Dec. 13, 2010
Trophy NameNamed for Championship Game Trophies
Stagg-Paterno Championship Trophy
Amos Alonzo Stagg, Chicago
Joe Paterno, Penn State
Grange-Griffin Championship Game MVP
Harold Edward "Red" Grange, Illinois
Archie Griffin, Ohio State Postgraduate Awards
Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award
Gerald R. Ford, Michigan
Nile Kinnick, Iowa
Dungy-Thompson Humanitarian Award
Tony Dungy, Minnesota
Anthony Thompson, Indiana Annual Awards/Trophies
Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year
Otto Graham, Northwestern
Eddie George, Ohio State
Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski, Minnesota
Charles Woodson, Michigan
Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year
Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes, Ohio State
Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler, Michigan
Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year
Darrell Thompson, Minnesota
Antwaan Randle El, Indiana
Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year
Dave Rimington, Nebraska
Orlando Pace, Ohio State
Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith, Michigan State
Courtney Brown, Penn State
Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year
Bob Griese, Purdue
Drew Brees, Purdue
Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year
Alan Ameche, Wisconsin
Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year
Jack Tatum, Ohio State
Rod Woodson, Purdue
Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year
Dick Butkus, Illinois
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year
Pat Richter, Wisconsin
Desmond Howard, Michigan
Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year
Ted Kwalick, Penn State
Dallas Clark, Iowa
Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year
Jim Bakken, Wisconsin
Morten Andersen, Michigan State
Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year
Thomas Dwight "Dike" Eddleman, Illinois
Brandon Fields, Michigan State
Championship Game Trophies
Stagg-Paterno Championship Trophy
Amos Alonzo Stagg, Chicago (1892-1932)
Coach
A coaching pioneer in several sports, Amos Alonzo Stagg coached football at the University of Chicago from 1892-1932, leading the Maroons to national championships in 1905 and 1913. He also coached basketball at the school for one season and was the head baseball coach for 19 seasons. At Chicago, Stagg compiled a 199-94-22 record while the school was a member of the Big Ten, and that wins total ranks second among all Big Ten coaches. His 116 wins in Big Ten games ranks third, and his seven conference titles ties him for fifth. Stagg has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. On the basketball court, Stagg developed the game as a five-player sport and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 as a member of the Hall's first class. Stagg's name graces two high schools in the United States, and the NCAA Division III Football Championship Game, the Stagg Bowl, is named in his honor. (
return to chart)
Joe Paterno, Penn State (1950-Present)
Coach
Joe Paterno is the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, and has held that post since 1966. Paterno started his football career at Brown University as a quarterback and cornerback and currently shares the school record for career interceptions at 14. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native has been on the Penn State coaching staff for 61 seasons, holding the record for most seasons by any football coach at any university. This year, Paterno became the first Football Bowl Subdivision coach to reach 400 career victories. With two national championships and five undefeated and untied seasons, Paterno is the only coach with the distinction of having won the Rose, Orange, Fiesta and Sugar Bowls. Additionally, Paterno holds more career bowl victories than any coach in history with 24. He has been named Walter Camp Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year three times, while earning Associated Press Coach of the Year honors in 2005. In 1986, Paterno was the first college football coach named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated. (
return to chart)
Grange-Griffin Championship Game MVPRed Grange, Illinois (1923-1925)
Halfback
Harold Edward "Red" Grange played for Illinois between 1923 and 1925, establishing himself as one of the top college football players of all time. The halfback earned the inaugural Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award, given to the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player, in 1924. He was also a three-time consensus All-American at Illinois, where his No. 77 jersey was retired immediately following his final game in 1925. Grange went on to star for the NFL's Chicago Bears and the AFL's New York Yankees, retiring from football in 1934. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in the inaugural class in 1951 before also being inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1963. Grange is also a member of the Football Writers Association of America's All-Time All-America Team, the Walter Camp All-Century Team and the Illinois All-Century Team, among others.(
return to chart)
Archie Griffin, Ohio State (1972-1975)
Tailback
