HOW THE SUPER BOWL TROPHY GOT ITS NAME
The Lombardi football trophy is named in honor of Vince Lombardi after losing his battle with cancer in late 1970 at the age of 57. Previously called the "World Professional Football Championship Trophy," it was changed to the coach's name and awarded to the Baltimore Colts during the Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys the following year.
WHO DESIGNED THE SUPER BOWL TROPHY?
In 1966, NFL (National Football League) commissioner Pete Rozelle reach out to American luxury jewelry and specialty company Tiffany & Co. to design a football trophy for the champions of the league. Vice President of Tiffany & Co. Oscar Riedner took it upon himself to design the award but knew nothing of football.
Riedner bought a football later that day from FAO Schwarz to get a better idea of the sport. The following morning, over a bowl of corn flakes, he cut apart the cereal box, making a stand and placing the football in kicking position on top. Later during lunch with Rozelle, the design of what would eventually become the Vince Lombardi Trophy was sketched onto a cocktail napkin by Riedner and presented to him.
Every year, this award is the end goal of teams in the NFL. They play in the blistering heat, rain, snow, and in front of home-crowds filled cut-throat fanatics cheering their teams on to become the winning super bowl team. Just like the rough and rugged game of football, the trophy needs to be as grandiose as the game. We are sure that Tiffany & Co. had no idea the impact the Vince Lombardi Trophy would have on American culture, but it is the key feature of triumph for the Super Bowl Champion every year.
We will soon have a new crop of champs, and out of all the plays, cheering, tailgates, and super bowl commercials, the Vince Lombardi Trophy stands at the center of all hype and glory.