 Berwanger at the University of Chicago early 1930s | |
| No. 99 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Halfback |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 19, 1914 Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died: | June 26, 2002 (aged 88) Oak Brook, Illinois, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College |
|
| High school | Dubuque |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| College Football Hall of Fame (1954) | |
John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee.[1] In 1935, Berwanger was the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, renamed the Heisman Trophy the following year. At its inception, the award was given to "the most valuable player east of the Mississippi."[2] In 1936, Berwanger became the first player drafted into the National Football League in its inaugural 1936 NFL Draft, although he did not play professionally due to a salary dispute.
- ^ Curme, Emmett (October 3, 1954). "Knickered Football Officials Whistle While They Work". Chicago Tribune. p. 3-4. Retrieved April 26, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "New York Pays High Honors to Berwanger". Chicago Daily Tribune. December 11, 1935. p. 27.