The Heisman Trophy is the most coveted individual award in all of college football. It is presented annually to the outstanding player in the United States as determined in a vote of sportswriters and members of the Heisman Trophy Trust.
The award was first presented in 1935 to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. Since then, it has been awarded to some of the greatest players in college football history, including Red Grange, Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Tim Tebow.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Heisman Trophy and some of the most memorable winners. We will also discuss the criteria that are used to select the winner and the impact that the award has had on college football.
who won the heisman
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football, honoring the outstanding player each year.
- First awarded in 1935
- Jay Berwanger, inaugural winner
- Voted by sportswriters and Heisman Trust members
- Criteria: athleticism, leadership, and character
- Winners include legends like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders
- Recent winners: Bryce Young (2021), DeVonta Smith (2020)
- Prestigious honor with lasting impact
Winning the Heisman Trophy is a career-defining achievement for any college football player, and it can have a significant impact on their future in the sport.
First awarded in 1935
The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious individual awards in all of sports. The inaugural winner was Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago, a halfback who was known for his exceptional running and passing skills. Berwanger was a consensus All-American and led the Maroons to an undefeated season in 1934.
The Heisman Trophy was created by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City, which was looking for a way to honor the outstanding player in college football. The award is named after John W. Heisman, a former coach at the University of Pennsylvania and Georgia Tech. Heisman was known for his innovative coaching methods and his emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship.
The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the player who is deemed to be the most outstanding in the United States. The winner is selected by a vote of sportswriters and members of the Heisman Trophy Trust, a group of former winners and other distinguished individuals.
Winning the Heisman Trophy is a career-defining achievement for any college football player. It is a testament to their athleticism, leadership, and character. Past winners of the Heisman Trophy have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL and other professional sports leagues.
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it is a symbol of excellence in college football. It is a reminder of the great players who have come before and the impact that they have had on the sport.
Jay Berwanger, inaugural winner
Jay Berwanger was the first player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1935. He was a halfback for the University of Chicago Maroons and was known for his exceptional running and passing skills.
- Consensus All-American: Berwanger was a consensus All-American in 1934, meaning that he was selected to the All-America team by every major selector.
- Led Maroons to undefeated season: In 1934, Berwanger led the Maroons to an undefeated season, going 9-0-1. They were ranked as the No. 1 team in the country by the Associated Press.
- Exceptional runner and passer: Berwanger was a dual-threat quarterback who could both run and pass the ball effectively. He rushed for 743 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1934, and he also passed for 541 yards and six touchdowns.
- Outstanding leadership and character: Berwanger was also known for his leadership and character. He was a team captain and was respected by his teammates and coaches.
Berwanger's win of the Heisman Trophy was a fitting tribute to his outstanding college football career. He was a gifted athlete and a true leader, and he helped to raise the profile of the University of Chicago football program.
Voted by sportswriters and Heisman Trust members
The Heisman Trophy winner is selected by a vote of sportswriters and members of the Heisman Trophy Trust. The sportswriters are chosen by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), while the Heisman Trophy Trust is made up of former winners of the award, as well as other distinguished individuals.
The voting process begins with the FWAA releasing a list of candidates in early November. The list is then narrowed down to three finalists, who are announced a few weeks later. The final vote is then taken, and the winner is announced during a nationally televised ceremony in New York City.
The Heisman Trophy Trust plays an important role in the voting process. The Trust members are responsible for selecting the finalists and voting for the winner. They are also responsible for upholding the integrity of the award and ensuring that it is given to the most deserving player.
The voting process for the Heisman Trophy is designed to be fair and impartial. The sportswriters and Heisman Trophy Trust members are all experts in college football, and they are committed to selecting the player who has had the most outstanding season.
The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in all of sports, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players who win it. The voting process is designed to ensure that the award is given to the most deserving player, and it is a process that is taken very seriously by the sportswriters and Heisman Trophy Trust members.
Criteria: athleticism, leadership, and character
The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the player who is deemed to be the most outstanding in the United States. The criteria for selecting the winner are athleticism, leadership, and character.
- athleticism: The Heisman Trophy winner must be an exceptional athlete. They must have the physical skills and abilities to excel at the highest level of college football.
- leadership: The Heisman Trophy winner must be a leader on and off the field. They must be able to motivate and inspire their teammates, and they must be a positive role model for others.
- character: The Heisman Trophy winner must have good character. They must be a person of integrity and sportsmanship. They must be a credit to their team, their school, and the game of college football.
The Heisman Trophy Trust considers all three of these criteria when selecting the winner. They look for a player who excels in all three areas and who is a true embodiment of the values of college football.
In addition to these three criteria, the Heisman Trophy Trust also considers the player's overall body of work for the season. They look at the player's statistics, their impact on their team's success, and their performance in big games.
The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in all of sports, and it is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and character of the players who win it.
Winners include legends like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders
The Heisman Trophy has been awarded to some of the greatest players in the history of college football, including legends like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders.
Jim Brown won the Heisman Trophy in 1957 while playing for Syracuse University. He was a running back who was known for his incredible speed, power, and agility. Brown led Syracuse to an undefeated season in 1957 and was the first African-American player to win the Heisman Trophy.
Barry Sanders won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 while playing for Oklahoma State University. He was a running back who was known for his elusive running style and his ability to make defenders miss tackles. Sanders led Oklahoma State to a 10-2 record in 1988 and was the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season.
