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Looking back at the NFL careers of the last 50 Heisman winners
Kelly Kline-Getty Images

Looking back at the NFL careers of the last 50 Heisman winners

We are close to the announcement of the 81st Heisman Trophy winner, and whomever wins will be in an exclusive and famous club. Heisman Trophy winner is a title that follows you for your entire football career and the rest of your life. 

However, winning college football's biggest prize does not portend what kind of NFL career you will have. Of the last 50 winners, only six are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and just one more player currently is likely to get in once he becomes eligible. Sixteen Heisman winners overall never played in the NFL (that does include last year's winner, Lamar Jackson, who is still in college). 

Here, we look at the NFL careers of the last 50 Heisman winners. Some had brilliant careers. Some were journeymen. Some shone very bright but burned out too soon. Some had careers that never got off the ground. A couple are famous for something more than football. 

Here, we look at what the past 50 Heisman winners did after taking home college football's most prized individual award.

 

2017 - Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mayfield made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2018 season and he led the Browns to a comeback win over the New York Jets. The No. 1 overall pick has been given the keys to the franchise and, through Week 12, he's delivered as many wins as the Browns has had the last three years combined. He's also shown his penchant for off-field issues as he has gotten into a verbal battle with former head coach Hue Jackson.

 

2016 - Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Heisman Trust-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson has been used as sort of a change-of-pace quarterback in his rookie season. He mainly came in for running plays on special situations and scored his first touchdown in Week 7. In Week 11, he made his first career NFL start in a 24-21 win over division rival Cincinnati and set a single-game rushing record for a Ravens quarterback.

 

2015 - Derrick Henry, Alabama

Derrick Henry, Alabama
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Henry is just in his third season with the Titans, where he took over as the starter with the retirement of DeMarco Murray. Though he was Murray's heir apparent, he's shared carries with Dion Lewis in a "thunder and lightning" partnership. He's rushed for under 2,000 yards for his three year career.

 

2014 - Marcus Mariota, Oregon

Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mariota is entrenched as the Titans' franchise quarterback. He had a breakout season in 2016 when he threw for over 3,400 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions and led Tennessee to its first winning record since 2011. In 2017, Mariota became the first quarterback to throw a touchdown to himself in the playoffs.

 

2013 - Jameis Winston, Florida State

Jameis Winston, Florida State
Jeff Zelevansky-Getty Images

Winston has struggled the last two seasons with the Buccaneers. After throwing for 50 touchdowns (and 33 interceptions) in his first two seasons, he tossed just 19 TDs with 11 picks in 2017. He was suspended for the start of the 2018 season and lost his starting job to journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. His future in Tampa Bay in tenuous at best.

 

2012 - Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Jackson Laizure-Getty Images

Johnny Football's pro career fizzled out before it could get started. Manziel played in only 15 games for the Browns, starting eight times and tossing for just 1,675 yards and 7 touchdowns before his on- and off-field antics caught up with him. His partying lifestyle was too much for the Browns, who released him in 2016. While he hasn't found an NFL job, he is still looking to get back into the league.

 

2011 - Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Mark Makela-Getty Images

RG3 burst onto the scene with the Redskins in 2012, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading Washington to a magical run for an NFC East championship. He suffered a knee injury in the playoff game against Seattle and has never been the same. After his rookie season, Griffin has gone just 6-19 and was replaced by fellow 2012 rookie Kirk Cousins. He is currently the third string quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens.

 

2010 - Cam Newton, Auburn

Cam Newton, Auburn
Kelly Kline-Getty Images

Newton has been one of the more successful Heisman winners of late. He was the 2015 NFL MVP when he led his Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 record and Super Bowl 50 appearance. He has rushed for more touchdowns than any quarterback in NFL history and holds many NFL records and firsts for signal callers. He's a premiere quarterback and a dominant force.

 

2009 - Mark Ingram, Alabama

Mark Ingram, Alabama
Kelly Kline-Getty Images

After becoming Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner, injuries and the depth chart have slowed Ingram's career. He's missed 18 games so far in his career, but he's been prolific in 2017. He's had two 1,000-yard seasons (2016, 2017), and when he does play, he's been very effective for the Saints. He's no longer the featured back in New Orleans but has been one of the many offensive options for the explosive Saints.

