Heisman Trophy trivia: Who was the first Heisman winner?

Do you know who won the very first Heisman Trophy?

When it comes to recognizing the best players in college football, the Heisman Trophy is the award to win. Every year, the trophy is handed out to the best player in college football and they join a list of legends that have received their illustrious award before them.

Over the years, some of the greatest to ever lace up cleats have won the award and have forever etched their name in history. Names like Archie Griffin, Tim Tebow, Lamar Jackson and others have hoisted the trophy high in the air to celebrate their achievements.

In 2017, another will join the exclusive club and have their name put in the history books. Since 1935, the award has been handed out each year to the best in the game and the legacy of the award continues to build with each recipient.

The first winner in 1935, was Chicago’s, Jay Berwanger. The senior running back would receive the then Downtown Athletic Club Trophy. It would shortly be renamed after and has since been known as the Heisman Trophy.

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82 years later, someone else will be joining the ranks as a winner. It could be a running back again this year, as Penn State’s Saquon Barkley has put together a strong resume. However, the heavy favorite coming into the ceremony is Oklahoma’s, Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield has put together an outstanding season at the quarterback spot and has led his team to the College Football Playoff. The dynamic quarterback has proven to be just as dangerous running the ball as he is passing it. When the votes are tallied, Mayfield could be the one that joins the late Berwanger in an exclusive class of the greatest players in college football history.