Jay Berwanger University of Chicago, 1935 1st Heisman Trophy™ Winner Jay Berwanger in 1948 founded Jay Berwanger, Inc., a manufacturers sales agency specializing in rubber, plastic, urethane and other elastomeric materials. Jay, a graduate of the University of Chicago in 1936, is the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy, awarded by the Downtown Athletic Club. Jay established a guiding philosophy to create superior value for all customers and principals through dedicated service and by providing integrated solutions to customers' applications. Jay Berwanger Inc. provides a vital role in the supply chain by acting as a consultant to our valued principals and customers. *HEISMAN, HEISMAN TROPHY, HEISMAN TROPHY AWARD, HEISMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY and the Heisman Trophy Design are the trademarks and service marks of the Heisman Memorial Trophy Trust. This website is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with the Heisman Memorial Trophy Trust or the Downtown Athletic Club.