This year will mark the 75th anniversary of the Heisman Trophy and while the latest news involving Reggie Bush has cast a shadow over amateurism, the award’s place in sports is secure.
John Prince, whose father was one of the driving forces behind the inaugural award given to college football’s best player, has carried on the family tradition through his involvement with the program.
His greatest impact, though, comes in the form of an autograph.
For 26 years, Prince has had the winning player autograph a special ball. He then donates it to the Multiple Sclerosis Society chapter nearest the winner’s home school. The organizations auction them off to raise money for victims of the disease.
So far, according to this story in the Wall Street Journal, some charity-minded bidders have turned the program into a huge success.