Has a Heisman winner ever gone undrafted?

Last Modified Dec 7, 2024 13:58 GMT
Jason White, 2003 Heisman Award Winner, with his mom. Source: @jwhite__03

The Heisman Trophy is the annual award given to the most outstanding player in college football. This trophy exhibits leadership, excellence, and sportsmanship in college football. The votes are decided by fans, sports journalists, and former winners. Any NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision player is eligible, it goes to those players who play at the quarterback and running back positions. The winner is not only rewarded for statistical success but also for their impact in enabling their team to win major trophies. The ceremony takes place in New York City and is recognized as one of the biggest awards in college football.

The Heisman Trophy began in 1935 and was initially known as the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy. The trophy was renamed after the death of John W. Heisman in 1936. Early winners were mainly single-wing offensive players. Through the decades, the award evolved with the game and changed its offensive strategies and voting methodologies. Notable achievements for the trust include the participation of underclassmen candidates after the 1972 season, and virtual voting which was implemented in 2009, in order to streamline the selection process​.

Has a Heisman winner ever gone undrafted?

Jason White, the 2003 Heisman Trophy winner, was the only Heisman Trophy winner to go undrafted in the NFL Draft. White was a quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners and played the 2003 season as a senior. He was undrafted mainly due to injuries and needed more time to adjust to the professional realm.

FAQs on Heisman Trophy

A. Heisman Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding player in college football.

A. Sports journalists, past winners, and fans vote to determine the Heisman Trophy winner.

A. The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935.

A. The Heisman Trophy ceremony is held in New York City.

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