given the trivial nature of the position, no award for holders existed until 2015 when peter mortell, then a senior punter and holder for the minnesota golden gophers and known for his humor, created a tongue-in-cheek "holder of the year" award for the best holder in college football, named it after himself, and made himself its first recipient. espn recognized the award at their yearly espy awards ceremony (alongside more serious, major position awards), with mortell accepting via pre-recorded video. the award subsequently continued and was awarded in 2016 to senior quarterback/holder garrett moores of michigan. in 2017, the award was given to connor mcginnis of oklahoma.