Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy

The Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy was the trophy awarded to the Champions of the National Football League from 1934 through 1969. The trophy was named after Ed Thorp, a noted referee, rules expert, sporting goods dealer, and friend to many of the early NFL owners. Thorp died in June 1934, and a large, traveling trophy was made later that year. It was to be passed along from champion to champion each season with each championship team's name inscribed on it.