John Heisman is a legendary figure in American football history, but did you know he has ties to Texas?
Born on October 23, 1869, in Cleveland, Ohio, Heisman made lasting contributions to the sport as a player and coach. The Heisman Trophy, awarded each year to the nation’s top college football player, is named after him, a testament to his enduring legacy.
In 1924, John Heisman took over as head coach at Rice University in Texas, marking a pivotal chapter in his illustrious career. His time at Texas was transformative; Heisman brought innovative strategies and rigorous coaching methods to Rice’s fledgling football program.
Heisman is credited with several innovations in American football, such as the forward pass, the trick ball, and the center/tackle interchange, which helped shape the modern football. At Rice, he instilled discipline and skill in his players, creating a competitive team and laying the groundwork for the university’s future success in college football. Although his time at Rice was relatively short, his impact was significant and lasting, contributing much to the school’s athletic heritage.
The trophy that bears Heisman’s name also has a rich tradition in Texas. Ten winners were born in or played high school football in Texas, plus numerous other former Texas high school football stars who were Heisman Trophy finalists but did not win, such as Vince Young and Colt McCoy.
Texas Heisman Trophy Winners
- Born: Dallas, Texas
- High school: Woodrow Wilson High School
- Colleague: Texas Christian University (TCU)
- University statistics: 1,733 passing yards, 19 touchdowns
- Born: Dallas, Texas
- High school: Highland Park High School
- Colleague: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
- University statistics: 3,065 all-purpose yards, 288 points (45 games)
- Born: Marion, Texas
- High school: Springhill High School (Louisiana)
- Colleague: Texas A&M University
- University statistics: 129 carries, 562 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns (senior year)
- Born: Dallas, Texas
- High school: Woodrow Wilson High School
- Colleague: University of Notre Dame
- University statistics: 5,024 all-purpose yards, 22 touchdowns
- Born: Galveston, Texas
- High school: Dickinson High School
- Colleague: University of Houston
- University statistics: 4,699 passing yards, 46 touchdowns (Heisman season)
- Born: San Marcos, Texas
- High school: Southwest High School (San Antonio, Texas)
- Colleague: Brigham Young University (BYU)
- University statistics: 15,031 passing yards, 121 touchdowns (career)
- Born: Okinawa, Japan (moved to Texas as a child)
- High school: Copperas Cove High School
- Colleague: Baylor University
- University statistics: 10,366 passing yards, 78 passing touchdowns, 2,254 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns (career)
- Born: Tyler, Texas
- High school: Tivy High School (Kerrville, Texas)
- Colleague: Texas A&M University
- University statistics: 7,820 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns, 2,169 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns (career)
- Born: Austin, Texas
- High school: Lake Travis High School
- Colleague: University of Oklahoma
- University statistics: 14,607 passing yards, 131 passing touchdowns, 21 rushing touchdowns (career)
- Born: Bedford, Texas
- High school: Allen High School
- Colleague: University of Oklahoma
- University statistics: 4,361 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, 1,001 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns (Heisman season)
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