Heisman, John (William)

(born Oct. 23, 1869, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.—died Oct. 3, 1936, New York City, N.Y.) U.S. collegiate gridiron football coach and one of the game's greatest innovators. Heisman played football for both Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania. He was responsible for legalizing the forward pass in 1906, and he originated the centre snap and the “hike” count signals of the quarterback in starting play. He coached at several colleges between 1892 and 1927, compiling a record of 185 wins, 68 losses, and 18 ties. The Heisman Trophy was named for him.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica