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SUMMER 2013
HEISMAN NEWSLETTER
The Official Newsletter of The Heisman Memorial Trophy
HEISMAN TROPHY TRUST | WWW.HEISMAN.COM | 111 BROADWAY,
OADWAY, SUITE 103A, NEW YORK, NY 10006, (212) 425-7000
2012 HEISMAN WEEKEND IN REVIEW
JOHNNY MANZIEL WINS 78TH ANNUAL HEISMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY
The 2012 Heisman Trophy Weekend was a
historic weekend from beginning to end. Each
finalist—Kansas State University quarterbackk Collin
Klein, Texas A&M University quarterbackk Johnny
Manziel, and University off Notre Dame linebacker
Manti Te’o—would make history with a Heisman
win, as either the first KSU player, the first freshman,
or the first true defenseman, respectively, to ever
be named the outstanding college football player
off the year.
Manziel, Te’o and their families joined former
Heisman Winners in New Yorkk City on Friday,
December 7th for a weekend full off festivities. Klein
arrived on Saturday, after receiving the Johnny
Unitas Golden Arm Award in Baltimore on Friday
evening.
After settling in at the New Yorkk Marriott
Marquis in Times Square, the Manziels and Te’os
enjoyed a classic Italian family-style meal at a
famous New Yorkk restaurant. Both finalists remarked
how they have never seen—and consumed—such
quantities off pasta and other Italian delicacies. But,
when in New York, do as the New Yorkers do.
With very full stomachs, Manziel and Te’o headed
to an informal press conference. This was the first
chance off the weekend for the finalists to meet with
the media since being announced as finalists by
Ty Detmer (BYU, 1990) on ESPN on December 3rd.
The room was packed with media from around the
nation, eager to snap the first photo off the finalists
with the Trophy and askk each off them questions
about their Heisman-worthy season.
Following the press conference, the finalists
attended the Wendy’s High School Heisman Dinner,
where exceptional high school athletes from around
the nation are honored. This is a special opportunity
for the finalists to interact with up-and-coming
fellow athletes, who were also being honored for
their excellence in academics, community service,
and school leadership. The 2012 High School
Heisman National Winners were Zoe Alaniz,
a diver from W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi,
Texas, and Sam Prakel from Versailles High
School in Versailles, Ohio, who competes on the
cross country, trackk and field, and swim teams.
Alaniz and Prakel, along with the other ten national
finalists, are certainly names to watch out for in the
coming years.
Later in the evening, as Te’o video-conferenced
in to a Notre Dame awards ceremony, Manziel and
family, along with past winners and their families,
went on a bus tour off New Yorkk City. For many
Continued on Page 2
JEFF GORDON RECEIVES 2012
HEISMAN HUMANITARIAN AWARD
For his charitable work on behalf of children with pediatric cancer, Jeff Gordon was honored as this year’s recipient
of the Heisman Humanitarian Award. As a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Jeff Gordon has established himself
as one of the most recognizable drivers in the world. Gordon was born in 1971 in Vallejo, California. During his illustrious
racing career, he has won countless races including three Daytona 500s and four Brickyard 400s. But just as impressive as
his success on the track, Gordon’s inspiring dedication to helping others when not racing made him the 2012 Heisman
Humanitarian Recipient.
Back in 1992, Gordon’s crew chief’s infant son, Ray J, was diagnosed with leukemia. After witnessing the struggles
Continued on Page 7
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Continued from page 1
finalists, Heisman Weekend is the first time they
have been to New York, or at least have been able
to enjoy it as a tourist. The classic double-decker
bus visited the prime New York spots, including
the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the
holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue. The tour
concluded at the magnificent 80-foot tall Rockefeller
Center Christmas Tree.
From there, Manziel, Te’o, past Heisman Winners,
and special guests all came together for the annual
Welcome Reception at The Terrace Club. This was
the first chance for the Heisman finalist to formally
meet past Heisman Winners, including Tim Brown
(Notre Dame, 1987), Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974
& 1975), and John Lattner (Notre Dame, 1953).
After mingling and enjoying a strolling
dinner, the group received a warm welcome from
executives of Nissan North America, Heisman’s title
sponsor. William Dockery, President of the Heisman
Trophy Trust, then presented each finalist with a
Heisman Trophy Finalist Plaque, which will forever
signify that they are among the top college football
players to ever play the game.
