The Big Ten has a new trophy game.
In an announcement fitting of Black History Month, Michigan and Northwestern have revealed the creation of the George Jewett Trophy, marking the first rivalry game trophy named for an African American player in FBS history.
Jewett was the first Black player in the history of the Big Ten Conference and he played at both Michigan and Northwestern during his college career.
Jewett played at Michigan during the 1890 and 1892 seasons as a fullback and halfback as well as the team's main kicker. Following the 1892 season, Jewett left Michigan to finish his medical degree at Northwestern, where he also played football for two years.
"This is a historic moment in major college football history," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "We are proud to partner with our peer institution, Northwestern, to recognize and honor an African American pioneer in George Jewett. George achieved at a high level as an athlete and doctor. His hard work and effort led to success not only for himself, but for those who would follow a similar path after him."
The George Lewett Trophy will be the 16th Big Ten rivalry trophy – 17th, if you count the famed $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy – and is obviously the league's newest.
