Four Big Ten defensive backs, including 2015 Thorpe Award winner Desmond King of Iowa, were named to the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list.No Husker player has won the Thorpe Award. Prince Amukamara came the closest, being named a finalist in 2010.
The award was established in 1986 and is named after one of history’s greatest all-around athletes, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled not only as a running back, passer, and kicker on the offensive side of the ball; but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.