Two Minute Drill

The New York Giants are the champions of the football world after beating the favored New England Patriots by a score of 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI this past Sunday. And to the victor goes the spoils. What do the world champs receive for reaching the pinnacle of the football world? The answer is the legendary Vince Lombardi Trophy. One of the most recognizable trophies in sports, the Lombardi Trophy has been hugged, kissed and passed around by some of the most legendary greats of football.

The trophy is designed by Tiffany and Co. but at seven pounds and 22 inches tall, don't expect it to be wrapped up in a blue box and white ribbon. It is made entirely out of sterling silver and features a regulation football in kicking position atop a triangle base. It is inscribed with the words "Vince Lombardi Trophy" above the NFL crest as well as the Roman numeral for that Super Bowl.

In 1967, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozell was discussing a world championship trophy with Tiffany and Co. Vice President Oscar Riedner. Riedner came up with a napkin sketch on the spot. The overall appearance of the trophy has been unchanged in the 46 years of league history. It was originally inscribed with "World Professional Football Championship" and featured the crests of both the NFL and AFL. When the two leagues merged in 1970, the league began calling the championship game the Super Bowl and featured only the NFL crest.

After winning the first two Super Bowls and three NFL championships, Fordham alum and legendary Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi was atop the football world. Following his unexpected death in 1970, the NFL changed the name of the championship trophy to the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Tiffany and Co. estimates that the Lombardi Trophy takes four months to complete. Only one trophy is constructed each year in Parsippany, New Jersey. However, members of the winning team are allowed to purchase .75 scale replicas of the trophy.

The trophy used to be presented in the winning locker room; however, since Super Bowl XXX, the trophy has been given to the winning owner on the field directly after the conclusion of the game. The trophy is then passed around as grown men cry over its beauty and significance. Unlike with the Stanley Cup and Grey Cup, the winners are able to keep the Lombardi Trophy.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is named after a legend and only awarded to the greats.