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The Heisman Memorial Trophy

By Frank Eliscu

The Heisman Memorial Trophy (1935), bronze, Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images.

Photography of trophy sculpted in the form of a man playing football

Eliscu was only 23 when he designed what would become his best-known work. The trophy, which is awarded yearly to the most outstanding college football player, condenses the player’s movements—side step, forward drive, and strong arm thrust—into one dynamic motion. Eliscu went on to win a National Academy Prize and the Herbert Adams Memorial Gold Medal for service to American sculpture.