Tyler Norwood and his family, through the Constance Norwood Family Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), have made a generous $25,000 gift to Salisbury University Football to honor of the football coaching staff who mentored Norwood during his tenure at Salisbury University.
The Constance Norwood Family Fund was established in 2025 by Tyler's great-uncle, Michael J. Koziski, and reflects the family's commitment to recognizing the mentors and institutions that played a meaningful role in Tyler's development as a student-athlete.
Constance, Tyler's grandmother, is extremely grateful for the time Tyler had at SU. "We are very fortunate that our whole family had the experience we did at Salisbury. Everything was so good. We did this to honor his time there but also to give back and help shape the future of Sea Gull football so others can have an experience like Tyler's."
A leader both on and off the field, Norwood was a member of the National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society and captained a dominant Salisbury offensive line that helped the Sea Gulls emerge as one of the top offensive units in the nation. During his senior season, Norwood earned multiple national honors, including Second-Team All-America recognition from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Division III Associated Press All-America Second Team honors, and D3football.com All-America Second Team recognition.
Tyler himself was deeply appreciative of his time at Salisbury. "I am completely grateful to SU Football. All three of our coaches, Coach Wood, Coach Fleetwood, and Coach Disbennett, have shaped the program into what it is today and built an entire staff that gives so much to each student-athlete. I wanted to honor them for all that they do. They are the foundation of today's program at SU."
Tyler's mother, Kim Norwood, who served as team mom during her son's time in the Maroon & Gold, was also instrumental in making the gift possible. "I saw firsthand what it takes to run this program. The time and commitment from the staff and coaches are incredible, as are the everyday costs of feeding the team, transportation, and countless other expenses. We pulled together to make it happen, and we feel this gift can help our current players get even more out of their time at SU."
"I've been a Sea Gull all my life and I'll be one 'til I die!" added Tyler. "I follow the team every week and every game, and I want nothing but success for them. I wanted to give back to those playing now and, in the future, so they can have the same great experience I did."
"On behalf of our staff and players, we are forever grateful for the generous donation from the Norwood family," said Salisbury head football coach Sherman Wood. "Tyler was an All-American for our program, but more importantly, he was a great person and leader. His mother and grandmother were outstanding team moms, and we are incredibly thankful for the entire family."
Residents of Milford, Delaware, the Norwoods made the gift possible through the Delaware Community Foundation.
"While most donors make gifts like this in their 40s or 50s, Tyler's early philanthropy highlights a deep appreciation for the coaches and mentors who influenced him at Salisbury University," said Maribeth Przywara, Director of Advancement at the Delaware Community Foundation. "DCF is honored to support his and his family's vision."
This gift honors the lasting impact of Salisbury's football coaching staff and underscores the importance of mentorship, leadership, and gratitude in shaping future success. For more information on how to make a similar gift to the Salisbury University Foundation in support of athletics or any of its 23 varsity programs, contact Stan Bradley at sbradley@salisbury.edu.