A four-year starting tailback at Ohio State between 1972 and 1975, Archie Griffin is the only person to date to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies. Griffin, a three-time first team All-American, also took home the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player in 1973 and 1974. Griffin and the Buckeyes earned four consecutive Big Ten titles from 1972 to 1975 when he set school records that still stand for rushing yards, rushing attempts and 100-yard games. Griffin was selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he would play for seven seasons. Along with having his No. 45 jersey retired by his alma mater in 1999, Griffin has been inducted to the College Football, Rose Bowl and Ohio State Halls of Fame. (
return to chart)
Postgraduate Awards
Ford-Kinnick Leadership AwardGerald Ford, Michigan (1932-1934)
Center
Ford was part of Michigan's undefeated conference and national championship teams in 1932 and 1933, was voted the team's most valuable player, and appeared in the annual East-West College All-Star game after his senior year in 1934. Following his standout career as a Wolverine, Ford had offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers to play professionally. He declined those offers, choosing instead to devote his work to community service. After two years coaching football and boxing at Yale, he returned to Ann Arbor in the summer of 1937 as a law student and was admitted to the Yale Law School in 1938. After opening his own law practice after graduation, Ford enlisted with the Navy in 1941 and served with the armed forces until 1946. Turning his attention to politics, the Grand Rapids, Mich., native represented his hometown district in the United State House of Representatives for 25 years, taking on the role of Richard Nixon's Vice President from 1973-1974. Following Nixon's resignation, Ford became the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974-1977. In 1994, Ford's No. 48 became just the fifth retired jersey in Michigan history. (
return to chart)
Nile Kinnick, Iowa (1937-1939)
Halfback
Lauded for selflessness and leadership, Nile Kinnick was the epitome of the elite student-athlete. Kinnick, a two-time All-Big Ten performer, reached unparalleled popularity among his teammates and classmates while at Iowa. Not only was he the winner of the 1939 Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp and Maxwell awards, he was senior class president and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the national scholastic honor society. Graduating with a 3.4 grade-point average, one of the greatest Hawkeyes of all-time enrolled in law school before enlisting in the Naval Air Corps Reserves and was called to active duty just three days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. In June 1943, Kinnick died after an oil leak caused his fighter plane to crash into the Caribbean Sea. Kinnick's impact on the game is evident throughout history, as he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1951, while Iowa Stadium was renamed Kinnick Stadium in 1972. (
return to chart)
Dungy-Thompson Humanitarian AwardTony Dungy, Minnesota (1973-1976)
Quarterback/Defensive Back
Tony Dungy was a quarterback at the University of Minnesota and a player and coach in the NFL. While at Minnesota, Dungy finished as the school's career leader in pass attempts, completions, touchdown passes and passing yards while earning Minnesota's Most Valuable Player award twice. Dungy started his professional career playing for the Super Bowl XIII Champion Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He finished his professional playing career with the New York Giants in 1980. In 1996, Dungy earned his first head coaching position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, posting four playoff appearances and winning the NFC South in 1999. Dungy then became head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2002, where he went 85-27 and set NFL records for most consecutive playoff seasons (10) and consecutive 12-win seasons (six). Dungy won Super Bowl XLI, and became the first African-American head coach to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The Jackson, Mich., native has achieved personal accomplishments outside of sports, including starting a mentoring program named Mentors for Life and being appointed a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. He also supports numerous non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, Prison Crusade Ministry and Family First. (
return to chart)
Anthony Thompson, Indiana (1986-1989)
Running Back
A consensus All-American following his junior and senior seasons, Anthony Thompson capped his career in Bloomington as the Division I touchdowns record holder. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year as a junior and senior, earning numerous national awards during his final year on campus. The Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award winner, Thompson finished second in the 1989 Heisman Trophy voting. Beginning in 1997, Thompson spent five seasons on the Indiana staff before becoming an administrator with the Indiana Varsity Club. He has since held Bible study sessions for the football team and currently serves as a pastor at a local Bloomington church. Thompson was called upon when former Indiana coach Terry Hoeppner was diagnosed with brain cancer, providing spiritual guidance to Hoeppner and his family during the course of the illness. Having served the church and Indiana University for the last 20 years, the College Football Hall of Fame inductee continues to be a positive influence to the Bloomington community. (
return to chart)
Annual Awards/Trophies
Graham-George Offensive Player of the YearOtto Graham, Northwestern (1941-1943)
Tailback/Quarterback
A native of Waukegan, Ill., Otto Graham was a multi-sport star at Northwestern, playing football, baseball, and basketball. During his senior year, Graham finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, playing as a single wing tailback. That same year, Graham also earned All-America honors in basketball. After graduating from Northwestern and a stint in the Army Air Corps, Graham moved on to professional sports, first playing for the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League, before joining the Cleveland Browns. Shifting to quarterback for the Browns, Graham led the team to 10 straight league championship games (4 AAFC, 6 NFL) and won 85 percent of his games, eventually earning a spot on the NFL's 75th anniversary team. Graham has been inducted into both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fames. (
return to chart)
Eddie George, Ohio State (1992-1995)
Running Back
Eddie George spent four seasons in the Ohio State backfield, becoming one of the most decorated rushers in program history. George, a two-year starter, closed out his record-breaking Buckeye career by reeling in the 1995 Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award, along with being named the Walter Camp National Player of the Year and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He began his professional career with the 1996 NFL Rookie of the Year award after being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. George went on to play nine seasons in the NFL with Houston, the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys, helping Tennessee to a Super Bowl appearance in 2000. The Philadelphia native also appeared in four consecutive Pro Bowls between 1997 and 2000. George returned to Ohio State in 2001 to earn his bachelor's degree and watch his alma mater retire his No. 27 jersey. (
return to chart)
Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the YearBronko Nagurski, Minnesota (1927-1929)
Fullback/Tackle
Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski was a three-time All-American during his career in Minnesota. A consensus All-American as a senior, Nagurski helped the Gophers to an 18-4-2 record and the 1927 Big Ten Championship during his career. His No. 72 was eventually retired by the school, and he was part of the inaugural class of inductees to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Professionally, he played for the Chicago Bears from 1930-37, leading the Bears to seven division titles and two NFL Championships and became the only NFL player to be named All-Pro at three non-kicking positions. Nagurski began a professional wrestling career following the 1937 season, winning three heavyweight championships. He returned to the gridiron in 1943, helped Chicago to another NFL Championship and cemented his place as part of the NFL's first Hall of Fame Class in 1963. One of college football's postseason awards bears his namesake, as the Bronko Nagurski Award is presented annually to the nation's outstanding defensive player. (
return to chart)
Charles Woodson, Michigan (1995-1997)
Cornerback
Charles Woodson played three seasons at cornerback for Michigan, highlighted by the Heisman Trophy and a national championship in his final season in 1997. Woodson began his collegiate career in 1995, earning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and first-team All-Big Ten honors as a newcomer. After earning first team All-America status in his sophomore season in 1996, he led the Wolverines to a 12-0 record en route to national and Big Ten titles in 1997. For his efforts, Woodson became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy and collected the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Walter Camp, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe awards, along with being named a unanimous All-American. Woodson was selected in the first round of the 1998 draft by the Oakland Raiders, where he earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Now in his 13th NFL season, he has appeared in six Pro Bowls and earned the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award in 2009. (
return to chart)
Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the YearWoody Hayes, Ohio State (1951-1978)
Coach
The winningest head football coach in Ohio State history, Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes led the Buckeyes to conference-record 205 wins over his 28 seasons in Columbus. Hayes coached at Ohio State from 1951 until 1978, reeling in five national championships and 13 Big Ten titles, including six in a row between 1972 and 1977. Hayes took Ohio State to four consecutive Rose Bowl games from 1972 to 1975, cementing the Buckeyes as one of only two teams in the bowl's history to appear in four straight years. The three-time National and two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year also coached 56 first team All-Americans, three Heisman Trophy winners, three Outland Trophy honorees and two Lombardi Award winners. Before Ohio State, Hayes coached at his alma mater of Denison College for three seasons before moving on to Miami (Ohio), where he spent two seasons on the sidelines before beginning his career at Ohio State. Hayes is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. (
return to chart)
Bo Schembechler, Michigan (1969-1990)
Coach/Athletic Director
Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler coached at Michigan from 1969-89, amassing a record of 194-48-5 with the Wolverines. He is the all-time leader in winning percentage in Big Ten games (.850), guiding his teams to a 143-24-3 mark during conference play. He ranks third on the Big Ten's list for most overall wins and second in conference wins. He is tied with Ohio State's Woody Hayes for most Big Ten titles, having won 13 in his 21-year tenure at Michigan. With the Wolverines, he was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in six different seasons and also earned National Coach of the Year recognition from at least one organization four times. In 1988, Schembechler assumed the role of Michigan's athletic director, eventually leaving the school in 1990, taking the position of president for Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers. Schembechler has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach. (
return to chart)
Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the YearDarrell Thompson, Minnesota (1986-1989)
Running Back
Darrell Thompson was named the inaugural Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1986 when he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors while leading the conference in rushing. He set a school single-season record with 1,376 rushing yards on 242 attempts in 1986 and led the Gophers to the Liberty Bowl. Thompson would conclude his time in Minneapolis with 4,654 yards on 936 attempts, which both still stand as school records and rank among the top 10 in Big Ten history. His 40 career rushing touchdowns also remain a program record, while his 98-yard run against Michigan in 1987 is still tied for the longest rushing play in Big Ten history. Thompson was selected 19th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 1990 NFL Draft and played 60 games for the Packers from 1990-94, with 28 starts, 1,640 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Thompson is currently part of the radio broadcast crew for Gophers football and is also the program manager for the Minneapolis Jaycees Charitable Foundation. (
return to chart)
Antwaan Randle El, Indiana (1998-2001)
Quarterback
A native of Riverdale, Ill., Antwaan Randle El was a quarterback at Indiana and played in the NFL. As a Hoosier, Randle El was the first player in NCAA Division I history to pass for 40 touchdowns and rush for 40 touchdowns in a career. Additionally, he was the first player in college football history to record 2,500 total yards in four consecutive years. In his senior year, the first-team All-American was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. As his career ended at Indiana, Randle El was fifth on the all-time NCAA total yardage list. In 2002, he was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being moved to wide receiver, he helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL where he became the third non-quarterback and the first receiver to throw a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. (
return to chart)
Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year
Dave Rimington, Nebraska (1979-1982)
Center
Dave Rimington was a consensus All-American as a junior and senior and was named the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year in 1981, marking the only time in that conference's history a lineman had ever earned the honor. In his junior and senior seasons of 1981 and 1982, Rimington won the Outland Trophy, given annually to the nation's top lineman, and was also honored with the Lombardi Award in 1982. His No. 50 was retired by the Cornhuskers following his senior year. He claimed his status among the all-time greats by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. A first-round draft pick in 1983, he played seven seasons in the NFL before retiring at the end of the 1989 season. He was named the starting center in Sports Illustrated's NCAA Football All-Century Team. College football annually honors the nation's best center with the Rimington Trophy, which was first awarded in 2000. Since then, four Big Ten student-athletes have earned the honor. (
return to chart)
Orlando Pace, Ohio State (1994-1996)
Offensive Tackle
Orlando Pace started every game of his career at Ohio State, amassing 38 starts at tackle over three seasons for the Buckeyes. Pace began his collegiate career with the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award in 1994, becoming just the second tackle to win the award. Pace then became the first sophomore to win the Lombardi Award, given to the nation's most outstanding lineman, in 1995 before becoming the first two-time winner of the award in 1996. The two-time Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year also reeled in the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's best interior lineman, along with the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Chicago Tribune Big Ten Most Valuable Player awards after leading Ohio State to the conference title in 1996. After his junior season, Pace was chosen by the St. Louis Rams as the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. Pace has played 13 seasons in the NFL, highlighted by seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory in 2000. He is also a member of Sports Illustrated's NCAA Football All-Century Team. (
return to chart)
Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the YearBubba Smith, Michigan State (1964-1966)
Defensive End
A defensive end at Michigan State, Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1965 and 1966 and earned consensus All-America status the same two years, including unanimous selection in 1966. That season, he led Michigan State in what is dubbed the "Game of the Century" - a 10-10 tie between the second-ranked Spartans and No. 1 Notre Dame. He has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, one of nine Spartans to have earned the honor. Smith was the first overall selection in the 1967 NFL Draft and won Super Bowl V with the Baltimore Colts following the 1970 season. Smith was selected to two Pro Bowls and played in the NFL through the 1976 season. Following his professional football career, Smith began his career as an actor and is best-known for his role of Moses Hightower in the Police Academy movies. (
