What is the Floyd of Rosedale?
- Greg Kajewski
- 36 minutes ago
- 9 min read
The Floyd of Rosedale is a bronze pig trophy exchanged annually in the Iowa-Minnesota college football rivalry. Originating in 1935 from a friendly wager between Iowa Governor Clyde Herring and Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson, it symbolizes sportsmanship and camaraderie during a time of racial tension. Initially, the bet involved a live pig, but after the original Floyd passed away, a bronze sculpture replaced it in 1936.
Weighing 98 pounds and crafted by sculptor Charles Brioschi, the trophy has become a Midwest football icon. It represents more than just a game - connecting generations of fans and players while highlighting the unifying power of sports. Today, Floyd of Rosedale is celebrated through games, public events, and educational efforts, ensuring its legacy endures. The next showdown is set for October 25, 2025, promising another chapter in this storied rivalry.
Digital Extra: The history of the 'Floyd of Rosedale' trophy
How Floyd of Rosedale Started
The story of Floyd of Rosedale begins with a unique and lighthearted wager or social bet that added a new layer to the rivalry between Minnesota and Iowa. This tradition, born in the mid-1930s, was sparked by a friendly bet between two state leaders, Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson and Iowa Governor Clyde Herring. Their playful gamble not only highlighted sportsmanship but also brought a sense of camaraderie to a heated competition.
Minnesota won the first game in 1935, while Iowa leads the Floyd of Rosedale series 45–43–2 while winning 9 of the past 10 matchups.
The Governors' Pig Bet
The wager was simple yet creative: the governor of the losing state would present the winner with a prize pig. This quirky idea quickly captured public attention, shifting the rivalry's focus toward friendly competition and mutual respect. For a deeper dive into how sports wagers have influenced social dynamics, check out this analysis.
The Original Floyd the Pig
When Iowa emerged victorious, Governor Olson made good on the bet by delivering a pig named Floyd. The live pig became a symbol of the wager, but officials later decided to replace it with a bronze trophy modeled after Floyd. Today, this trophy is a cherished part of the tradition, exchanged between the two schools after every game. As the October 25, 2025, game approaches, the legacy of Floyd of Rosedale continues to thrive, promising another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
Making and Changes to the Trophy
The shift from a live pig to a permanent bronze trophy came with its share of challenges, especially after Floyd, the original pig, passed away from cholera in July 1936. This unfortunate event underscored the impracticality of using a living animal as a trophy.
To address this, Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson tasked Saint Paul sculptor Charles Brioschi with creating a lasting tribute to Floyd. The result was a bronze trophy that debuted on November 7, 1936, following the Iowa–Minnesota game. This marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day.
What the Trophy Looks Like
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy is an impressive bronze sculpture, weighing 98 pounds and measuring 21 inches long by 15 inches high. Brioschi’s craftsmanship ensured the sculpture closely resembles the original pig, capturing its likeness with remarkable detail. The use of bronze not only provides durability but also gives the trophy a classic, enduring look. Due to its weight, players and coaches often need help lifting Floyd during post-game celebrations, adding to the spectacle of the moment.
How the Tradition Has Changed
Although the core meaning of the trophy remains the same, the way it’s presented has evolved over the years. What started as a simple exchange between teams has transformed into a more elaborate ritual. Today, the winning team, along with their coaches and university officials, proudly displays Floyd, often taking part in photo sessions and media coverage. The trophy presentation has become a highlight, blending tradition with the pageantry of modern college football.
Looking ahead to the October 25, 2025 game, the tradition continues to grow beyond the field. It now includes community events, alumni gatherings, and pre-game festivities. Over time, what began as a lighthearted wager has become a treasured emblem of sportsmanship, pride, and connection for fans and players across the Midwest.
Important Games in the Rivalry
The Iowa–Minnesota rivalry has long been a cornerstone of college football, with each game adding a new layer to the story of Floyd of Rosedale. It's a tradition steeped in history, fueled by passionate fans, and shaped by moments that continue to define this iconic matchup.
