Every year, the Iowa and Minnesota football teams play for a bronze statue of a pig called Floyd of Rosedale. However, most people don’t know the back story of Floyd, or if they do, just something to the effect of “the governors bet a pig”. I came across this article on Minnesota Public Radio’s website after last year’s game, and have been waiting to share it since. It has to be one of the most interesting stories of a college football trophy out there.
As a preview, it dates back to the 1930′s and centers around Ozzie Simmons. Ozzie was a great Iowa running back, and a black man in a time of rampant discrimination. The story also features Ronald Reagan, a real pure-bred Hampshire hog, an amputated finger, and threats of mob violence.
As a side note of interest, the trophy weights 98.3 pounds.
[...] as good as they come. MPR has a great recounting of the origins of the trophy (which admittedly I’ve pointed out before, but it’s worth the repost). Totally worth the [...]