Saturday was full of anticipation and activity.
Once Klein arrived from Baltimore, the three finalists
headed to CBS Studio to appear in the Army/Navy
halftime show. Meanwhile, the Best Buy Theater was
busy prepping for the evening’s broadcast and fans
had started to line up hours before the presentation,
just to get a glimpse of this year’s Heisman hopefuls.
The time had finally arrived to find out which
of the three young men would take the stage as
the outstanding player in college football of 2012.
Flanked by over a dozen former Heisman winners
and joined by millions of viewers on ESPN, Anne
Donahue, Heisman Trophy Trustee, announced
Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M University as the 2012
Heisman Trophy Winner.
In a matter of moments, Manziel had become
the first freshman to ever win the award and the
newest member of the most elite fraternity in sports.
Deloitte & Touche LLP tabulated the official results
from 928 electors (870 media votes, 57 Heisman
winners, 1 fan vote). Manziel amassed 2,029 points,
the second-most received by any Heisman winner
in the past six years. Te’o followed with 1,706 points
- the most ever received by a true defenseman - and
Klein with 894 points.
The first of many exciting appearances began
after the announcement with the nationally
televised Heisman Trophy press conference.
Representatives from over 100 nationwide media
outlets were present to capture Manziel’s first
moments as the 2012 Heisman Winner. Manziel,
who had not spoken to the media all season,
handled himself like a skilled professional and after
a series of questions, was joined on stage by Aggies
head coach Kevin Sumlin and quarterback coach
Kliff Kingsbury.
Sunday brought a series of media appearances
for Manziel while the former Heisman winners
spent the afternoon attending Broadway shows and
taking in all that New York has to offer.
On Sunday evening, Manziel was officially
welcomed by former Heisman Winners as the
newest member of the most elite fraternity in
college sports, with dinner and dancing. The venue
provided an opportunity to reminisce on years past,
as it is situated just blocks from the Downtown
Athletic Club, the former home of the Heisman
Trophy.
The 2012 Heisman Weekend concluded with
one of the biggest dinner galas in recent Heisman
history. Over 900 guests came together to honor
Terry Baker (Oregon State, 1962) on the 50th
Anniversary of his award, Tim Brown (Notre Dame,
1987) on his 25th Anniversary, Carson Palmer
(USC, 2002) on his 10th Anniversary, 2012 Heisman
Humanitarian Jeff Gordon (NASCAR Champion),
and, of course, Manziel on his win just two nights
earlier. Guests included 19 Heisman Winners,
Heisman partners from Nissan, Aflac, Wendy’s, ESPN,
Jostens, and Deloitte, as well as many loyal Texas
A&M fans.
For the third year in a row, ESPN personality Rece
Davis hosted the black-tie affair at the New York
Marriott Marquis. It was a night full of memories and
laughter, especially when former Notre Dame coach
Lou Holtz took the stage to introduce Brown.
As the evening neared its end, Texas A&M
president Dr. R. Bowen Loftin and head football
coach Kevin Sumlin spoke with adoration about the
newest Heisman winner. Heisman Trust President
William Dockery then presented the trophy to
Manziel, who concluded the memorable weekend
with an outstanding, heartfelt speech. He spoke
about the pivotal roles that his family, coaches, and
teammates played in this great accomplishment,
demonstrating the humility and grace of a true
Heisman winner.
The Heisman Trophy Trust
thanks our sponsors
FRIDAY
Press interviewing Manziel during Friday’s Media Availability
Manziel with friends and family posing at the Rockefeller Center
Christmas Tree as part of a NYC Tour
Johnny and his father posing Gig’Em style with the Heisman Trophy at
the Friday Night Welcome Reception
Bill Krueger, Vice Chairman, Nissan Americas, presented the Heisman
finalists with their plaques at the Welcome Reception.