Games That Defined the Rivalry
Throughout the years, certain matchups have stood out as pivotal. One google search for “invalid fair catch” brings a pivotal game on October 21, 2023 where Cooper DeJean’s electric play becomes a dividing opinion across fanbases.
This game, as well as, others like Shonn Green’s highlights against Minnesota are all big games increasing the fierce competition and high stakes that add to the series.
Upsets and Streaks That Made History
The rivalry has seen its fair share of dominance by one team, only to be upended by stunning upsets. These moments of unpredictability are what make the rivalry so thrilling. Each game becomes a chance for one team to rewrite the narrative, adding a new chapter to the legacy of Floyd of Rosedale. This constant back-and-forth cements its place as more than just a football game - it's a symbol of resilience and pride for both sides.
Floyd of Rosedale: A Trophy with Meaning
Floyd of Rosedale isn’t just a trophy - it’s a symbol of community pride and shared history. Over time, it has come to represent more than just victory on the field. For fans in Iowa City and Minneapolis, it’s a rallying point for celebration. Local businesses host themed events, alumni return for reunions that span generations, and even youth football programs embrace the tradition with their own spirited games. Floyd has become a bridge between past glories and today’s fierce competition, embodying the passion that unites these communities.
As the October 25, 2025, matchup at TCF Bank Stadium approaches, excitement is already building. With both teams boasting strong records, early betting lines suggest a tightly contested game - setting the stage for yet another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.
The Trophy Today
Floyd of Rosedale continues to shine as a cherished symbol of college football, celebrated through community events, historical reflection, and educational efforts.
Celebrations and Public Events
The bronze pig trophy remains a focal point of celebration long after the final whistle. When Iowa triumphed over Minnesota on November 18, 2022, at Huntington Bank Stadium, defensive lineman Yahya Black and defensive end Joe Evans proudly raised Floyd high in the air during the traditional post-game festivities.
Outside the stadium, Floyd takes on a life of its own, making appearances across both Iowa and Minnesota. A highlight is its annual showing at the Iowa State Fair, where thousands gather to see the iconic trophy up close. These public events keep the tradition alive, allowing fans of all ages to connect with the rivalry’s rich history.
Fort Dodge, Iowa, deepened its ties to Floyd in 2021 with the unveiling of a permanent statue funded by local donors. This statue, located in the town where the original pig once lived, serves as a year-round tribute to the trophy’s origins and provides a tangible link to the past.
Within the Iowa football program, the tradition takes on an educational twist. Head coach Kirk Ferentz ensures the story of Floyd of Rosedale is passed down by having younger players present its history to the team during the week leading up to the Minnesota game. This ritual instills a deeper understanding of what the trophy represents and the legacy they’re upholding.
Lessons in Sportsmanship and Race Relations
The origins of Floyd of Rosedale carry lessons that go far beyond the football field. Born out of a 1934 wager during a time of racial tension, the trophy’s story highlights how sports can bridge divides and foster unity.
Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins reflects on this legacy, recognizing its lasting impact:
"Without those guys, guys like me don't get the opportunity to play football at the University of Iowa. Those guys are real pioneers that we definitely look up to today".
Higgins’ words underscore how the history behind Floyd continues to educate and inspire, reminding young athletes of the struggles and progress that shaped the game they love.
For those curious about how the original wager between governors offered a momentary reprieve from societal challenges, this analysis delves deeper into its significance.
These lessons naturally extend into the camaraderie and shared spirit that define today’s sports culture.
Connection to Peer-to-Peer Sports Communities
Floyd of Rosedale’s legacy of uniting communities resonates with the principles of modern sports networks. The rivalry reflects values like transparency, shared passion, and authentic connection - qualities that today’s sports enthusiasts cherish. Much like the original wager between governors, which was made openly and celebrated by the public, the tradition continues to bring people together.
Pat Harty of Hawk Fanatic captures the charm of this enduring rivalry:
"Floyd has become one of the most recognizable traveling trophies in college football, and to have it be a statue of a pig just adds to the charm and fun".
