John Heisman

Date of Birth: October 23, 1869

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 3, 1936

Biography

John William Heisman was an influential American football player and coach, born on October 23, 1869, in Cleveland, Ohio. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of football, including innovations such as the forward pass and the Heisman shift. Heisman attended Brown University and later the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a law degree. He began his coaching career at Oberlin College in 1892 and went on to coach at several institutions, including Auburn University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Rice University. During his tenure at Georgia Tech, Heisman led the team to a national championship in 1917. He retired from coaching in 1927 but continued to be involved in the sport as a writer and commentator. He is also the namesake of the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Heisman passed away on October 3, 1936, but his legacy lives on in the sport he helped shape.

5 Interesting Facts about John Heisman

1. John Heisman is credited with legalizing the forward pass in football.

2. He was a proponent of sportsmanship and fair play, famously saying, “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.”

3. Heisman coached at eight different institutions over his career, including a stint at Rice University, where he helped establish the football program.

4. He was also an accomplished actor and playwright, having written several plays during his lifetime.

5. The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 and was named in his honor shortly after his death in 1936.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Heisman

1. “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.”

2. “When in doubt, punt!”

3. “Don’t cuss. Don’t argue with the officials. And don’t lose your temper.”

4. “A kicker should be like a star in the sky, always shining bright and performing at his best.”

5. “Football isn’t a contact sport; it’s a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Heisman’s highest net worth was modest by today’s standards, reflective of the early 20th century when football coaching was not as lucrative. Exact figures are not well-documented, but it is estimated to be in the range of $10,000 – $20,000 during his peak years.