Miami makes $1.8 million decision to honor two football legends

Jeff Hauser

Miami makes $1.8 million decision to honor two football legends image

The Miami Hurricanes announced on Thursday they will build two statues of Heisman Trophy winners Vinny Testaverde and Gino Torretta. This decision was thanks to a $1.81 million donation to the athletic department by Max Chira. 

The "significant donation" to the newly launched Victory Fund to support Miami student-athletes was a memorable one. It's also a lasting reminder of the individual accomplishments of Testaverde and Torretta, which will be in front of the football facility.

"As a fan of Miami for the past 57 years, I've always felt that our two Heisman Trophy winners deserved a lasting tribute," Chira said in a statement.

Testaverde became Miami's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1986. The Canes legend threw for 6,058 yards and 48 touchdowns. He still holds the second-highest Heisman voting margin of victory to date and was a two-time finalist. 

As for Torretta, the Heisman Trophy winner in 1992 had over 3,000 yards with 19 touchdowns. He also won two national championships during his time in South Florida.   


"We are grateful to Max for his generous support and his vision for honoring our two Heisman Trophy winners," Miami athletics director Dan Radakovich said. "Vinny and Gino are two of our most decorated Hurricanes, and now their legacy will be on display on our campus for generations to come."

No. 5 Miami preps for an in-state matchup with Florida on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.