Future football games between Michigan and Northwestern will be played for the George Jewett Trophy in honor of the first Black player in the Big Ten.
Jewett, who went on to become a doctor, played at both schools in the 1890s and was a standout on both sides of the ball. It will be the first trophy in the FBS to be named for a Black football player.
The first Jewett Trophy is scheduled to be awarded on Oct. 23 when the Wildcats and Wolverines meet at Michigan Stadium.
“We are proud that the University of Michigan and Northwestern University will honor Dr. Jewett’s extraordinary humanity, courage, intelligence, success and legacy with the first rivalry game trophy featuring an African American football player in FBS and Big Ten history,” conference commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement. “Dr. Jewett’s dedication and perseverance to achieve excellence in every area of his life are an inspiration to every man and woman and provide evidence that with hard work and passion there are no limitations to achieving your dreams. We must continue to work together to honor Dr. Jewett by eliminating racism and hate and creating equality in our society.”
This will become the 16th rivalry game trophy in the Big Ten. Michigan plays Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug and Michigan State for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Northwestern and Illinois compete for the Land of Lincoln Trophy.
