Chicago Tribune Silver Football
The Big Ten's best, chosen by the coaches.
The Chicago Tribune Silver Football is awarded by the Chicago Tribune to the college football player determined to be the best player from the Big Ten Conference.
Quick Facts
- Established
- 1963
- Awarding body
- Chicago Tribune
- Recipient criteria
- Most Valuable Player of the Chicago Bears
- First recipient
- Dick Butkus
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
The award has been presented annually since 1924, when Red Grange of Illinois was the award's first recipient. In 2022, the Chicago Tribune announced a new partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago, where it is currently housed.
Reader's Guide
A vote of Big Ten head football coaches determines the winner of the Silver Football. Each coach submits a two-player ballot with a first and second choice, and coaches cannot vote for players on their own team. The first-place vote receives two points and the second-place vote receives one point.
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