Who is the only defender to win the Heisman Trophy?

The Heisman Trophy is a coveted yearly award given to the finest player in college football. It was founded in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City. The trophy was named after John W. Heisman, who was a player and a coach and led the sport to further development stages. It represents great athletic brilliance, sportsman spirit, and commitment to the team. Candidates are graded through the course of the season, and votes are cast by former winners, sports journalists, and a unified fan vote. The annual ceremony usually takes place in December and is a much-anticipated event in college football, featuring the three finalists and announcing the winner. Over the years, the Heisman Trophy winner has been portrayed as the pinnacle of individual success in college football, often leading to the realm of professional football.

Who is the only defender to win the Heisman Trophy?

The only defender to win the Heisman Trophy was Charles Woodson. He won it in 1997 as a cornerback for the University of Michigan. Woodson's defensive skills, offensive efforts, and special teams performance earned him recognition, making him truly unique in the history of college football.

The Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush played for the USC Trojans as a running back during the 2005 season. His trophy was taken away after the NCAA found out about Bush receiving improper benefits during his college career, making him ineligible. In 2010, he voluntarily forfeited the award and USC also returned the trophy. In 2021, when the NCAA policy on compensation for athletes changed, Bush and his supporters sought the reinstatement of his Heisman. USC restored his statistics, but the Heisman Trophy Trust has not restored his trophy and decided to maintain its initial ruling​.