S AT U R D AY
Manziel giving his acceptance speech moments after being named
winner of the 78th Heisman Memorial Trophy
Manziel shaking hands with the fans on the way to the Best Buy Theater
ESPN’s Chris Fowler talking with George Rogers ‘80
Eddie George ’95 and his son talking with guests
Chris Fowler talking to (L-R) Te’o, Manziel, and Klein during ESPN show
(L-R) Te’o, Manziel, Klein waiting for the announcement of the next
Heisman winner
Doug Flutie ’84 congratulating Manziel on becoming the newest
Heisman Trophy winner
Te’o and Klein with some young Heisman fans
Manziel with his family prior to the televised announcement
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S AT U R D AY
SUNDAY
Johnny Manziel speaking at the finalist press conference
The 2012 Heisman Finalists pose with the trophy (L-R) Collin Klein,
Johnny Manziel, Manti Te’o
Manziel and his parents posing with former Heisman winners at
the Sunday dinner dance
Johnny Manziel accompanied by coach Kevin Sumlin and Kliff
Kingsbury at the post announcement press conference
Texas A&M Heisman Winners John David-Crow ’57 and Johnny
Manziel ‘12
Manziel posing with his parents and the Heisman Trophy
Johnny Manziel posing with the Wendy’s High-School Heisman
winner Zoe Alaniz
John Lattner ’53 enjoying a dance at the Dinner Dance
Doug Flutie ‘84 and his wife Laurie with longtime Executive Director
Emeritus of the Heisman, Rudy Riska (center).
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2012 Heisman Weekend in Review
MONDAY
Syracuse band members striking a pose with the Heisman Trophy
Mike Rozier ’83 with some young fans at the VIP reception
Rece Davis served as emcee of the 2012 Heisman Dinner Gala
(L-R) Barbara Cassady, Yvonne Ameche Davis, Johnny Rodgers and
JoAnne Bagnell enjoying themselves at the dinner dance.
Archie Griffin ’74-75 signing an autograph for a fan during Monday’s
VIP Reception
National Anthem Singer Kyra DeCosta,Broadway star and daughter of
NFL Hall of Famer and Syracuse legend, Floyd Little
Doug Flutie ’84 jamming on the drums at the Heisman Dinner Dance
Lou Holtz introducing Tim Brown’s 25th Anniversary Speech
Tim Brown ’87 being applauded by dais members on the occasion of
his 25th anniversary
5
MONDAY
Tim Brown ’87 25th Anniversary Speech
Terry Baker ’62
Jeff Gordon 2012 Heisman Humanitarian Winner
Johnny Manziel surrounded by previous Heisman winners backstage
The evening’s honorees with the charitable committee of The Heisman
Trust (L-R) Jim Corcoran, Anne Donahue, Johnny Manziel, Jeff Gordon,
and Sanford Wurmfeld
Johnny Manziel speaking at the 2012 Heisman Dinner Gala
RECAP OF NISSAN/HEISMAN HOUSE BUILD
The Nissan Heisman House concept was launched in 2011 and has become
known for entertaining commercials featuring Heisman Winners and for
hosting interactive, Heisman-themed fan experiences at college game days
around the country. In April 2013, the Heisman Trophy Trust and Nissan added
further meaning to the name by volunteering together to build an actual house.
In partnership with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, a dedicated
team, including seven Heisman Trophy winners, built a new home for Aldon
Lightfoot, Kimberly Jones, and their three children. The family of five, who
previously lived in a one-bedroom apartment, will always have a unique
story about their new home, which was built with the help of John Lattner
(1953, University of Notre Dame), Johnny Rodgers (1972, University of
Nebraska), George Rogers (1980, University of South Carolina), Mike Rozier
(1983, University of Nebraska), Danny Wuerffel (1996, University of Florida),
Eric Crouch (2001, University of Nebraska) and Mark Ingram (2009, University
of Alabama). The build brought together members of the NoLa community,
Habitat for Humanity volunteers, Nissan executives, and Heisman Trophy Trust
staff and trustees to help improve the lives of a deserving family.
Nissan North America, the Heisman Trophy Trust and its Winners emphasize
the importance of volunteering and philanthropy. Prior to construction,
the Heisman winners had another chance to give back to the New Orleans
community, hosted by Nissan, a special football clinic for kids at a newly built
local park, located in area that had suffered severe damage from Hurricane
Katrina in 2005.
Heisman Humanitarian continued from Page 1
Ray J endured throughout the treatment process, Gordon became determined
to help children overcome similar difficulties. Starting with the Make-A-Wish
Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Gordon began lending
his support to these and a variety of other organizations specializing in similar
kinds of treatments, research, and facilities.
