Michigan and Northwestern to play for George Jewett Trophy, first Black Big Ten football player

Michigan football and Northwestern football establish the George Jewett Trophy.

There’s a new rivalry trophy in the Big Ten.

Michigan and Northwestern football programs jointly announced on Thursday a new rivalry game trophy, the George Jewett Trophy. The George Jewett Trophy marks the first rivalry game trophy named for an African-American player in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history.

Jewett was the first African-American to play football for a Big Ten school and was a member of both Michigan and Northwestern programs throughout his collegiate career.

Jewett played for the Wolverines in the 1890 and 1892 seasons as a fullback and halfback and was the team’s main kicker. He was also a standout athlete for the track and baseball programs at the school, all while studying medicine.

George Jewett is the first African-American to play Big Ten football

The Ann Arbor, Mich. native ventured to Northwestern to complete his medical degree and lettered and starred on the Wildcats’ football squad for two seasons.

After college, Jewett commenced his professional career as a doctor in Chicago. He returned to Ann Arbor in 1899 where he also served as a football coach at Michigan Agricultural College and Olivet.

Jewett died in 1908 at age 38, leaving behind a wife and two sons.

“This is a historic moment in major college football history,” said Michigan’s Director of Athletics Warde Manuel. “We are proud to partner with our peer institution, Northwestern, to recognize and honor an African American pioneer in George Jewett.”

“This is a deserved and exciting acknowledgment of Dr. George Jewett, a landmark figure for both Northwestern and Michigan,” said Janna Blais, NU’s interim Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation. “Beginning this fall, each time Wildcats and Wolverines student-athletes meet on the football field, it will be in celebration of a true pioneer. Every future meeting will stand as an opportunity to educate, communicate and inspire our communities in Dr. Jewett’s memory. Those dates also will offer a chance to take stock of the critical work taking place to create cultures defined by justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and excellence on our campuses and beyond.”

“Dr. George Jewett’s academic, athletic, community and cultural accolades transcend time,” stated Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren. “We are proud that the University of Michigan and Northwestern University will honor Dr. Jewett’s extraordinary humanity, courage, intelligence, success and legacy with the first rivalry game trophy featuring an African American football player in FBS and Big Ten history. Dr. Jewett’s dedication and perseverance to achieve excellence in every area of his life are an inspiration to every man and woman and provide evidence that with hard work and passion there are no limitations to achieving your dreams. We must continue to work together to honor Dr. Jewett by eliminating racism and hate and creating equality in our society.”

The George Jewett Trophy now becomes the 16th rivalry game trophy in the Big Ten.

The first meeting between Michigan and Northwestern for the George Jewett Trophy is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

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