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Northwestern and Michigan will compete for the first FBS rivalry-game trophy named for the first Black football player in the Big Ten.

The programs announced Thursday the creation of the George Jewett Trophy after the athlete who lettered at both schools. The trophy will be presented for the first time when the teams compete on Oct. 23 in Ann Arbor, Mich., where Jewett grew up.

“Dr. George Jewett’s academic, athletic, community and cultural accolades transcend time,” said Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren in a statement.

“Dr. Jewett’s dedication and perseverance to achieve excellence in every area of his life are an inspiration to every man and woman and provide evidence that with hard work and passion there are no limitations to achieving your dreams. We must continue to work together to honor Dr. Jewett by eliminating racism and hate and creating equality in our society.”

Jewett, who was the valedictorian of his high school, played for Michigan from 1890 to 1892, where he excelled on the track, football and baseball teams. He competed at fullback, halfback and kicker.

1890 University of Michigan Football Team. In the back row is Thomas L. McKean, Clark J. Sutherland, Tom Chadbourne, David Trainer, Horace Prettyman and David McMoran. The third row includes Sam Sherman, Lawrence Grosh, Capt. William C. Malley, mngr. George Codd and James E. Duffy. In the second row is George Jewett. The front row shows George Dygert, George Holden and Roger Sherman.
1890 University of Michigan Football Team. In the back row is Thomas L. McKean, Clark J. Sutherland, Tom Chadbourne, David Trainer, Horace Prettyman and David McMoran. The third row includes Sam Sherman, Lawrence Grosh, Capt. William C. Malley, mngr. George Codd and James E. Duffy. In the second row is George Jewett. The front row shows George Dygert, George Holden and Roger Sherman.

He transferred to Northwestern in 1893 to complete his medical degree. He was a letterman for the Wildcats for two seasons.

Jewett became a doctor in Chicago, but returned to Michigan in 1899. He coached at Michigan Agricultural College and at Olivet before starting a dry cleaning and pressing business.

He died in 1908 at 38.

“This is a deserved and exciting acknowledgment of Dr. George Jewett, a landmark figure for both Northwestern and Michigan,” said Northwestern interim athletic director Janna Blais in a statement.

“Beginning this fall, each time Wildcats and Wolverines student-athletes meet on the football field, it will be in celebration of a true pioneer. Every future meeting will stand as an opportunity to educate, communicate and inspire our communities in Dr. Jewett’s memory.”