“The Heisman Trophy” is the ultimate dream for college football players, who aspire to win it every day. The Heisman Trophy acknowledges the exceptional performance and commitment to excellence and integrity of the top college football player of the season. It’s given every year to the excellent player by the Heisman Trophy Trust, who embodies exceptional talent and demonstrates dedication, resilience, and hard work. But ever occurred in your mind, who is the person behind this extraordinary legacy of appreciation? Let’s know everything about him.

On the 3rd of October, the Heisman Trophy took to its official Instagram account to remember the enduring legacy of the man behind this esteemed recognition. Mr. John William Heisman is the person after whom the trophy was named. He is given a tribute on his death anniversary for his significant contributions to the game and his enduring values represented by the trophy, saying, “On this day, the anniversary of his passing, the Heisman Trophy Trust would like to salute the first Athletic Director of the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City and the man for whom the Heisman Trophy is named, John W. Heisman. A player, coach, and pioneer of the game, John Heisman was the force behind the addition of the forward pass to football in 1906, just one example of his tremendous impact on the game we know and love today.”

Well, talking about John William Heisman’s early life, he was born on October 23, 1869, in the beautiful city in Cleveland, Ohio. John started his career as a drama student but soon understood his fondness for football. He even confessed to being so into this game that he was “football mad.”

Even though John Williams’ father didn’t support his desire, calling it “bestial,” he never gave up on his dream. Words can’t really define his remarkable gameplay. He excelled in various roles, both on and off the field, as a player, coach, sportswriter, and actor in football, baseball, and basketball. Talking about the team he coached, he was a head basketball coach at Georgia Tech.

Well, the award was originally called the Downtown Athletic Club Award. However, on October 3, 1936, John W. Heisman passed away from pneumonia, and it was renamed in his memory that same year. Today, it’s the most honored recognition for any college football player. Let’s see what the Heisman Trophy contenders this year.

Heisman Trophy contenders this year

Last year, former LSU Tigers star quarterback Jayden Daniels emerged as the Heisman Trophy winner, and now he is playing in the NFL for the Washington Commanders.

This year, the odds are leaning towards Colorado Buffs dual-threat player Travis Hunter, given his prowess on both sides of the game for Colorado this season. The Heisman voters have already seen some highlight-worthy performances from Hunter. In the Buffs’ faceoff against the UCF, Hunter hit the “Heisman Pose” after making a spectacular interception. However, that’s not the only thing; Travis also caught nine passes running for 89 yards with a touchdown, which resulted in a high-margin win of 48-21 for Prime Time’s team. That’s not all, folks! How can we not use this opportunity to remind you of Travis Hunter forcing a game-winning fumble into the endzone against the Baylor Bears? That made the entire stadium rush to the field. We still have goosebumps of that moment.

Apart from him, Alabama Crimson Tide’s star quarterback Jalen Milroe is one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy this year after his exceptional performance in their faceoff against the Georgia Bulldogs. Jalen ran for 374 yards and the game-highest 117 rushing yards with four touchdowns. Imagine a QB having 500 yards of offense in a single game! These are just ridiculous numbers, but such performances will be needed if Milroe has to clinch the Heisman trophy. Such is the competition.

Many more players are in the race for this prestigious award, but Travis and Jalen are the talk of the town after their exceptional gameplay in their Week 5 games. Let’s see who emerges as the ultimate winner this year.