<P> In 1935 , the award , then known as the DAC Trophy , was created by New York City 's Downtown Athletic Club to recognize the best college football player `` east of the Mississippi River '' . In that inaugural year , the award went to Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago . Berwanger was later drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League but declined to sign for them . He never played professional football for any team , instead choosing to pursue a career in business . In 1936 , the club 's athletic director , football pioneer John Heisman , died and the trophy was renamed in his honor . Larry Kelley , the second winner of the award , was the first to win it as the `` Heisman Trophy '' . In addition to the name change , the award also became a nationwide achievement . With the new name , players west of the Mississippi became eligible ; the first player from the western United States was selected in 1938 . Only one player , Ohio State 's Archie Griffin , has won the award twice . </P>
<P> In 1935 , the award , then known as the DAC Trophy , was created by New York City 's Downtown Athletic Club to recognize the best college football player `` east of the Mississippi River '' . In that inaugural year , the award went to Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago . Berwanger was later drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League but declined to sign for them . He never played professional football for any team , instead choosing to pursue a career in business . In 1936 , the club 's athletic director , football pioneer John Heisman , died and the trophy was renamed in his honor . Larry Kelley , the second winner of the award , was the first to win it as the `` Heisman Trophy '' . In addition to the name change , the award also became a nationwide achievement . With the new name , players west of the Mississippi became eligible ; the first player from the western United States was selected in 1938 . Only one player , Ohio State 's Archie Griffin , has won the award twice . </P>
who has won the heisman more than once
who has won the heisman more than once
Ohio State 's Archie Griffin
Ohio State 's Archie Griffin