Big Ten Football: Ranking the 30 best players of all time

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 09: The Heisman Trophy is displayed at a press conference for the 2017 Heisman Trophy Presentation on December 9, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Jay Berwanger Career Statistics, 1933-1935

Games Played: 24
Carries: 439
Rushing Yards: 1,839
Yards per Carry: 4.2
Total Offense: 2,760
Total Touchdowns: 22
Notables: 1935 Heisman Trophy, 1935 Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner, 1935 Unanimous First Team All-American

As a star running back for the Chicago Maroons, Jay Berwanger was a final glimmer for the program before their departure from the Big Ten in 1939. Berwanger holds the famous distinction of being the first recipient of the John W. Heisman Memorial Trophy, or known today simply as the Heisman Trophy. Berwanger accumulated 2,760 yards of total offense and 22 total touchdowns in his career at Chicago.

Berwanger arrived at the University of Chicago in 1933, he was a star athlete at Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa and came the year following the retirement of legendary head coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. He put up his best rushing numbers his first year, compiling 667 yards. His final two years showcased him doing a little bit of everything: running, passing, kicking and returning.

Berwanger was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1936 NFL Draft but never played a down in the NFL.

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