Jay Berwanger, the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy and the first player ever drafted by the National Football League, died Thursday in his Chicago suburb home of lung cancer following a long illness. The College Football Hall of Famer was 88 years old.

A two-time All-America halfback from the University of Chicago, Berwanger ran over, through and around BIG TEN competition for three legendary seasons. Coached by legendary Hall of Fame coach Amos Alonzo Stagg in his first year, Berwanger soon became the team's captain and in 24 college games scored 22 touchdowns, averaged 4.2 yards per rush and 25.7 yards per kickoff return. On defense he played linebacker until fourth down, when he became the primary punt return man.

"We didn't know any better," he said in 1999. "I loved playing defense as much as offense. Today's platoon system lets more players play, so it's good for the game and good for colleges."

"the grace showed to the many who idolized him was a sure sign of his genuine humanity." Chicago President Don Michael Randel

He enjoyed the best year of his collegiate career in 1935 when he compiled 577 rushing yards, 406 passing yards, 359 yards on kickoff returns and six touchdowns - culminating with reception of the first ever Downtown Athletic Club Award, later renamed the Heisman Trophy.

"He was extraordinarily generous towards generations of students," university president Don Michael Randel said. "He returned every year to Homecoming, and the grace showed to the many who idolized him was a sure sign of his genuine humanity."

Following graduation in 1936, the Philadelphia Eagles made Berwanger the first player ever to be selected in the NFL draft. However, after the Chicago Bears aquired Berwanger's signing rights, the two parties were unable to agree on a salary contract and Berwanger eventually passed on pro football.

A naval aviator during World War II, Zerwanger later founded his own company, Jay Berwanger Inc., a manufacturer of plastic and sponge-rubber strips for machinery.