Heisman Trophy

Cappelletti_Heisman_Trophy_crop_1

The Heisman Trophy, named after John Heisman, is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States. The award was created in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in American sports.

History

The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. The award was originally known as the DAC Trophy, but it was renamed in 1936 in honor of John Heisman, a noted player and coach who was the club's athletic director until his death in 1936.

Selection Process

The winner of the Heisman Trophy is determined by votes from 870 media members, 57 living Heisman winners, and one vote from the public, which is collectively known as the Heisman electorate. The voting process is designed to ensure a broad representation of opinions from across the country.

Trophy Design

The Heisman Trophy is a bronze statue depicting a football player in a pose known as the "stiff-arm," which is a common maneuver used by players to ward off defenders. The design was created by sculptor Frank Eliscu.

Notable Winners

Some of the most notable winners of the Heisman Trophy include:

• Archie Griffin, the only player to win the award twice (1974 and 1975)
• Tim Tebow, who won in 2007 and was a finalist in 2008 and 2009
• Bo Jackson, who won in 1985 and went on to have successful careers in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League

Controversies

The Heisman Trophy has not been without controversy. In 2005, Reggie Bush won the award but later forfeited it due to violations of NCAA rules during his time at University of Southern California.

Related Awards

Other awards in college football that recognize outstanding players include the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, and the Davey O'Brien Award.

See Also

• College Football Hall of Fame
• NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
• List of Heisman Trophy winners