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Born in 1914 in Iowa, John Jacob Berwanger is famous for his career playing collegiate football. Jay Berwanger played at the University of Chicago mostly as a powerful running back; in a game against the University of Michigan, he left a scar beneath the left eye of future President Gerald Ford. He was an all-around athlete and set a school decathlon record in 1936 that lasted for over seventy years. Berwanger was also the first ever awardee of the Heisman Trophy (although that year it was called the “Downtown Athletic Club Trophy.” His performance during these years earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. While Berwanger was drafted and eager desired in the National Football League, he decided not to play professional football. Ever modest about his awards, he is known to have used his Heisman Trophy as a doorstop in his library. Berwanger passed away in 2002, but his legacy continues to impress people today.
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