ABOUT THE TROPHY
Since 1970, this 40-pound block of Texas pink granite has led the fight against cancer and is a legacy of Vince Lombardi.
This simple yet evocative granite stone has come to symbolize excellence in college football and the spirit, drive, energy, and greatness of Vince Lombardi.
The granite trophy honors the memory of the legendary figure who molded men into winners on and off the field and inspires the participation of millions in an effort that supports cancer research.
​
Lombardi Award Winners (Left) Brian Orakpo, Defensive End from the University of Texas 2008 and (Right) Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle from the University of Nebraska 2009
Lombardi Award Winner Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle from the University of Pittsburgh 2013
The Award represents several significant events in the life of Vince Lombardi. It was designed to symbolize desire, courage, and discipline. Capturing these elements into a meaningful graphic fell to Houston Rotarian and professional artist Mark Storm. The selection of a piece of granite as the centerpiece was natural due to Lombardi's first claim to fame as one of Fordham University's famous line close examination reveals a "not perfect" cube. The block "leans a little -like a football lineman in his stance --ready for action." Even the decision to polish the granite was with purpose. It represents the complete football player, the product of intense training --good coaching —dedication to duty —and discipline.
Lombardi Award Winner Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End from the University of Michigan 2021
This overall design is the same today as when the granite trophy was first presented in January 1971. The Lombardi Award™ and the Heisman Memorial Trophy are the only two college football awards of this lineage whose winners have all received the same hardware.
The trophy remains an enduring symbol of strength and will of the original idea and its mission.
