoming a starter. McCarthy's success story continued when he later became a Secret Service agent and an American hero by taking a bullet for President Ronald Reagan.

After his football career at Illinois, McCarthy applied for jobs with both the Secret Service and FBI as they sought business majors for white-collar criminal investigations. Influenced by his father’s role as a sergeant with the Chicago Police Department, McCarthy pursued this line of work due to his interest in both investigation and protection.

He spent seven years in the Chicago field office investigating counterfeit currency, stolen government checks and bonds, and threats against Presidents before moving to Washington D.C., where he protected Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. On March 30, 1981, while protecting President Reagan during an address at Washington Hilton Hotel, six shots were fired; McCarthy was hit in the chest along with President Reagan, Press Secretary Jim Brady, and D.C. police officer Tom Delahanty.

McCarthy spent 10 days in hospital recovering from his injuries. He attributed his quick reaction to protect President Reagan to constant training received during his time with the Secret Service.

In 2022, Illinois announced creation of the Tim McCarthy Scholarship which awards an Illini walk-on each spring.

The selection process for Spirit of the Illini award involves collaboration between Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University Alumni Association and Marching Illini. The award is presented annually at Homecoming or another milestone game; last year’s winner was Mary Henson.