Super Bowl Trophy Renamed to Vince Lombardi

The Super Bowl trophy was officially renamed the Vince Lombardi Trophy on September 10, 1970. This decision was made following Vince Lombardi's death from cancer on September 3, 1970, to honor his legacy. The first time the newly named trophy was presented was at the conclusion of Super Bowl V, which took place on January 17, 1971, at the Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The decision to rename the trophy was made by NFL owners at a meeting, which took place in March 1970 in Honolulu, where Miami was also awarded the hosting rights for Super Bowl V. The Super Bowl trophy, awarded to the champion of the National Football League (NFL), was officially renamed the Vince Lombardi Trophy following the completion of the AFL-NFL merger. This merger, which took full effect in 1970, led to the reorganization of the league into two conferences: the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). The decision to honor Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, was made to recognize his significant contributions to the sport and his role in the early success of the Super Bowl. Lombardi's teams won the first two Super Bowls, establishing a legacy that would influence future generations of players and coaches. The renaming of the trophy serves as a tribute to his leadership and the impact he had on professional football, symbolizing excellence and achievement in the league. The Vince Lombardi Trophy is crafted from sterling silver and stands approximately 22 inches tall, weighing about 7 pounds. It is designed to resemble a regulation football and is made by Tiffany & Co. Each year, the trophy is awarded to the winning team of the Super Bowl, which is the culmination of the NFL season. The trophy not only represents the pinnacle of success in American football but also embodies the spirit of competition and the pursuit of greatness that Lombardi championed. Since its inception, the trophy has become an iconic symbol of the NFL, celebrated by fans and players alike. The renaming of the trophy to honor Lombardi has solidified his legacy within the sport, ensuring that his contributions are remembered and revered by future generations. Trophy History • Original Name: The trophy was initially called the "World Championship Game Trophy". • Design: The design, a regulation-size football in a kicking position on a three-sided stand, was sketched on a cocktail napkin by a Tiffany & Co. vice president, Oscar Riedner, in 1966. • Legacy: Vince Lombardi, the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, led his team to victory in the first two Super Bowls (Super Bowl I and II). Renaming the trophy in his honor was a tribute to his significant impact on the sport and the NFL. • Permanent Possession: Unlike trophies such as the Stanley Cup, a new Vince Lombardi Trophy is crafted each year by Tiffany & Co. and the winning team maintains permanent possession of it.