The combination of history, accessibility, and character embodied by Floyd mirrors what sports communities today strive for: moments that unite fans and players in meaningful ways.
As the October 25 matchup at Huntington Bank Stadium approaches, early betting lines suggest another tight contest, with the spread hovering around one touchdown. This game promises not only the next chapter in a storied rivalry but also a celebration of the community-driven tradition that has made Floyd of Rosedale a timeless symbol of college football’s unique spirit.
Conclusion
Floyd of Rosedale started as a clever way to calm tensions back in 1935, but over time, it has grown into something much bigger - a symbol that ties together sports history and America's ongoing journey toward equality. Its origins, rooted in a unique gubernatorial bet, have solidified its place as a standout trophy, representing unity and respect in a way that few other college football prizes can claim . Today, this legacy continues to shape every moment of celebration and competition tied to the trophy.
As we look ahead to the October 25 clash at Huntington Bank Stadium, the excitement is palpable. With a close point spread, the intensity of this matchup is undeniable. Yet Floyd’s story goes far beyond the gridiron. It’s honored at public events and cherished as a living connection to the trailblazers who first brought this tradition to life .
For a deeper dive into how historic sports bets momentarily eased racial tensions, check out this article by Greg Kajewski.
In a time when traditions often fade, Floyd stands as a reminder that the best rivalries are built on shared history, mutual respect, and values that go far beyond the scoreboard.
FAQs
Why was the live pig in the Floyd of Rosedale rivalry replaced with a bronze trophy?
The original Floyd of Rosedale rivalry featured a live pig, but practicality led to its replacement with a bronze trophy. Passing a live animal back and forth between the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota every year proved too complicated. The bronze statue became a lasting symbol of the tradition, eliminating the logistical challenges of caring for and transporting a live pig. Today, the trophy stands as a proud representation of the spirited competition between the two schools.
What is the history and significance of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy in the Iowa-Minnesota football rivalry?
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy, a 98-pound bronze pig, stands as a symbol of the deep history and sportsmanship shared in the football rivalry between the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota. This unique tradition began in 1935 when the governors of Iowa and Minnesota placed a friendly wager to defuse tensions after a contentious 1934 game involving Iowa's standout player, Ozzie Simmons. That bet led to the creation of this now-iconic trophy, which has since become a beloved emblem of camaraderie in college football.
The next chapter in this storied rivalry unfolds on October 25th, with Iowa currently favored by 2.5 points. The total over/under for the game is set at 35.5. As always, this matchup promises to capture the competitive spirit and sense of community pride that the Floyd of Rosedale represents.
What is the significance of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy in the Iowa-Minnesota rivalry?
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy, a bronze pig, stands as a symbol of one of college football's most storied rivalries: the annual clash between the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota. This tradition dates back to 1935, when the governors of the two states made a friendly wager to ease tensions after a controversial game involving Iowa’s Black player, Ozzie Simmons. Over the years, the trophy has grown into a cherished emblem of sportsmanship, history, and tradition.
This year’s game, set for October 25th, marks the 119th meeting between these two teams. It’s not just about the score - it’s about honoring a legacy that bridges generations of players and fans. The matchup offers a moment to appreciate the historical and cultural roots of the rivalry while celebrating the competitive energy that defines college football.
What is an Invalid Fair Catch Signal?
In collegiate football (under the National Collegiate Athletic Association rules), an invalid fair-catch signal occurs when a receiving‐team player gives any waving signal that does not meet the requirements of a valid fair-catch signal.
Here are the exact rule points:
A valid fair-catch signal is given by a receiving‐team player during the flight of the kick by clearly extending one hand above his head and waving it from side to side.
An invalid fair-catch signal is any waving signal by a receiving-team player that does not satisfy those requirements.
When an invalid fair-catch signal is given, the ball becomes dead at the spot of catch or recovery, and the receiving team may not advance the ball.