Brown and Sanders are just two examples of the many great players who have won the Heisman Trophy. Other notable winners include Archie Griffin (Ohio State), Herschel Walker (Georgia), Bo Jackson (Auburn), and Tim Tebow (Florida).
The Heisman Trophy is a prestigious award that is given to the most outstanding player in college football. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players who win it.
The Heisman Trophy winners are some of the most recognizable and iconic figures in the history of college football. They are players who have left a lasting legacy on the sport and who continue to inspire future generations of players.
Recent winners: Bryce Young (2021), DeVonta Smith (2020)
The most recent winners of the Heisman Trophy are Bryce Young of Alabama (2021) and DeVonta Smith of Alabama (2020).
Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 after leading Alabama to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth. He passed for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, with only 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 3 touchdowns. Young became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy since Tim Tebow in 2007.
DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2020 after leading Alabama to a 13-0 record and a College Football Playoff National Championship. He caught 117 passes for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard in 1991.
Young and Smith are both exceptional players who had outstanding seasons in 2020 and 2021. They are both worthy winners of the Heisman Trophy and are sure to have successful careers in the NFL.
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football, and it is given to the player who is deemed to be the most outstanding in the United States. Recent winners Bryce Young and DeVonta Smith are two of the most talented and exciting players in college football, and they are both deserving recipients of the Heisman Trophy.
The future of the Heisman Trophy is bright, and there are many talented players who are capable of winning the award in the years to come.
Prestigious honor with lasting impact
Winning the Heisman Trophy is a prestigious honor that can have a lasting impact on a player's life and career.
Heisman Trophy winners are instantly recognized as some of the best players in college football. They are often drafted high in the NFL Draft and go on to have successful professional careers. For example, recent Heisman Trophy winners Bryce Young and DeVonta Smith were both drafted in the top 10 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In addition to their NFL success, Heisman Trophy winners often go on to have successful careers in other fields. For example, former Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson went on to have a successful career in Major League Baseball. Former Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin went on to become a successful businessman and politician.
Winning the Heisman Trophy can also open doors to other opportunities, such as speaking engagements, endorsements, and acting roles. For example, former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has gone on to have a successful career as a college football analyst and motivational speaker.
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it is a symbol of excellence in college football. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players who win it. Heisman Trophy winners are some of the most recognizable and iconic figures in the history of college football, and they continue to inspire future generations of players.
The Heisman Trophy has a lasting impact on the lives of the players who win it. It is an honor that can open doors to new opportunities and help players achieve their dreams.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Heisman Trophy:
Question 1: Who can win the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States.
Question 2: Who votes for the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: The Heisman Trophy is voted on by a combination of sportswriters and members of the Heisman Trophy Trust.
Question 3: What are the criteria for winning the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: The criteria for winning the Heisman Trophy are athleticism, leadership, and character.
Question 4: Who was the first Heisman Trophy winner?
Answer: Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago was the first Heisman Trophy winner in 1935.
Question 5: Who are some notable Heisman Trophy winners?
Answer: Some notable Heisman Trophy winners include Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Archie Griffin, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, and Tim Tebow.
Question 6: What is the impact of winning the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: Winning the Heisman Trophy is a prestigious honor that can have a lasting impact on a player's life and career.
Question 7: What are some interesting facts about the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: Some interesting facts about the Heisman Trophy include the fact that it is made of bronze and weighs 25 pounds, and that the trophy is awarded at a ceremony in New York City each year.
Question 8: Where can I learn more about the Heisman Trophy?
Answer: You can learn more about the Heisman Trophy by visiting the Heisman Trophy website or by reading books and articles about the award.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Heisman Trophy. For more information, please visit the Heisman Trophy website or contact the Heisman Trophy Trust.
In addition to the FAQ section, here are some additional tips for learning more about the Heisman Trophy:
Tips
Here are some tips for learning more about the Heisman Trophy:
Tip 1: Visit the Heisman Trophy website.
The Heisman Trophy website is a great resource for information about the award. You can find a list of all the past winners, as well as information about the voting process and the criteria for winning the award.
Tip 2: Read books and articles about the Heisman Trophy.
There are many books and articles available about the Heisman Trophy. These resources can provide you with in-depth information about the history of the award and the players who have won it.
Tip 3: Watch Heisman Trophy presentations on YouTube.
Many Heisman Trophy presentations have been uploaded to YouTube. Watching these videos is a great way to see the excitement and emotion of the award ceremony.
Tip 4: Follow the Heisman Trophy on social media.
The Heisman Trophy has a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Following the Heisman Trophy on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the award.
By following these tips, you can learn more about the Heisman Trophy and appreciate its significance in the world of college football.
The Heisman Trophy is a prestigious award that is given to the most outstanding player in college football. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players who win it. The Heisman Trophy has a lasting impact on the lives of the players who win it, and it is an honor that is cherished by all who receive it.
Conclusion
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football. It is awarded annually to the player who is deemed to be the most outstanding in the United States.
The Heisman Trophy is a symbol of excellence in college football. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players who win it. Heisman Trophy winners are some of the most recognizable and iconic figures in the history of college football, and they continue to inspire future generations of players.
Winning the Heisman Trophy can have a lasting impact on a player's life and career. It can open doors to new opportunities and help players achieve their dreams.
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it is a legacy. It is a reminder of the great players who have come before and the impact that they have had on the sport of college football.
The future of the Heisman Trophy is bright. There are many talented players who are capable of winning the award in the years to come. The Heisman Trophy will continue to be a source of inspiration for players and fans alike for many years to come.