While the Heisman Memorial Trophy stands as the pinnacle of individual achievement in college football, the story of the man behind the name, John W. Heisman, often remains untold. Heisman wasn’t just a name associated with an award; he was a pivotal figure in the sport’s formative years, a meticulous strategist, and a witness to football’s dramatic evolution. Few individuals have had such a profound and lasting impact on the gridiron as John W. Heisman, a true innovator of the game.
Born John William Heisman on October 23, 1869, in Cleveland, Ohio, his formative years were spent amidst the oil boom of Titusville, Pennsylvania. His initial encounters with football were rudimentary, a blend of soccer and rugby played in open fields. In 1887, at the age of 17, Heisman’s journey took him to Brown University, where he engaged in informal club football with fellow students. After two years honing his passion for the sport, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in 1889, aiming to pursue a law degree while continuing his football endeavors. Despite being considered undersized for the era at 5’8” and 158lbs, his tenacity and football acumen earned him a spot on the varsity team for three seasons. He showcased his versatility by playing various positions, including guard, center, tackle, and occasionally end, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game’s dynamics even as a player.
From Player to Pioneer Coach
A dramatic turning point occurred when a lightning strike severely impacted Heisman’s eyesight. Despite this setback, he persevered, completing his law degree orally and graduating in the spring of 1892. This adversity did not deter him; instead, it propelled him into the world of coaching. His inaugural coaching role began immediately after graduation at Oberlin College. In just its second year of having a football program, Heisman’s leadership was transformative, guiding the team to an undefeated season across seven games and marking the impressive launch of John W. Heisman’s coaching career.
[Insert image here of John Heisman coaching a team. Alt text: John W. Heisman passionately instructing his football team during a game, highlighting his early coaching career.]
Heisman’s coaching journey was marked by diverse tenures at institutions like Auburn, Clemson, the University of Pennsylvania, Washington & Jefferson, and Rice. However, his most celebrated and impactful period was at Georgia Tech (1904-1919). There, his “Golden Tornadoes” became synonymous with offensive dominance, achieving a remarkable 33-game winning streak. His innovative strategies and emphasis on scoring transformed Georgia Tech into a national powerhouse. After fifteen seasons of unparalleled success, Coach Heisman departed Georgia Tech in 1919 to return to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, as head coach. Following three years at Penn, he briefly coached at Washington & Jefferson before venturing west to Rice Institute in Texas. By 1927, after more than three decades shaping the landscape of college football, John W. Heisman retired from coaching at the age of 62, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he passionately cultivated.
Life Beyond the Sidelines: Author and Visionary
Retirement from coaching for John W. Heisman was not a cessation of his contributions to the sport; rather, it marked a transition to new avenues of influence. Relocating to New York City provided him with ample time to pursue writing and advisory roles. His insightful articles on football strategy and the sport’s evolution were featured in prominent publications like American Liberty and Colliers Magazine. Further solidifying his expertise, he served as the football editor for the Sporting Goods Journal, a respected professional publication. His prolific writing and deep understanding of football garnered significant recognition. On May 23, 1930, John W. Heisman was appointed as the first Athletic Director of the prestigious Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) of New York City. In this pivotal role, Heisman’s vision extended beyond administration. He spearheaded the formation of the Touchdown Club of New York and later played a crucial role in establishing the National Football Coaches Association, further institutionalizing the sport he loved.
[Insert image here of John Heisman later in life, possibly at the Downtown Athletic Club. Alt text: John W. Heisman in his later years, possibly at the Downtown Athletic Club, reflecting his post-coaching career as an administrator and writer.]
One of Heisman’s most enduring legacies originated from his position at the DAC. Tasked by DAC officers, John W. Heisman was instrumental in conceiving and structuring a system to annually recognize the most outstanding college football player in the nation. Despite initial reservations about singling out an individual in a team sport, he ultimately recognized the value of such an award in celebrating collective team success. The inaugural Downtown Athletic Club Award was presented in 1935 to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. Tragically, just before the second award ceremony, John W. Heisman passed away due to pneumonia on October 3, 1936. In a profound tribute to his lasting impact, the DAC officers unanimously voted to rename the award the Heisman Memorial Trophy in his honor, ensuring that the name John W. Heisman would forever be associated with excellence in college football.
A Lasting Impact on American Football
Throughout his illustrious coaching career, John W. Heisman fundamentally reshaped the game, contributing significantly to football becoming a national obsession. He considered the legalization of the forward pass in 1906 as his most significant contribution, a rule change he tirelessly advocated for over three years, lobbying Walter Camp and the rules committee. His deep understanding of the game was such that many of his recommendations were adopted verbatim into the official rule book, solidifying his role as a true architect of modern football.
John W. Heisman earned the respect and friendship of numerous luminaries in the world of sports. His circle of acquaintances included legendary coaches like Robert C. Zuppke of Illinois, Fielding Yost of Michigan, Amos Alonzo Stagg of Chicago, Dr. J.W. Wilce of Ohio State, and D.X. Bible of Texas A&M. He also counted among his friends iconic sportswriter Grantland Rice, golf legend and first Grand Slam winner Robert Jones Jr., and former teammate and Mayor of Philadelphia Harry A Mackey. John W. Heisman’s life touched countless individuals, and the spirit of innovation, strategic thinking, and dedication to the sport that defined him continues to inspire those honored with the Heisman Memorial Trophy, ensuring his legacy endures for generations of football enthusiasts.
Material contained in this article is from the book, Heisman, the Man Behind the Trophy by John M. Heisman and Mark Schlabach, published by Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster. It is used by permission of the author, and is not for copy, reproduction or republication except by expressed written consent of the author, John M. Heisman.
