Heisman Trophy: A Brief History of College Fooball's Most Famous Award

For the 77th time, a Heisman Trophy winner will be announced tonight, and one of five young men will become a part of an exclusive and prestigious club. 

The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 and was not even called the Heisman Trophy. Early on, it was called the DAC Trophy, which was created by New York's Downtown Athletic Club.

In 1935, Jay Berwanger of Chicago was the first player to win this award and since he won it, the only player to ever win the award twice is Archie Griffin.

While the award is suppose to go to the most outstanding player in college football, it is interesting to know that Charles Woodson is the only primary defensive player to win the award; so many view this as another trophy for offensive performance. 

Another first for the Heisman Trophy occurred in 1961. After some deserving players went unrecognized, the first African American to win the award was Ernie Davis. Sadly, Davis would pass away two years later. 

Another interesting aspect about the Heisman was the fact that it appeared to be an award given to a senior player or even sometimes a junior. After making it all the way to 2007, Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to ever win the award. He wasn't alone for long, as Sam Bradford and Mark Ingram joined that club as well.

Tonight, Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson, Robert Griffin III, Montee Ball and Tyrann Mathieu all will wait to see if they can be the 75th member of this club. Archie Griffin has won twice and they no longer acknowledge Reggie Bush as a Heisman Winner.

It is now only a matter of time. The waiting is over as everyone will gather to announce the Heisman Trophy winner. Each player is now just waiting and hoping, and later tonight it will be announced that the 77th Heisman Trophy is awarded to...

Joe Penkala is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the Oregon Ducks. You can contact him @joepenkala