Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club

06/08/2026

Meet the Team Monday | Dean Nix
This week, we’re learning more about Dean Nix and the perspective that keeps him committed to the mission year after year.

For Dean, supporting children’s health comes from a place of gratitude. He and his wife raised three healthy children and now enjoy life with six healthy grandchildren. But he also knows firsthand that no family is guaranteed a smooth road. Whether it’s Children's of Alabama, The Bell Center, Mitchell's Place, or one of the many other organizations supported by MMQBC, these resources matter deeply to families across our community. Dean is proud that the club continues to make a difference each season by supporting more than 30 organizations dedicated to children’s healthcare.

What keeps him coming back is the combination of camaraderie and mission. Every Monday brings friendship, football, and fellowship, but beneath it all is a greater purpose. As Dean says, “Football brings us together, but fundraising sets us apart” is more than a slogan. It’s what truly unites the membership and keeps people invested season after season.

One MMQBC moment he will never forget? Hearing legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight speak to a room full of football fans. Dean remembers how completely he commanded the room, and jokes that if Coach Knight had asked everyone to drop and do 20 push-ups, they probably would have done it.

Serving as membership chairman over the last two years has also given Dean a unique perspective on the club's impact. He has been amazed by the caliber of people drawn to MMQBC, leaders in business, church, and charitable work, ranging from their late 20s into their 70s, all wanting to be part of something meaningful.

And when people ask about the club's impact, Dean points to the numbers: 11 meetings in 2025, $2.75 million raised and distributed to 36 charities, and thousands of lives impacted.

We’re grateful for Dean’s leadership, commitment, and belief in the mission that continues to bring this club together.

06/03/2026

The club roster is growing! We are thrilled to officially announce our 2026 Freshman Class. These emerging leaders are starting their journey as the next generation of philanthropists dedicated to raising funds for our local medical partners.

Welcome to the team! 🏆

06/01/2026

Meet the Team Monday | Dan Lovell
This week, we’re spotlighting Dan Lovell and the perspective he brings from years of leadership and service within MMQBC.

Dan shares that throughout his life, he has been fortunate to serve through businesses, church, and charitable organizations, but serving in MMQBC leadership and as Captain stands out as one of the true highlights of his life. For him, playing even a small role in helping children across our community is both deeply rewarding and personally humbling.

One of the most meaningful parts of the experience is seeing grants awarded each year and witnessing firsthand the work being done by partner organizations across the region. Dan is continually inspired not only by the organizations themselves, but by the caregivers who serve children and families with extraordinary compassion and dedication. In his words, those caregivers truly make the world a better place.

When asked what makes MMQBC different, Dan points to a unique aspect of the club’s model. He often tells friends and donors that this may be the only charitable organization where a $100 donation can turn into $120 in benefits, thanks to the Foundation's strength. That ability to maximize impact sets MMQBC apart from nearly any other fundraising organization.

His advice to new members is simple: show up. Be present every Monday. Enjoy the fun, the fellowship, and the football, but, most importantly, recognize that this organization gives members a front-row seat to something much bigger than themselves. The more you participate, the more meaningful it becomes.

And if you spend any time around Dan, you will quickly learn one thing. He loves a good practical joke and never takes himself too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and he hopes to help others laugh along the way, too.

We’re grateful for Dan’s leadership, generosity, and the joy he brings to the mission.

05/28/2026

Empowering kids to live without limits. ⛺

Camp Seale Harris provides children with diabetes a chance to enjoy the magic of camp while gaining the confidence to manage their health. Their programs teach kids how to balance nutrition and insulin through hands-on education in a fun, outdoorsy setting.

05/25/2026

We are thankful for our longstanding partnership with the JLab Birmingham Bowl helping us fulfill our mission of supporting direct medical care in Alabama. 🫶🏼🏈

A game with a greater goal. ❤️

Since 2006, the JLab Birmingham Bowl has donated over $520,000 to the Monday Morning Quarterback Club.

These funds go directly to the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, providing essential medical care for children and young adults whose needs would otherwise go unmet. We’re proud to play a part in creating better medical opportunities for the next generation in our community.

When you support the bowl, you’re helping make a life-changing difference.

05/25/2026

Meet the Team Monday | Nick Willis
This week, we’re getting to know Nick Willis and what drives his passion for MMQBC.

Nick’s connection to the club started with two things that have always mattered to him: college football and giving back to his community. Being part of a group where “football brings us together, and fundraising sets us apart” felt like a natural fit. As he puts it, MMQBC truly is the team that has never lost a game.

