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OUR HONOREE
Desmond Howard University of Michigan alumnus 1991 Heisman Trophy Winner Big Ten Most Valuable Player of the Year Super Bowl XXXI Champion & MVP ESPN College GameDay Host |
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Saturday, July 13th
3:00 PM
Meet-n-Greet Reception
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Award Program
3:00 PM
Meet-n-Greet Reception
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Award Program
at the
Historic Tournament House
and Wrigley Gardens
Home of the Tournament of Roses Association
Tournament House, 391 Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Historic Tournament House
and Wrigley Gardens
Home of the Tournament of Roses Association
Tournament House, 391 Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Recap of event
July 13, 2024
The Tournament of Rose’s Tournament House was the perfect setting to honor the University of Michigan’s Desmond Howard, the Big Ten Club’s 2024 Person of the Year. Desmond is a former Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP, and currently serves as a college football analyst on ESPN’s widely popular College Game Day. His accomplishments on and off the field, and his strong support of family, community and giving back made him an ideal choice.
The event boasted a record turnout of guests, who all enjoyed a fabulous reception, tours of Tournament House, and the ability to meet Desmond, and mix and mingle with one another. He was a true joy to be around, and filled the house with incredible warmth and happiness.
Guests then moved into the Rose Room for the program and presentation. Highlights included: a video of Desmond’s career, testimonials from a wide variety of Desmond’s friends, coaches, and colleagues, and live remarks from Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses Executive Committee Member. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Desmond’s acceptance of the award and a talk that emphasized his strong connection to the Big Ten Conference and how much he appreciated being honored by the Big Ten Club.
The Person of the Year award was first presented in 1985 and has included a wide variety of distinguished individuals from many different professions and areas of life. Though there have been many standout events, everyone agreed that this was one of our best programs yet and that Desmond was a most deserving honoree.
The Tournament of Rose’s Tournament House was the perfect setting to honor the University of Michigan’s Desmond Howard, the Big Ten Club’s 2024 Person of the Year. Desmond is a former Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP, and currently serves as a college football analyst on ESPN’s widely popular College Game Day. His accomplishments on and off the field, and his strong support of family, community and giving back made him an ideal choice.
The event boasted a record turnout of guests, who all enjoyed a fabulous reception, tours of Tournament House, and the ability to meet Desmond, and mix and mingle with one another. He was a true joy to be around, and filled the house with incredible warmth and happiness.
Guests then moved into the Rose Room for the program and presentation. Highlights included: a video of Desmond’s career, testimonials from a wide variety of Desmond’s friends, coaches, and colleagues, and live remarks from Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses Executive Committee Member. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Desmond’s acceptance of the award and a talk that emphasized his strong connection to the Big Ten Conference and how much he appreciated being honored by the Big Ten Club.
The Person of the Year award was first presented in 1985 and has included a wide variety of distinguished individuals from many different professions and areas of life. Though there have been many standout events, everyone agreed that this was one of our best programs yet and that Desmond was a most deserving honoree.
Video Tributes created by friends of Desmond to honor his Big Ten Club Person of the Year Award
- Kirk Herbstreit, Ohio State, ESPN Game Day family, fellow Person of the Year Recipient
- Touchdown Billy Taylor, Michigan Football legend
- Ayanna McConnell, CEO Michigan Alumni Association
- Chris Fowler, ESPN Game Day family (live from Wimbledon)
- David Ablauf, Michigan Associate Athletic Director
- Pat McAfee, ESPN Game Day family (live from an island)
- John U. Bacon, Author
- Bruce Lee + Victor the Frisbee Dog, Michigan Football
- Greg Harden, Life Coach Guru
- Blake Corum, Michigan + LA Rams Football
- Jim Harbaugh, National Champion Michigan Football Coach
- Rece Davis, ESPN Game Day family
Opening video to kick off the Big Ten Club Person of the Year award for Desmond Howard