ESPN is releasing a new 30 for 30 documentary in eight days with a strong Tennessee tie.
Following the announcement of the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, ESPN is releasing its premier episode of its 14th season — “The Great Heisman Race of 1997”.
The name is pretty self explanatory. The documentary will examine the 1997 Heisman Trophy race which is widely considered one of the most controversial Heisman Trophy results of all time.
Michigan’s Charles Woodson became the first primary defensive player to win the award, beating out Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the prestigious award.
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Manning was largely considered the favorite to win the award in his senior season and his runner up finish still angers Tennessee fans to this day. Many Vol fans have slandered the award and the process in the days, years and decades since 1997. Over 25 years later, still no Tennessee players has ever won the award given to the nation’s top player.
In fact, Tennessee has yet to have another player make it to New York as a finalist since Manning. Hendon Hooker was seen as a lock to be a finalist a season ago before suffering a season ending knee injury last November.
The 1997 Heisman Trophy race was compelling even past Manning and Woodson at the top. Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf and Marshal receiver Randy Moss were both intriguing personalities who were finalist.
The final 1997 Heisman Trophy voting went Charles Woodson (1,815), Peyton Manning (1,543), Ryan Leaf (861) and Randy Moss (253).
Check out the trailer for “The Great Heisman Race of 1997” here.
