Michigan and Northwest establish George Jewett Trophy

Michigan and Northwest establish George Jewett Trophy

ANN ARBOR, Mich., And EVANSTON, Ill. – The University of Michigan and Northwestern University created the first rivalry game trophy named after an African-American player in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history, creating the announced George Jewett Trophy jointly by the two institutions today (Thursday 25 February). ).

Jewett was the first African American to play football in every institution and was the first black player in Big Ten Conference history. The George Jewett Trophy will be played whenever the two programs meet on the football field.

Jewett played for Michigan during the 1890 and 1892 seasons, enrolling in college after being named valedictorian at Ann Arbor High (now Ann Arbor Pioneer), where he was an outstanding player in track and field, football and baseball. Jewett played on the Wolverines grill as a full-back and half-back and was the team’s main kicker, while studying medicine.

He left Michigan for Northwestern in 1893 to complete his medical degree. At Evanston, he also wrote and performed in football for the Wildcats for two seasons.

After graduation, Jewett became a doctor in Chicago before returning to Ann Arbor in 1899. He coached briefly at Michigan Agricultural College and Olivet, then started a dry cleaning and baling business on State Street. Sadly, Jewett’s life was cut short, as he died in 1908 at the age of 38, leaving behind a wife and two sons.

“This is a historic moment in the major history of college football,” said Manuel Warde, Donald R. Shepherd, UM Athletics Director. “We are proud to partner with our counterpart institution, Northwestern, to recognize and honor an African American pioneer of George Jewett.” George reached a high level as an athlete and a doctor. His hard work and efforts led to success not only for himself but for those who would follow a similar path after him. His excellence in two Big Ten institutions as a student, athlete and citizen is something we wish our current student-athletes aspire to during their college experience. The George Jewett Trophy will become a proud celebration of the importance of diversity in our teams, our campuses and in our society. “

“This is a deserved and exciting recognition from Dr. George Jewett, a leading figure in the Northwest and Michigan,” said Janna Blais, NU’s Acting Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Youth. Hobbies. “Starting this fall, every time the Wildcats and Wolverines student-athletes meet on the football field, it will be to celebrate a true trailblazer. Each future meeting will be an opportunity to educate, communicate and inspire our communities in memory of Dr Jewett. These dates will also provide an update on the critical work underway to create cultures defined by justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and excellence on our campuses and beyond. “

“Dr. George Jewett’s academic, athletic, community and cultural accolades transcend time,” Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said. “We are proud that the University of Michigan and Northwestern University are honoring the extraordinary humanity, courage, intelligence, success and legacy of Dr. Jewett with the first Rivalry Game Trophy featuring an African American football player in the history of FBS and the Big Ten. Dr. Jewett’s dedication and perseverance to achieve excellence in all areas of his life is an inspiration to every man and woman and proves that with hard work and passion there are no limits to realization of your dreams. We must continue to work together to honor Dr Jewett by eliminating racism and hatred and creating equality in our society. “

The Wolverines have two other Big Ten rivalry games that have a trophy up for grabs every year: the Little Brown Jug battle with Minnesota and the in-state rivalry with Michigan State for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Northwestern plays annually for the Land of Lincoln Trophy against Illinois.

The George Jewett Trophy will become the 16th Big Ten Rivalry Game Trophy.

The first meeting between Michigan and Northwestern at the presentation of the George Jewett Trophy will take place on October 23, 2021 in Ann Arbor.

From the Michigan Historic Bentley Library

• Article: Celebration of George Jewett

Background of named football games for African Americans

By Alan Cox (National Football Foundation) and Kent Stephens (College Football Hall of Fame)

• Prairie View and Texas Southern play each season for the Durley-Nicks Trophy. Alexander Durley and Billy Nicks were former African American coaches of both schools and their annual Labor Day game will be played this year on March 6.

• Until last season, Allen and Edward Waters starred in the Ralph Bunch Hornets Classic; the recent EW program now lists the game as AME Classic.

• There are over a dozen “classics” that are or have been named after African Americans in the Championship Soccer Subdivision (FCS) and in particular Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

• The Eddie Robinson Classic was a pitching game but not a rivalry game.