John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee. In 1935, Berwanger was the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, renamed the Heisman Trophy the following year. At its inception, the award was given to "the most valuable player east of the Mississippi." In 1936, Berwanger became the first player drafted into the National Football League in its inaugural 1936 NFL draft, although he did not play professionally due to a salary dispute.
First-ever NFL Draft: Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago is first pick by Philadelphia Eagles
John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee.
Historical Significance
John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee.
Events Before
David McKee is born
David McKee, British writer and illustrator, known for british writer and illustrator, was born on 1935-01-02.
1st Orange Bowl: Bucknell beats Miami (FL), 26-0
1st Orange Bowl: Bucknell beats Miami (FL), 26-0
RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is first demonstrated by Robert Watson-Watt and Arnold Wilkins in Daventry, England
RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is first demonstrated by Robert Watson-Watt and Arnold Wilkins in Daventry, England
Adolf Hitler orders German rearmament in violation of the Treaty of Versailles
German rearmament was a policy and practice of rearmament carried out by Germany from 1918 to 1939 in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, which required German disarmament after World War I to…
Nazi politician Hermann Goering (42) weds Emmy Sonnemann (42) in Berlin
Nazi politician Hermann Goering (42) weds Emmy Sonnemann (42) in Berlin
Events After
Anastasio Somoza García becomes President of Nicaragua
Anastasio Somoza García becomes President of Nicaragua
American musician Nat King Cole (18) weds dancer Nadine Robinson in Ypsilanti, Michigan; divorce in 1948
American musician Nat King Cole (18) weds dancer Nadine Robinson in Ypsilanti, Michigan; divorce in 1948
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce
American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce in 1941
Australian cricketer Don Bradman scores 169 in the 5th Test match against England in 223 minutes, ensuring Australia win
Australian cricketer Don Bradman scores 169 in the 5th Test match against England in 223 minutes, ensuring Australia wins the Ashes 3-2
Film director D. W. Griffith (61) weds actress Evelyn Baldwin (26)
Film director D. W. Griffith (61) weds actress Evelyn Baldwin (26)
More from the 1930s
birth
David McKee is born
David McKee, British writer and illustrator, known for british writer and illustrator, was born on 1935-01-02.
birth
Jim Bakker is born
Jim Bakker televangelist, known for american televangelist, was born on 1939-01-02. James Orsen Bakker is an American televangelist and convicted felon.
birth
Roger Miller is born
Roger Miller, American musician, known for american country musician, was born on 1936-01-02. Roger Dean Miller Sr.
Claus von Stauffenberg is promoted to Second Lieutenant
Claus Philipp Maria Justinian Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg was a German army officer who is best known for his failed attempt on 20 July 1944 to assassinate Adolf Hitler at the Wolf's Lair, part of...
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 8, 1936?
- John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee. In 1935, Berwanger was the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, renamed the Heisman Trophy the following year. At its inception, the award was given to "the most valuable player east of the Mississippi." In 1936, Berwanger became the first player drafted into the National Football League in its inaugural 1936 NFL draft, although he did not play professionally due to a salary dispute.
- Why is First-ever NFL Draft: Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago is first p... significant?
- John Jacob "Jay" Berwanger (March 19, 1914 – June 26, 2002) was an American college football player and referee.