The Heisman House

Photo by Lane Strauss/ESPN.com

When I was attending Saint Ignatius High School, I oftentimes would pass what is dubbed 'The Heisman House' - the birth home of John Heisman. Any college football fan (And I mentioned how much people love their college football in Ohio!) associates that last name with the ultimate honor given to a college football player at the end of every season. A big historical marker sits out front, however there is some controversy as to whether or not that is the actual birth home of Heisman. Some argue he was born down the street. Regardless, Ohio City is the home to John Heisman, an innovator of the game.

The inscription on the plaque out front of The Heisman House reads:

"Here was born (October 3, 1869) the man after whom the Heisman Football Trophy is named. The College Football Hall of Fame enshrines him as superior coach. Important pioneer game innovator. Father of: forward pass; center snap; interference on end runs; hidden ball play; double pass; dividing game into quarters; statistical score board; quarterback's "hike" or "hep" to initiate plays." (The Historical Marker Database)

The Heisman Award, given annually to the most valuable player in college football, is not only named after an Ohio native ... but has been brought back to the Buckeye State quite often. Seven times, an Ohio State player has received the high honor - tying with the University of Southern California and the University of Notre Dame for the most. The University of Michigan has seen three players win the award - but two of those were Ohio natives (Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson).