National Football Foundation

Born across the street from The Downtown Athletic Club (DAC), of which he would become a lifetime employee, Rudy Riska has devoted his career to honoring the very best of college football.

An accomplished high school athlete, Riska was signed by the New York Yankees and played professional baseball for three seasons - the final with the Baltimore Orioles. Following his baseball career, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for three years prior to joining the DAC in 1961.

For 30 years, Riska served as the director of athletics at the club while having the prestigious honor of being executive director of the National Association of Club Athletics Directors.

Now in his 43rd year with the DAC, he currently serves as executive director of both The Heisman Memorial Trophy Trust and The Heisman Memorial Trophy Foundation. First awarded in 1935 to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago, The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the "Outstanding College Football Player of the United States." As one of the most recognized trophies in the world of sport, with its unique pose and bronze finish, the Heisman has come to represent excellence and achievement on the football field.

Riska's work with the Heisman Foundation has helped raise more than $1 million over the past 12 years for various foundations and charitable organizations throughout the country. Currently, he is in the process of developing the Heisman After School Academy with the Boys Club of New York focusing on middle school children. Riska plans on establishing an After School Academy in each Heisman Trophy winner's hometown.