In 1999, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was created to help children
facing critical illnesses realize their dreams. What initially began as Gordon’s
mission to help one child, soon led to the creation of a now-renowned
organization that has raised more than $11 million for children’s charities. The
mission of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is to support children battling
cancer by funding programs that improve patient’s quality of life; treatment
programs that increase survivorship; and pediatric medical research dedicated
to finding a cure.
Gordon’s selfless pursuits have impacted countless lives since the
foundation’s inception. With hopes of eliminating the financial obstacles
that often come with a diagnosis, Gordon opened the Jeff Gordon Children’s
Hospital in 2006 in Concord, North Carolina, to provide children with the
highest quality of primary and specialty care.
Soon thereafter, Gordon invested in the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation
Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the Riley Hospital for Children in
Indianapolis, providing essential funding to improve the lives of patients
through treatments, therapies, and cures. Most recently, this Foundation
extended its reach internationally, by committing $1.5 million to help children
Manziel and Gordon with Heisman Trustees (L-R) Jim Corcoran, Anne Donahue, William Dockery,
Johnny Manziel, Jeff Gordon, Mike Comerford, Sanford Wurmfeld
fighting cancer in Rwanda, Africa.
In addition to the life-changing work of his Foundation, in 2007, the worldclass driver co-founded a non-profit organization named Athletes for Hope,
which was created to bring athletes together to educate, inspire, and empower
them in an effort to make a difference in communities and bring awareness
to charitable causes. In just five years, the organization has grown from its
original twelve founders and supporters to over one thousand contributors
representing a broad diversity of professional sports leagues.
2012 Wendy’s High School Heisman Winners
Samuel Prakel, Versailles High School
Versailles, OH
Sam Prakel is a triple threat as an
exceptional athlete with record breaking
stats in cross country, track and field
and swimming and diving. He holds the
state meet record and all-division course
record of 15:19.34 for the 5,000 meter
distance in cross country and plans to
run at a top university after graduation.
Prakel is most proud of his leadership role
in Boy Scouts, where he organized service
projects and earned the Eagle Scout rank.
Created in 1994, the Wendy’s High School Heisman has set the
standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous
prestige in its own right. To date, more than 305,000 high school
students have represented their schools and been touched by the
Heisman experience.
The program consists of six awards stages—Applicants, School
Winners, State Finalists, State Winners, National Finalists and National
Winners. Entries are initially evaluated by ACT® Assessment during the
Applicant, State Finalist and State Winner phases, and then passed on
to a distinguished panel of judges. Known for the ACT college entrance
exam, ACT, Inc. is a nonprofit organization offering educational
measurement and research services.
Twelve National Finalists were invited to participate in Heisman
weekend festivities during a trip to New York City, including the Wendy’s
High School Heisman awards ceremony on December 7th. ESPN®
featured the two National Winners during the national telecast of the
college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation on December 8.
Zoe Alaniz, W. B. Ray High School
Corpus Christi, TX
As the Valedictorian of her class for four
consecutive years, Zoe Alaniz is a top
scholar and committed to excelling
academically. She was also named the
National Hispanic Program Scholar her
senior year. In addition to her academic
achievements, Alaniz is a standout
performer in swimming and diving
and holds a school, district and state
scoring record of 534.30 for 11 dives in
the 1 meter event. She plans to swim
at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign next year.
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NFF Proudly
Announces Stellar 2013
College Football Hall
of Fame Class
In May, the National Football Foundation
announced the 2013 College Football Hall of Fame
Class. Included in the list of 12 players and two
coaches are Heisman Trophy Winners Ron Dayne
(’99), Vinny Testaverde (‘86), and Danny Wuerffel
(’96). As the highest honor for former college
players, the Heisman Trophy Trust is tremendously
proud of these three members of the Heisman
Family, who join
the 59 other
former Trophy
Winners who
have previously
received this
honor. The
2013 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be
inducted at the 56th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on
December 10, 2013 in New York City.
HEISMAN 2013
SAVE THE DATE
2013 HEISMAN ANNOUNCEMENT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
2013 HEISMAN DINNER GALA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16