Heisman Trophy

1997

 * Winner: Charles Woodson (1,815)
 * Runner-up: Peyton Manning (1,543)


 * In what is likely one of the most controversial Heisman Trophy years of all time, Charles Woodson, the first predominantly defensive player to win the Heisman, made the greatest inteception of his career. Many believed that Peyton Manning was a sure winner, right up until Woodson's name was called on that day in To this day, ask a Tennessee fan about the 1997 Heisman voting and you'll need to step back because the fireworks are about to begin.


 * Woodson was the key cog in leading the Michigan Wolverines to the 1997 National Championship, their first since 1948. He was tall, graceful, leapt like a gazelle, and hit like a truck.  It is very rare that a defense can rely on one player to cover an entire half of the field, but this truly was the case on that Michigan team.  The rest of the defense was stifling as well, but Woodson was spectacular on more than one occasion, highlighted by his punt return against Ohio State and a one-handed sideline interception against Michigan State that had to be seen to be believed (the play many believe won him the Heisman).