return to chart)
Courtney Brown, Penn State (1996-1999)
Defensive End
Courtney Brown played four seasons for Penn State and was a mainstay on the Nittany Lion defensive line. Brown earned Big Ten Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year honors along with being named a consensus All-American in his senior year in 1999. The Alvin, S.C., native earned All-Big Ten status in each of his three years as a starter, including first-team laurels in 1998 and 1999. The Nittany Lions went to four straight bowl games during Brown's career, highlighted by a win in the 1999 Outback Bowl, in which he was named the Most Valuable Player. Brown was selected as the first overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft and played six seasons professionally with the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos. (
return to chart)
Griese-Brees Quarterback of the YearBob Griese, Purdue (1964-1966)
Quarterback
Bob Griese was a multi-sport athlete at Purdue, playing football, baseball and basketball. As a Boilermaker, Griese recorded a 27-7-1 record in his three seasons as starting quarterback and was a consensus All-American as a junior in 1965. During his senior year, the Evansville, Ind., native was runner-up in the 1966 Heisman Trophy voting and led the school to its first Rose Bowl appearance in program history. Griese ended his time in West Lafayette with program records for career scoring, passing attempts, passing completions and passing yards. After his career at Purdue, Griese was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as the fourth pick in the 1967 NFL Draft. During his 14-season professional career, Griese led his teams to two Super Bowl victories (VII and VIII), was a six-time Dolphins' Most Valuable Player and an All-Pro in 1971 and 1977. He earned a trip to six Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Player of the Year in 1977. Griese has been inducted into the Indiana, College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. (
return to chart)
Drew Brees, Purdue (1997-2000)
Quarterback
Drew Brees was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing third in 2000 and fourth in 1999, and won the 2000 Maxwell Award, which annually honors the nation's most outstanding player, his senior year. He was named first-team All-Big Ten as a junior and senior and led Purdue to its first Big Ten Championship and first Rose Bowl Game appearance since 1967 in his final year in West Lafayette. A two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Brees was selected as the first pick of the second round in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. After five seasons, the Austin, Texas, native signed with the New Orleans Saints and has become one of the most recognizable players in the NFL. In 2009-10, he guided the Saints to their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history and was named the game's most valuable player. (
return to chart)
Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the YearAlan Ameche, Wisconsin (1951-1954)
Fullback
A fullback at Wisconsin, Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy in 1954, becoming the first Badger in program history to win the award. He was also honored with the Walter Camp Award in 1953, and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection for the 1952, 1953 and 1954 seasons, earning consensus All-America status following his senior season. In his time at Wisconsin, Ameche gained 3,345 career yards, which was then an NCAA record, and led the Badgers to a share of the Big Ten title in 1952 and the program's first Rose Bowl appearance. The Kenosha, Wis., native played six seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts, earning Rookie of the Year accolades in 1955. He scored perhaps his most famous touchdown in the 1958 NFL Championship Game at Yankee Stadium, which has often been called "The Greatest Game Ever Played." He tallied the winning score, a one-yard run in overtime, to lead the Colts to a 23-17 victory. Ameche has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and was awarded with an NCAA Silver Anniversary Award in 1980. His No. 35 jersey is one of six retired by Wisconsin, and his name is one of four to grace the facade at Camp Randall Stadium. (
return to chart)
Ron Dayne, Wisconsin (1996-1999)
Running Back
Ron Dayne, a native of Berlin Township, N.J., is the fourth player in NCAA history to gain more than 1,000 yards in all four seasons. Dayne set the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision rushing record for total yards in a career, ending with 7,125. Dayne capped his career at Wisconsin by winning the 1999 Heisman Trophy, the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award and the Jesse Owens Award as the Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year. The three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection was named the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year in 1999 and was a consensus All-American that season. He is one of six names displayed in Camp Randall Stadium, and his No. 33 jersey was officially retired in 2007. After graduation, Dayne was selected in the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and later played in Super Bowl XXXV. (
return to chart)
Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the YearJack Tatum, Ohio State (1968-1970)
Defensive Back
Born in Cherryville, N.C., Jack Tatum grew up in Passaic, N.J., and began playing football as a sophomore in high school. Tatum was recruited by Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes as a running back, but was converted to defensive back during his freshman season and also occasionally played linebacker. Tatum earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 1968, 1969 and 1970 and was a consensus All-American in 1969 and 1970. He was named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970 and was also among the top five vote-getters for the Heisman Trophy. In his three seasons as a starter, Tatum led the Buckeyes to a 27-2 combined record and one national title. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1971 draft and played in the NFL through the 1980 season, earning three Pro Bowl selections and the 1973 Football Digest NFL Defensive Back of the Year award during his career. He has been inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. (
return to chart)
Rod Woodson, Purdue (1983-1986)
Defensive Back
A multi-sport standout during his Boilermaker career, Rod Woodson starred for the Boilermakers on the gridiron and on the track. For the football squad, Woodson was named a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection and ended his career as a consensus All-American in 1986. His athletic exploits extended to the track, where he was a two-time NCAA indoor track and field All-American in the 55-meter high hurdles and was a five-time Big Ten Champion. Following his success as an amateur, Woodson excelled in the NFL. The 10th overall choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1987, Woodson would go on to become an 11-time Pro Bowler in his 17 seasons in the NFL and ended his career with the third-most interceptions in the league's history. He was part of two Super Bowl winning teams, XXX with the Steelers and XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens, and was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. (
return to chart)
Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the YearDick Butkus, Illinois (1962-1964)
Linebacker
A native of Chicago, Dick Butkus was a linebacker at the University of Illinois. As a member of the Illini, Butkus was a two-time consensus All-American and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1963 and third in 1964. A two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, Butkus earned the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player in 1963. After graduating from Illinois, Butkus was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears where he was selected to eight straight Pro Bowls, earned All-NFL honors six times and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice. Butkus has been inducted into both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fames and has had his uniform numbers with the Illini and Bears retired. In 2000, Butkus was named the sixth-best college football player in history by College Football News and the fifth-best in NFL history by the Associated Press. (
return to chart)
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern (1993-1996)
Linebacker
Pat Fitzgerald made history during his Wildcat playing career, capping his four-year run by becoming the first player to win two Bednarik and Nagurski awards, accomplishing the feat in 1995 and 1996. As a junior in 1995, Fitzgerald was a part of a Northwestern defense that led the nation in scoring defense and guided the Wildcats to their first Big Ten Championship since 1936 and first Rose Bowl Game appearance since 1949. He then helped the team repeat as conference champions as a senior a year later. A two-time consensus All-American while in Evanston, Fitzgerald was inducted into Northwestern's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, becoming the Wildcat head coach in 2006 after serving as an assistant the previous five seasons. Fitzgerald has led Northwestern to a third straight bowl game for the first time in school history. The Oak Lawn, Ill., native was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. (
return to chart)
Richter-Howard Receiver of the YearPat Richter, Wisconsin (1960-1962)
Wide Receiver/Tight End/Punter/Athletic Director
One of Wisconsin's most prolific athletes, Pat Richter was a nine-time letterwinner, earning three letters each in football, basketball and baseball. In football, Richter was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1961 and 1962 and was a consensus All-American for the 1962 season. Richter was a first-round pick in the 1963 NFL Draft and played eight seasons with the Washington Redskins. Richter returned to Wisconsin in 1989 to serve as the university's athletic director. Under his guidance, the university modernized its sports facilities, including the construction of the Kohl Center and the renovation of Camp Randall Stadium, and turned a deficit of $2.1 million into a budget reserve of $6.4 million. As athletic director, Richter was responsible for the hiring of football coach Barry Alvarez, who restored the Badger football program to national prominence and succeeded Richter as athletic director. Richter is a member of the College Football, Academic All-America, Rose Bowl and Wisconsin Athletic Halls of Fame and has been honored at Wisconsin with the retiring of his No. 88 jersey and a bronze statue outside Camp Randall Stadium. (
return to chart)
Desmond Howard, Michigan (1989-1991)
Wide Receiver