Supporting children’s health is something Nick sees in real time. From his office, he regularly watches QB1, the critical care helicopter made possible by MMQBC funding, land at Children's of Alabama. It is a constant reminder that the work being done directly supports life-saving care when it matters most.

What keeps him committed year after year comes down to three things: the people, the purpose, and the impact. Football brings us together, fundraising sets us apart—and the results speak for themselves.

Nick believes MMQBC stands apart because it turns tradition and camaraderie into measurable impact. Members do not just show up for football. They show up for kids and families across the community.

If you ask where to dine in Birmingham, he recommends Bottega. The dining room is a favorite for date nights with his wife, while the café is a go-to with his daughter. Both, in his words, are undefeated when it comes to food and hospitality.

And a fun fact you might not expect. Nick is named after Santa Claus. Born on December 18 to a mom not expecting twins, I’m Nicholas (St. Nick)… and my twin brother is Christopher (Chris Kringle).

We’re grateful for Nick’s energy, perspective, and commitment to the mission.

05/19/2026

Meet the Team Monday | John Smyth
This week, we’re spotlighting John Smyth, and it’s a fitting week to do it. On May 18, as MMQBC welcomes a new class of members, we also get to celebrate John’s birthday.

John’s journey into the club started years ago with two men he considers heroes, Rick Towns and Howard Nelson. During a conversation in the men’s grill at Vestavia Country Club, they invited him to join and jokingly told him the club needed more Auburn men. According to John, they were absolutely right.

Although he did not grow up in Birmingham, John says he was fortunate enough to marry a Birmingham girl. Through Leigh Ann, he met Rick and Tammy at their wedding reception thirty years ago, beginning a friendship and mentorship that would shape much of his involvement in the community. While Rick sponsored him into many organizations over the years, John says joining MMQBC has meant the most because of the club's impact on children and families throughout the state.

When asked about memorable MMQBC moments, John laughs, remembering Lane Kiffin entertaining the crowd during his time on Nick Saban’s staff, as well as the unforgettable appearance featuring Charles Barkley and Bruce Pearl together on stage. But beyond the laughs and football stories, the moments that matter most to him are the visits with freshmen members to the charities supported by the club. Seeing the impact firsthand leaves a lasting impression.

For anyone considering joining MMQBC, John’s advice is simple: “Get in line. And be ready to do your part when your number is called.”

He also encourages new members not to shy away from fundraising. Like many people, he admits he was once hesitant to ask for support. But over time, he learned that people genuinely want to hear about the mission and are eager to support the work being done. His donors now return year after year because they believe in the impact.

And then there are the fun facts. Many already know John was part of his high school square dancing team, The Zebra Prancers, a title he says has been difficult to live down. But he also swam for the Pine Bluff Porpoises, where his nickname was “Johnny Lightning.” We’re grateful for John’s leadership, humor, mentorship, and heart for the mission. Happy Birthday, John!

05/17/2026

Congratulations, Gregg!! 👏🏽🏈 Nobody more deserving!! 🏆

He played college football, married a cheerleader and went to the NFL. And that’s not the half of Gregg Carr’s life story.

Read more from Rick Karle Good News at the 🔗 in comments.

05/15/2026

Seeing a brighter future, one child at a time.

In honor of Healthy Vision Month, we’re celebrating our partners at Sight Savers America and the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This month promotes the importance of early eye exams to detect and treat vision issues before they impact a child's education or development. Early detection is key to ensuring every child has the clear vision they need to reach their full potential.

05/11/2026

Meet the Team Monday | Scott Myers
This week, we’re getting to know Scott Myers and what drew him into the mission of MMQBC.

Scott’s initial interest in the club started with the opportunity to hear from coaches and guest speakers. But as he became more involved, his perspective shifted. He saw firsthand the impact the club makes across the community through its support of Children's of Alabama and many other children’s charities. That deeper understanding turned interest into pride in the work being done.

On a personal level, the mission hits close to home. Scott has taken all three of his children to Children’s over the years, and those experiences have stayed with him. Being part of MMQBC gives him a meaningful way to give back, even in a small way, for the care and support so many families, including his own, have received.

On game day, Scott keeps it simple and fun. His favorite tradition is making his go-to Big Game Dip, reserved strictly for the biggest matchups.

We’re grateful for Scott’s commitment and the perspective he brings to this work.