The History of the Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935, and it was named after John W. Heisman, a prominent football player and coach who had a significant impact on the sport. The award was established to recognize the best college football player in the country, and it quickly became the most prestigious honor in the sport.
The voting process for the Heisman Trophy has evolved over the years. Initially, the award was determined through a simple vote by sportswriters. However, in the late 1980s, the award was opened up to all NCAA Division I football players, and the voting process was changed to a points system. Today, the award is determined by a vote from over 900 sportswriters, former Heisman Trophy winners, and fans.
Despite its long history, the Heisman Trophy has remained relevant and highly coveted. The award is a testament to the skill, hard work, and dedication required to excel in college football. For many young players, winning the Heisman Trophy is the ultimate achievement, and it serves as a launching pad to a successful career in the NFL.
What makes a Heisman Trophy winner?
Winning the Heisman Trophy requires exceptional skill and talent. However, it takes more than just talent to win this prestigious award. In addition to on-field performance, Heisman Trophy winners are also evaluated based on their leadership, sportsmanship, and character.
To be considered for the Heisman Trophy, a player must have outstanding statistics and demonstrate the ability to make a significant impact on their team. However, statistics alone are not enough to win the award. Heisman Trophy winners must also have the respect of their teammates, coaches, and opponents.
Many Heisman Trophy winners have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. However, winning the award is not a guarantee of future success. The NFL is a highly competitive league, and many Heisman Trophy winners have struggled to find success at the next level.
The most memorable Heisman Trophy winners of all time
Over the years, the Heisman Trophy has been awarded to many great players, each leaving their mark on the sport. Here are some of the most memorable Heisman Trophy winners of all time:
Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach won the Heisman Trophy in 1963 while playing for the United States Naval Academy. Staubach's career was cut short due to his service in the Navy, but he went on to have a successful career in the NFL, winning two Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 while playing for Oklahoma State University. Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 while playing for the University of Florida. Tebow was known for his exceptional leadership and work ethic, and he went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets.
Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 while playing for Texas A&M University. Manziel was known for his dynamic playmaking ability and his ability to improvise on the field. However, his NFL career was short-lived, and he struggled to find success at the next level.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 while playing for the University of Oklahoma. Mayfield was known for his accuracy and leadership, and he was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Heisman Trophy winners by position - quarterbacks, running backs, and other positions
Over the years, the Heisman Trophy has been awarded to players from various positions. However, quarterbacks and running backs have traditionally been the most successful at winning the award.
Quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy 44 times, more than any other position. Running backs have won the award 24 times, while other positions, such as wide receivers and defensive players, have won the award only 5 times combined.
Controversial Heisman Trophy winners
While the Heisman Trophy is generally awarded based on a player's on-field performance and character, there have been some controversial winners over the years. Some Heisman Trophy winners have been accused of cheating or breaking the rules, while others have been criticized for their off-field behavior.
One of the most controversial Heisman Trophy winners of all time is Reggie Bush. Bush won the award in 2005 while playing for the University of Southern California. However, the NCAA later determined that Bush had received improper benefits while playing for the school, and his Heisman Trophy was vacated in 2010.
Heisman Trophy winners who went on to NFL success
While winning the Heisman Trophy is not a guarantee of future success in the NFL, many Heisman Trophy winners have gone on to have successful careers at the next level. Some of the most successful Heisman Trophy winners in NFL history include:
Jim Plunkett
Jim Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy in 1970 while playing for Stanford University. Plunkett went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the New England Patriots, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen won the Heisman Trophy in 1981 while playing for the University of Southern California. Allen went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eddie George
Eddie George won the Heisman Trophy in 1995 while playing for Ohio State University. George went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Heisman Trophy Ceremony and Voting Process
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is held every December, and it is one of the most highly anticipated events in college football. The ceremony is attended by the finalists for the award, as well as past winners and other notable figures in the sport.
The voting process for the Heisman Trophy is conducted by the Heisman Trust, a non-profit organization that oversees the award. The voting is typically conducted in early December, and the winner is announced during the Heisman Trophy ceremony later in the month.
The Future of the Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy has remained relevant and highly coveted for over 85 years. However, the sport of college football is constantly evolving, and the Heisman Trophy will need to evolve with it to remain relevant in the future.
One potential change to the Heisman Trophy could be the expansion of the voting pool. Currently, the award is determined by a vote from sportswriters, former winners, and fans. However, some have suggested that the award should be determined by a larger group of voters, including coaches and players.
Another potential change to the Heisman Trophy could be the inclusion of more positions. While quarterbacks and running backs have traditionally been the most successful at winning the award, other positions, such as wide receivers and defensive players, have also made significant contributions to the sport.
Regardless of any future changes, the Heisman Trophy will remain a symbol of excellence in college football for years to come. The award represents the highest level of achievement in the sport, and it serves as a source of inspiration for young players across the country.
