The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football, presented annually to the best defensive back in the nation. The award is named after Jim Thorpe, a legendary athlete who excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track and field. The finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award are selected based on their outstanding performance on the field, and the winner is announced at the end of each college football season.
History of the Jim Thorpe Award
The Jim Thorpe Award was first presented in 1986, and since then, it has been awarded to some of the most talented defensive backs in college football history. The award is presented by the Jim Thorpe Association, a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The association was established to promote the values of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship that Jim Thorpe embodied throughout his life and career.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Jim Thorpe Award is rigorous and involves a thorough evaluation of the top defensive backs in the nation. A screening committee reviews the performance of all defensive backs in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and selects a group of semifinalists. The semifinalists are then narrowed down to three finalists, who are announced in November of each year. The winner of the award is selected from among the three finalists and is announced at the College Football Awards Show in December.
The selection criteria for the Jim Thorpe Award include a player's performance on the field, as well as their character, leadership, and academic achievements. The award is presented to the player who best exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship that Jim Thorpe represented throughout his life and career.
| Year | Winner | School |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Trevon Moehrig | TCU |
| 2019 | Grant Delpit | LSU |
| 2018 | Deandre Baker | Georgia |
| 2017 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Alabama |
| 2016 | Teez Tabor | Florida |
Recent Finalists
In recent years, the Jim Thorpe Award has been presented to some of the most talented defensive backs in college football. The 2020 winner, Trevon Moehrig, was a standout safety for TCU, and the 2019 winner, Grant Delpit, was a dominant force in the LSU secondary. Other recent finalists have included players like Deandre Baker, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Teez Tabor, all of whom have gone on to successful careers in the NFL.
Impact on the NFL
The Jim Thorpe Award has a significant impact on the NFL, as many of the winners and finalists go on to successful careers in the league. The award is considered a key indicator of a player’s potential for success at the next level, and it is closely watched by NFL scouts and coaches. Many of the winners and finalists have been selected in the early rounds of the NFL draft, and some have gone on to become Pro Bowl players and NFL champions.
The Jim Thorpe Award is not only a testament to a player's outstanding performance on the field but also a recognition of their character, leadership, and academic achievements. The award is a reminder of the importance of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship in college football, and it serves as a model for young athletes to follow.
Who is eligible to win the Jim Thorpe Award?
+The Jim Thorpe Award is presented to the best defensive back in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). All defensive backs in the FBS are eligible to win the award, regardless of their position or class.
How is the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award selected?
+The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award is selected by a screening committee that reviews the performance of all defensive backs in the FBS. The committee selects a group of semifinalists, who are then narrowed down to three finalists. The winner is selected from among the three finalists and is announced at the College Football Awards Show in December.
What are the criteria for selecting the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award?
+The selection criteria for the Jim Thorpe Award include a player’s performance on the field, as well as their character, leadership, and academic achievements. The award is presented to the player who best exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship that Jim Thorpe represented throughout his life and career.
