Memorials, Sports - Cooper Newman -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jessie Seal

The bill honors Cooper Newman forwinning the 2025 Titans Mr. Football Award in Division I, Class 5A and publicly recognizes his athletic achievement and character.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #sports

Purpose

SJR 771 is a routine memorial resolution recognizing and commending Cooper Newman, a junior at Sevier County High School, for receiving the 2025 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award in Division I, Class 5A.

The resolution serves to publicly honor Newman for his athletic achievement, character, and contributions to his school and community, and to extend best wishes for his future success.

Key Provisions and Content

Statements of commendation: The resolution explicitly recognizes Newman as a standout high school football player and notes his selection by a committee of sportswriters, with nominations from coaches and media.

Performance highlights (as context for the commendation):

Quarterback for Sevier County High School Smoky Bears.
2024-2025 season statistics highlighted in the text:
269 completions on 367 attempts (73% completion rate), ranking ninth in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletics Association (TSSAA) for single-season completions.
45 touchdown passes (ranking sixth in single-season completions for the TSSAA).
3,705 passing yards for the season.
Recognition: All-Region Player of the Year for Region 1-5A.

Formal legislative action: The text directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with the final clause noting the copy’s issuance without House or Senate designation after presentation.

Procedural language: The resolution is framed as a formal acknowledgment by both chambers (Senate and House concurring).

Who/What Is Affected

Individuals:

Cooper Newman: the primary honoree; the resolution recognizes his achievements and extends best wishes.

Institutions/ Entities:

Sevier County High School Smoky Bears (for context of Newman’s achievements).
Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award (Division I, Class 5A) recognition program.

State Entities:

Tennessee General Assembly (Senate and House) as the issuing body of the commendation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative route:

Introduced and sponsored by Senator Jessie Seal (co-sponsor listed as well as the sponsor, per the record).
Passed through standard reading/approval milestones within 2026, including:
Introduction and first consideration (February 2026).
Second consideration and passage on the Senate floor (February 2026).
Transmission to the House and concurrence (March 2026).
Enrolled and ready for signatures; final approvals and signing by the Governor occurred in March 2026.

Contextual note: This is a memorial/recognition resolution, typically non-binding and ceremonial in nature, acknowledging award recipients and notable achievements.

Overall Impact

The bill does not create new law or policy or alter rights or obligations. Its impact is symbolic, acknowledging a high school athlete’s achievement and contributing to the public record recognizing local sports excellence.

It may serve to inspire students and highlight athletic achievement within Sevier County and the state.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary or a version tailored for a press release.

Bill