Decade after decade the record books listed LSU running back Billy Cannon Sr. as the first and only LSU football player to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy. He won the prestigious award in 1959.Â
Sixty years later, LSU’s senior quarterback Joe Burrow becomes the second player in Louisiana State University’s history to win college football’s highest honor. Burrow earned the award in dominant fashion as he received 90.7% of the first-place votes. Burrow started his college career in 2015 at Ohio State. He redshirted his first year and was the backup for the next two years. Once he realized he wasn’t going to win the starting job during his third season, Burrow transferred to Louisiana State University. He won the starting job as he led the Tigers into the 2018 season. The new Tiger’s quarterback started all thirteen games as LSU finished the season with a 10-3 record and a victory in the Fiesta Bowl.’
Joe Burrow returned to LSU for the 2019 season. Game after game he consistently put up big numbers. In addition to racking up big numbers, Burrow led the Tigers to victories against five opponents ranked in the top ten. One of the five victories came against LSU’s nemesis, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Joe Burrow positioned himself as a Heisman front-runner by setting two Southeastern Conference records. He set records for passing yards (4,715) and touchdowns (48).Â
After his name was announced as the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, Burrow hugged his parents and coaches. Then he stepped on the stage inside the PlayStation Theater in Times Square.
As the Heisman winner tried to start his speech, he had to pause due to the fact he needed to take a moment to regain his composure. After wiping the tears from his eyes, Burrow thanked his offensive line for blocking and protecting him. He thanked his wide receivers for making plays and supporting him. The Heisman winner also thanked his family and his head coach Ed Orgeron. “You took a chance on me…I’m forever grateful to you,” Burrow stated as he spoke through the tears.
Joe Burrow accomplished and incredible goal, and he has earned the right to place a check in the Heisman box. Before he transitions to the NFL, Burrow has one last item on the checklist. He would love to place a check in the box next to National Champion. The LSU Tigers are 3-time National Champions. They have a golden opportunity to add a fourth. With a 13-0 record Burrow and the Tigers earned one of the four spots in the College Football Playoffs. The Heisman winner will get an opportunity to cement his legacy in Atlanta on December 28 when LSU battles Oklahoma in the playoff semifinals. The winner will receive an invitation to New Orleans to play in the championship game.
