Heisman Trophy

Guide Note:

Each December, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City presents the Heisman Trophy to the most outstanding player in college football. The award has been presented every year since 1935. The award is named for John Heisman, one of the pioneering and legendary figures in the early history of college football. The voting for the award is conducted among college football writers, broadcasters, and former winners of the award.

Fast Facts:

1. 1935: Jay Berwanger wins first award
2. 1961: Ernie Davis becomes first non-Caucasian to win
3. 40 winners have played running back, the most at one position
4. 17 award winners have been selected 1st overall in NFL Draft
5. 8 award winners eventually inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
6. Trophy itself is just over a foot tall and weighs 25 pounds

Double the pleasure

The only repeat winner of the award was Archie Griffin, who did so as a running back for Ohio State in 1974 and 1975. There has never been an award winner playing in their freshman season, and in 2007, Tim Tebow of Florida became the first sophomore player to win the award. Charles Woodson of Michigan is the only player to play exclusively on defense and win the award when he did so in 1997. Three schools are currently tied for having the most awards won: Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC have all won 7 times each.