NCAA
What is the Heisman trophy made of? Height, weight and who designed it
The story behind the Heisman Trophy is as unique as the athletes who win it, from its iconic pose to the artist who brought it to life.
The Heisman Trophy: college football’s most coveted individual award, synonymous with gridiron greatness and forever linked to the legends of the game. But if you’re picturing some glitzy, diamond-encrusted monstrosity, think again. The Heisman is a throwback – an unassuming yet iconic bronze statue. Its story, much like the athletes who earn it, is rooted in hard work, precision, and a little bit of flair. And the 2024 finalists are now known...
Why the Heisman Trophy looks nothing like a traditional award
The Downtown Athletic Club’s decision to commission a distinctive trophy was itself a stiff-arm to convention. In 1935, they wanted something bold, something that screamed “athletic excellence” rather than whispered “generic cup.” Enter Frank Eliscu, a sculptor and National Academy of Design Prize winner, who was tasked with turning this vision into reality. Eliscu wasted no time, drawing inspiration from his high school friend Ed Smith, a standout on New York University’s 1934 football team. Little did Smith know that his modeling sessions would immortalize him as the Heisman’s muse – though he wouldn’t realize his contribution until nearly 50 years later.
The now-famous pose wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea. Eliscu consulted Jim Crowley, head coach at Fordham University and a member of Notre Dame’s legendary “Four Horsemen.” Crowley’s players demonstrated sidesteps, forward drives, and, of course, the signature stiff-arm move, which Eliscu painstakingly recreated in clay. After rigorous critique and adjustments—including a Notre Dame football team endorsement – the design was finalized. The result was a dynamic snapshot of a footballer mid-play, a statue bursting with energy and movement.
What is the Heisman Trophy made of, and how big is it?
Now let’s talk numbers. The Heisman Trophy isn’t just a featherweight desk ornament. It’s a robust 45 pounds of bronze, measuring 14 inches long, 13 inches high, and 6 inches wide. The ancient lost-wax casting process gives it that timeless sheen, though Frank Eliscu himself once quipped, “It was not one of my best works of art. But it turned out to be kind of like the Statue of Liberty: not beautiful, but it’s dear to people’s hearts.”
From 1935 to 1980, the Heisman was cast by Dieges & Clust, a name as old-school as the trophy itself. Today, production happens in Del City, Oklahoma, courtesy of MTM Recognition. Despite changes in manufacturers, the Heisman’s essence remains unchanged—a nod to football’s grit and glory, captured in bronze.
What makes the Heisman Trophy so iconic?
Of course, the Heisman is as much about the players as the statue. Legends like Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, and, more recently, Jayden Daniels have joined its illustrious ranks. But while these athletes may dazzle under stadium lights, the trophy they hold is a reminder that greatness can also be understated, solid, and just a little bit heavier than you might expect.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.