Sports are one of the most popular events in the world. Every year, no matter the sport, one dominant team climbs up the rankings and brings a championship home to their city/state. Although, in each sport, the trophies given out are different and have their own significant backgrounds. This article will go over the differences between each of the United States’ major sport’s trophies highlighting their origins and other interesting facts about them.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy (NFL)

The well-known Vince Lombardi trophy is the official championship trophy of the National Football League. It is a matte silver color and it stands at 22 inches tall. The first team to earn the award was the Green Bay Packers in 1967. It is named after former head coach legend, Vince Lombardi, who passed away fighting a battle with cancer. Before its current name, it was called the “World Professional Football Championship Trophy”. The trophy is currently owned by the Kansas City Chiefs after they defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII (2024). The two teams tied with the most Super Bowl wins are the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers with 6.

The Stanley Cup (NHL) (not the water bottle)

Know as one of the most prized possessions, the Stanley Cup Trophy is the official championship trophy of the National Hockey League. It has a reflective silver color and it measures at a lengthy 3 feet tall. The first team to win this award was the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association back in 1893. It is named after the person who donated it to Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston, and it has always had the same name. The trophy is currently owned by the Vegas Golden Knights after they defeated the Florida Panthers in the 2023 Stanley Cup championship. Although, it could have a new owner soon because of the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. A fun fact about Chatfield is that former student, Kendra Lanuza (Class of 2015), is currently dating current Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O’Connor. In 2022, when the Avs won the Stanley Cup, she got to travel to Tampa Bay to celebrate with Logan for winning the cup. The team with the most Stanley Cup wins is the Montreal Canadiens with 23.

The Commissioner’s Trophy (MLB)

Another prestigious trophy in the sports world is the Commissioner’s Trophy, which is the official championship trophy of Major League Baseball. Its color is gold and it has 30 flags all around the edge of the circular platform, symbolizing all 30 teams in the MLB. It stands at 24 inches tall from the tallest flag to the base of the platform. The first team to win the trophy was the St. Louis Cardinals after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the 1967 World Series. It is the only major professional sports award that is not named after a specific person. The Commissioner’s Trophy is currently owned by the Texas Rangers after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series championship. The team with the most World Series wins is the New York Yankees with 27.

The Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy (NBA)

The final very important and honorable trophy in this article is the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, also known as the official championship trophy of the National Basketball Association. It is all gold with a square platform, thick support beam, and a small basketball replica and stands at a height of 25.5 inches tall. The first team to win this trophy award, in its inaugural year, was the Portland Trailblazers after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1977 NBA Championship finals. It was named after former late commisioner of the NBA, Larry O’Brien. A fun fact is that he was also a politician before becoming the commissioner. This trophy is currently owned by the Denver Nuggets (!!!) after they defeated the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Championship Finals. The team that has earned the Larry O’Brien trophy the most times is the Los Angeles Lakers with 11 titles.