Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BERWANGER, Jay
BERWANGER, Jay. (Dubuque, IA- ). First recipient of football's HEISMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY. Berwanger, a graduate of DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL where he played football under Coach Wilbur DALZELL, received the Heisman Trophy on December 9, 1935. Although the Chicago Maroons of the University of Chicago won only eleven of twenty-four games from 1933 through 1935, Berwanger was chosen for the All-American team his senior year with his amazing statistics including 1,839 yards gained in 439 carries, completing fifty percent of 146 passes for 921 yards, and punting 223 times for a 37.3 yard average.
In 1936 Berwanger, the first player selected in the first National League draft of college players, went to the Eagles who traded him to the Chicago Bears. Salary disputes with Bears owner, George Halas, prevented Berwanger from ever playing professional football. Berwanger had demanded $25,000 for a two-year contract. He continued his interest in the game by officiating for the Big Ten and coaching the freshman squad at the University of Chicago.
