The Loop
Jack Nicklaus' grandson wins Mackey Award as nation's top collegiate tight end
Jack Nicklaus' grandson Nick O'Leary, a Florida State senior, added another major award (if not another major) to the family collection when he was named the winner of the John Mackey Award, presented to college football's top tight end.
O'Leary, the son of Nicklaus' daughter Nancy, has been Jameis Winston's second favorite receiver, catching 47 passes for 614 yards and six touchdowns. Nicklaus attends most of O'Leary's games.
"[It was great] watching Nick, and knowing what a good athlete he is, but also how committed he is to what he wants to do in his life, which is play football," Nicklaus said in a speech last spring. "He's interested in playing football, he's not interested in being in academia."
O'Leary, 6-3 and 247 pounds, has been projected as a possible first-round pick in the next NFL draft.
Nicklaus was in attendance at the Rose Bowl when Florida State won the national championship last season. The Seminoles will play Oregon in the Rose Bowl in the playoffs on New Year's Day.
O'Leary caddied for Nicklaus in the Par-3 Contest at Augusta National on the eve of the Masters in 2011 (see the photo).