Heisman Trophy

Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy is an annual award presented to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States. The award is named after John Heisman, a prominent football player and coach in the early 20th century. The Heisman Trophy is considered one of the most prestigious awards in American sports.

History

The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. Originally called the DAC Trophy, it was renamed in 1936 to honor John Heisman, who was the club's athletic director until his death in 1936. The trophy was created to recognize the best college football player in the country, and it has been awarded annually ever since.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Heisman Trophy involves a panel of voters, which includes sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a public vote. The voters are divided into six regions across the United States, and each region has an equal number of votes. The public vote is conducted online and counts as one additional vote.

Criteria

The Heisman Trophy is awarded based on the player's performance during the college football season. Voters consider factors such as athletic ability, sportsmanship, and contributions to the team. While the award is typically given to offensive players, particularly quarterbacks and running backs, any player is eligible to win.

Notable Winners

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

• O.J. Simpson (1968)
• Archie Griffin (1974, 1975) - the only player to win the award twice
• Bo Jackson (1985)
• Barry Sanders (1988)
• Charles Woodson (1997) - the only primarily defensive player to win
• Tim Tebow (2007)
• Lamar Jackson (2016)

Impact and Legacy

Winning the Heisman Trophy often elevates a player's profile and can lead to increased opportunities in professional football. Many Heisman winners have gone on to have successful careers in the National Football League (NFL). The trophy itself has become a symbol of excellence in college football, and the award ceremony is a highly anticipated event each year.

Also see

• College Football Hall of Fame
• Maxwell Award
• Walter Camp Award
• Doak Walker Award
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award