Heisman Honored by US House

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, was gratified today as his House Resolution, recognizing the historical and national significance of the many contributions of John William Heisman to the sport of football, passed in the House of Representatives with a unanimous vote.

“Coach Heisman grew up in a little town called Titusville in the oil fields of Northwest Pennsylvania,” said Thompson. “But Heisman grew up to change how football was played and was an innovator. With the approaching Oil 150 anniversary, it is a great time to illustrate all the unique history of the people and places that make Northwest Pennsylvania a great place to live and work. It was my honor to submit this resolution and see it approved by the Members of the House of Representatives.”

The measure honoring Heisman passed the House under a procedure called suspension of the rules. It honors Heisman’s career as well as his contributions to the game. And it honors the legacy that carries his name in the form of the Heisman Trophy, awarded each year to the most outstanding college football player in the nation and to the college or university he represents.

Heisman coached at Auburn, Clemson, Rice, Georgia Tech, and the University of Pennsylvania, among others. It was at Georgia Tech that he amazed fans with 33 straight wins for the Golden Tornado.

Heisman played a form of club football at Brown University then graduated with a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1892.

Among his inventions for the game were the 4-quarters, the “hike”, the center snap and the forward pass. In addition he created many innovative plays that led to some of the basic formations used in today’s games.