Who was the first Heisman Trophy winner in 1935?

Jay Berwanger was the first Heisman Trophy winner in 1935.

Berwanger played halfback for the University of Chicago and became the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy. The award was renamed the Heisman Trophy in 1936 after John Heisman, the club's athletic director, died. Thus, Berwanger is officially recognized as the first Heisman winner even though the trophy carried a different name during his winning year.

Berwanger's 1935 season included 577 rushing yards, 405 passing yards, 359 kickoff-return yards, six touchdowns, and 41 total points. He received 84 votes, finishing ahead of Army's Monk Meyer, Notre Dame's William Shakespeare, and Princeton's Pepper Constable.

A common mix-up is confusing Berwanger's Heisman achievement with his professional career. He was also the first player selected in the 1936 NFL Draft, but he never played in the NFL after failing to reach a salary agreement with the Chicago Bears.