Heisman History: First Freshman Wins Top Honor

Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel takes trophy
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 8, 2012 8:14 PM CST
Heisman History: First Freshman Wins Top Honor
Heisman Trophy finalist Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, poses with the Heisman Trophy following a news conference prior to the announcement of the winner, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 in New York.    (Henny Ray Abrams)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first freshman to win college football's most prized individual award. The redshirt freshman beat out Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein. A few days after turning 20, Manziel became the most inexperienced player to win the Heisman. Adrian Peterson had come closest as a freshman, finishing second to Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart in 2004.

Manziel, nicknamed "Johnny Football," broke 2010 Heisman winner Cam Netwon's Southeastern Conference record with 4,600 total yards this season, led the Aggies to a 10-2 in their first SEC season, and orchestrated an upset at No. 1 Alabama in November that stamped him as legit. Manziel is the second player from Texas A&M to win the Heisman, and first since John David Crow 1957.

Read These Next
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X