Celebrate the legacy of college football with this one-of-a-kind collector’s treasure—a presentation football autographed by 24 Heisman Trophy winners, including Michigan’s own Desmond Howard. This extraordinary item was generously donated by Whitney Prince, grandson of Willard B. Prince, the first Chairman of the Heisman Trophy Committee.
Football fans nationwide will have the opportunity to own a piece of sports history while supporting compassionate end-of-life care. Online bidding for the Heisman Heroes Football opens September 1 and culminates in a live, nationwide auction on September 11 during Arbor Hospice’s signature fundraising event, Barley, BBQ & Beats.
A Gift of Gratitude for Arbor Hospice
Whitney’s gift is more than a tribute to athletic greatness—it’s a deeply personal gesture of gratitude. Inspired by the compassionate care his sister received from Arbor Hospice in 2023, this donation honors her memory and ensures that others receive the same dignity and comfort his family experienced.
The Prince family’s connection to the Heisman community has fueled decades of philanthropy. This donation continues that tradition—celebrating the past while shaping a more compassionate future. All proceeds from this item will support specialized veterans’ care at Arbor Hospice.
Willard B. Prince: A Legacy of Service
Willard B. Prince (1888–1949) was a man of vision and service. During World War I, he served with distinction as a Sergeant Major and mapmaker in the U.S. Army’s 5th Division, creating battlefield maps now preserved in the Library of Congress. You can read his wartime diaries and learn more about his mapmaking legacy at the Library of Congress: The Story of a World War I Mapmaker : The War Diary of Willard B. Prince, Fifth Division Headquarters AEF, Written and Compiled at the Front.
After the war, Prince became a pivotal figure at New York City’s Downtown Athletic Club, where he helped establish the Heisman Memorial Trophy—now one of the most prestigious honors in American sports. As the first Chairman of the Heisman Trophy Committee, Prince helped shape the award into a lasting symbol of excellence and achievement in college football.
Prince’s dual legacy—as a decorated veteran and a steward of athletic tradition—continues to inspire through the ongoing generosity and service of his family. Willard’s son and Whitney’s father, John Prince, was also a veteran, proudly serving during the Korean War; he continued the family’s tradition of dedication to both country and community.
Honoring Veterans with Compassion
At Arbor Hospice, we believe every veteran deserves dignity, respect, and specialized care at the end of life. Through our partnership with the We Honor Veterans program—an initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—we provide compassionate, tailored support to those who have served our country.
Our team is specially trained to address the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs veterans may face, including those related to combat trauma and military service. We offer veteran-to-veteran volunteer programs, coordinate with VA services, and hold ceremonies to honor each veteran’s service. Arbor Hospice is proud to serve those who have served us—with honor, gratitude, and expert care.
Join Us at Barley, BBQ & Beats
Signatures on the Heisman Heroes Football
1994 – Rashaan Salaam, Colorado, Running Back
1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State, Quarterback
1992 – Gino Torretta, Miami (FL), Quarterback
1991 – Desmond Howard, Michigan, Wide Receiver
1990 – Ty Detmer, BYU, Quarterback
1980 – George Rogers, South Carolina, Running Back
1979 – Charles White, USC, Running Back
1976 – Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh, Running Back
1973 – John Cappelletti, Penn State, Running Back
1971 – Pat Sullivan, Auburn, Quarterback
1970 – Jim Plunkett, Stanford, Quarterback
1969 – Steve Owens, Oklahoma, Fullback
1967 – Gary Beban, UCLA, Quarterback
1966 – Steve Spurrier, Florida, Quarterback
1959 – Billy Cannon, LSU, Halfback
1955 – Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, Ohio State, Halfback
1952 – Billy Vessels, Oklahoma, Halfback
1950 – Vic Janowicz, Ohio State, Halfback
1949 – Leon Hart, Notre Dame, Tight End
1948 – Doak Walker, SMU, Halfback
1946 – Glenn Davis, Army, Halfback
1943 – Angelo Bertelli, Notre Dame, Quarterback
1936 – Larry Kelley, Yale, Tight End
1935 – Jay Berwanger, Chicago, Halfback