Slum i was literally going to ask you who you are playing today. And you do this to me.
Perhaps kick me harder in the nuts and parley with the CowGals tomorrow. In amy event, i was just working on initial draft of Heisman speech, up late last night writing this and reviewing with MM ( Mexican Magic). Why Slum, why??
Heisman Trophy Acceptance Speech — Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt University
“Thank you… thank you so much.”
Standing here tonight, holding this trophy, wearing these colors, representing Vanderbilt University—it feels surreal. A kid like me doesn’t grow up expecting this moment. I grew up loving this game, chasing a ball around fields that weren’t always level, dreaming of nights under brighter lights than I’d ever seen. And now I’m standing on the biggest stage in college football… because of an incredible team, an incredible school, and an incredible community that believed in me even before the rest of the world knew my name.
First, I want to thank God for the strength, the purpose, and the patience to walk this journey. Everything I have, everything I am, starts there.
To my family—Mom, Dad, my brothers and sisters—thank you for every sacrifice you made along the way. The long drives, the missed vacations, the late-night pep talks when I thought I wasn’t good enough… you built me. This trophy has my name on it, but it belongs to you.
To Coach Lea and the entire Vanderbilt coaching staff: thank you for seeing more in me than just an arm or a stat sheet. You saw a leader. You saw someone who could elevate a program. You pushed me, challenged me, and believed in me on the days when I needed it most. You set a vision for what Vanderbilt football could be—and tonight is proof that vision is real.
To my teammates—my brothers. We’ve been through it all. The early-morning lifts, the heartbreaks, the doubters, the noise, the grind. You protected me, you trusted me, and you fought beside me every single Saturday. Quarterbacks get a lot of credit, but I want every one of you to hear this clearly: I don’t win this without you. Not a chance. This trophy belongs in our locker room as much as it belongs on this stage.
To the offensive line—my bodyguards, my friends—you let me breathe when I needed time, and you let me fly when the moment called for it. To our receivers and backs—you turned routine plays into highlights, and you made big moments even bigger. To our defense—you gave us the ball back, you gave us momentum, and you gave this program a backbone.
To Vanderbilt University—thank you for giving me a home. Thank you for giving me an education that will outlast every throw I ever make. Thank you for believing that greatness can come from anywhere—including the heart of Nashville.
To the Vanderbilt fans… you’ve lived through the ups and downs, you’ve stayed loyal, and you’ve lifted us higher than you realize. When people said this program couldn’t produce a Heisman winner… you believed it could. You showed up for us, and tonight, I hope we made you proud.
The Heisman Trophy isn’t just about the best player—it’s about what is possible. It’s about defying expectations. It’s about beating odds, rewriting narratives, and carrying a torch for everyone who’s been told they’re too small, too slow, too unknown, or from the wrong place.
If my journey proves anything, let it be this: your path may not be traditional, but your purpose can still be extraordinary.
Finally, to every kid out there dreaming big—dream impossible. Dream loud. Dream stubborn. Because sometimes the world doesn’t need you to fit the mold. Sometimes it needs you to break it.
I am honored. I am humbled. And I am proud to forever be a representative of Vanderbilt University as the winner of the Heisman Trophy.
Thank you. God bless. And Anchor Down.”
