NFL receiver Ladd McConkey returned to the Best of Preps awards banquet on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as keynote speaker, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press's original report and the event page published by Best of Preps. McConkey is a former Best of Preps honoree who now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League, the top professional American football league in the United States.

For Chattanooga-area students, parents and coaches, the visit mattered because one of the region's former prep standouts was back in front of local athletes at an awards event built around high school achievement. The banquet recognizes student athletes from across the region, and McConkey's return linked that local honors program to a player now on an NFL roster.

"NFL receiver Ladd McConkey, a former Best of Preps honoree, wore his trademark toothy smile before getting serious as the keynote speaker at Thursday night's awards banquet."

That description comes from the Chattanooga Times Free Press's reporting on the event. The newspaper's article did not, in the source material provided here, include a full transcript of his remarks.

What is verified about McConkey's appearance

Best of Preps lists McConkey as its 2026 banquet keynote speaker on its official event page. The organization also lists him among its past honorees on its honoree pages.

  • Event: Best of Preps awards banquet
  • Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
  • Role: Keynote speaker
  • Connection to event: Former Best of Preps honoree
  • Current team: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers roster page identifies McConkey as a member of the team. The NFL's official player page lists his career statistics, confirming his current status as an active professional player.

Why the return matters for local athletes

Best of Preps is a local recognition program focused on high school athletes. When a past honoree returns after reaching the NFL, it gives the banquet a direct tie to the path many student athletes hope to follow, even if only a small number will play professionally.

For families and coaches, that kind of appearance can also raise the profile of a regional awards program that celebrates results in local schools and communities. Readers who want to understand how LOCALBRIEF_CHATTANOOGA handles sourced reporting can review our Editorial Policy and Source Transparency pages.

What readers can check next

Anyone looking for official information about the banquet, including speaker details and honoree listings, can use the Best of Preps website. Students and parents who want to follow future awards announcements should check the organization's official pages for updated dates, honoree lists and event information.

  • For keynote speaker details: Best of Preps speaker page
  • For McConkey's past recognition: Best of Preps honoree page
  • For current professional status: Los Angeles Chargers roster and NFL player profile

If you attended the banquet and want to share corrections or additional verified details with our newsroom, visit Contact Us.

Reported by Source Text Link, Best of Preps, National Football League (NFL), Los Angeles Chargers, RotoWire, Chattanooga Times Free Press.