Desmond Howard played football for the University of Michigan as a wide receiver and return specialist from 1989-1991. As a Wolverine, Howard set or tied five NCAA and 12 Michigan records. He also led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 138 points during the 1991 season on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards, earning unanimous All-America honors. Howard earned 85 percent of the first-place votes in the Heisman race, the largest margin in the history of the trophy at that time. After graduation, Howard was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the NFL Draft with the fourth overall selection. In his 11 seasons in the NFL, Howard played with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions. While with the Packers, Howard was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXI, making him the only player to ever win the award based solely on a special teams performance. (
return to chart)
Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the YearTed Kwalick, Penn State (1966-1968)
Tight End
A native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Ted Kwalick was Penn State's first two-time All-America selection and has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from Penn State, he was the record holder for both receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end at the school. Kwalick was a first round pick of the San Francisco 49ers and went on to play seven seasons in the NFL. Kwalick was named to three Pro Bowls and was All-Pro in 1972. (
return to chart)
Dallas Clark, Iowa (1999-2002)
Tight End
Dallas Clark began his collegiate career as a linebacker before making the move to tight end prior to the 2001 season. In his final season at Iowa, Clark was the recipient of the 2002 John Mackey Award, presented to the nation's top tight end, as well as being named a unanimous All-American and first-team All-Big Ten. The Livermore, Iowa native currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts, where he holds the franchise's single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end. Clark was named All-Pro in 2009 as well as earning a trip to the Pro Bowl and was a member of the Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI. (
return to chart)
Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the YearJim Bakken, Wisconsin (1959-1961)
Kicker/Punter
The Madison, Wis. native was the punter and kicker for his hometown Badgers between 1960 and 1962, leading the Big Ten in punting in both the 1960 and 1961 seasons. He went on to play 17 seasons in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals and was named to four Pro Bowl teams. Bakken was also named to both the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team and its 1970s All-Decade Team. Additionally, Bakken is a member of both the Madison Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Wisconsin's Athletic Department-National W Club Hall of Fame. (
return to chart)
Morten Andersen, Michigan State (1978-1981)
Kicker
Morten Andersen had a spectacular career at Michigan State, including setting a conference record for longest field goal (63 yards) that still stands today. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior in 1981. Andersen was drafted in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft and went on to become the NFL's all-time leading scorer in a career that spanned from 1982 to 2007. During that time, Andersen was a three-time All-Pro honoree, a member of the NFL's 1980s and 1990s All-Decade teams, and amazingly converted on 849 of 859 extra point attempts. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Andersen holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer of both the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. (
return to chart)
Eddleman-Fields Punter of the YearDike Eddleman, Illinois (1946-1948)
Punter
Thomas Dwight "Dike" Eddleman was a three-sport star for the University of Illinois. Eddleman led the Big Ten in punting in 1948 and also punted for the 1947 Illinois Rose Bowl team. Born in Centralia, Ill., Eddleman won 11 varsity letters between football, basketball, and track and field. Eddleman also still holds the school records for longest punt and punt return. Beyond the football field, Eddleman was a Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball winner as the Big Ten MVP, a two-time NBA All-Star, and competed in the high jump in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. (
return to chart)
Brandon Fields, Michigan State (2003-2006)
Punter
A consensus All-American as a sophomore in 2004, Brandon Fields was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award that season and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection for the 2003, 2004 and 2006 seasons. Also a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Fields averaged 45.0 yards per punt in his career, ranking third on the Big Ten's career list. As a freshman, he led the Big Ten and was second in the nation with a 46.4-yard average, also setting an Alamo Bowl record with a 62-yard kick against Nebraska to cap the season. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Fields was taken by the Miami Dolphins in the 2007 NFL Draft, where he became the first rookie to handle regular punting duties for the team since 1983. He remains the team's starter and holds an average of over 44 yards per punt in his professional career. Active in his community, in May he hosted the Brandon Fields Florida Sports Festival, a two-day event that promoted academic achievement, health and fitness, character development and a drug-free lifestyle for area youth. (
return to chart)