 

2008 - Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Kelly Kline-Getty Images

Bradford is a darn good quarterback when he plays. The problem is he's missed significant time, including the entire 2014 season. He has bounced around the league, playing for the Rams, Eagles, Vikings and Cardinals. In 2016 he threw 20 TDs and just 5 interceptions for Minnesota but played just two games in 2017 before going on IR. After two poor outings as the Arizona Cardinals quarterback, he was benched and ultimately released in 2018.

 

2007 - Tim Tebow, Florida

Tim Tebow, Florida
Kelly Kline-Getty Images

Tebow played just three seasons in the NFL. His rookie season featured him mainly in gimmick formations, but he did take over the starting gig in his second season. He led the team on a six-game winning streak, and his touchdown pass in overtime beat the Steelers in the playoffs. When Denver signed Peyton Manning after the season, Tebow was traded to the Jets, where he was back to being on gimmick plays. After trying to catch on elsewhere, he never played another regular-season game. He currently plays baseball in the Mets minor league system.

 

2006 - Troy Smith, Ohio State

Troy Smith, Ohio State
Chris Trotman-Getty Images

Smith made only eight NFL starts in his career. After only two starts in three years with the Ravens, he spent one season in San Francisco where he started six games for the 49ers. He eventually played in the UFL and CFL before washing out in 2014.

 

2005 - Reggie Bush, USC

Reggie Bush, USC
Michael Cohen-Getty Images

He was never really a superstar back in the NFL, but he was always a valuable player due to his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He bounced around with the Saints, Dolphins, Lions, 49ers and Bills during his career and was on the New Orleans team that won Super Bowl XLIV. He scored 58 total touchdowns rushing, receiving and returning. 

 

2004 - Matt Leinart, USC

Matt Leinart, USC
Pool-Getty Images

Leinart played six seasons in the NFL, primarily as a backup. He did start 11 games in his rookie season with the Cardinals but threw more interceptions than touchdowns and was sacked 21 times. He would start just seven more games the rest of his career and rarely saw the field. Today he is a studio analyst for Fox Sports. 

 

2003 - Jason White, Oklahoma

Jason White, Oklahoma
Ezra Shaw-Getty Images

White wasn't drafted into the NFL and never played an NFL game. He signed a two-year deal with the Titans but retired from football prior to the 2005 season due to bad knees. He's been successful as a businessman. He also appeared in Nissan's Heisman House ad campaign.

 

2002 - Carson Palmer, USC

Carson Palmer, USC
Spencer Platt-Getty Images

Palmer has had one of the more successful NFL careers of a Heisman winner. He is currently in his 14th season in the NFL and has been successful in Cincinnati, Oakland and Arizona. In 2005, he led the Bengals to their first winning season in 15 years. In 2015, he had a rebirth of sorts, performing at an MVP level with the Cardinals. Palmer has thrown for over 46,000 yards and nearly 300 touchdowns for his career. 

 

2001 - Eric Crouch, Nebraska

Eric Crouch, Nebraska
Brian Bahr-Getty Images

Despite being a Heisman-winning quarterback, Crouch was drafted by the Rams to be a wide receiver. An injury ended his NFL career before it got off the ground. He played in NFL Europe as a safety and finally got his shot at quarterback in the CFL. He ended his career with the UFL Omaha Nighthawks before retiring to a business career.

 

2000 - Chris Weinke, Florida State

Chris Weinke, Florida State
SUZANNE PLUNKETT-Getty Images

Weinke started 15 games as a rookie for the Carolina Panthers. After winning his first game, he lost his next 14 as the Panthers limped to a 1-15 record. He'd start just four more games over the next five seasons as Jake Delhomme's backup. In 2007 he started the final game of the season for the 49ers before retiring. He is currently a coach for the Los Angeles Rams.

 

1999 - Ron Dayne, Wisconsin

Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
Icon Sportswire-Getty Images

Dayne became a "thunder" back in the NFL, limiting his usage and yardage. He paired with Tiki Barber with the Giants as they went to Super Bowl XXXV but still didn't receive many carries. He moved on to Denver and Houston but never did reach 1,000 yards for a season in his career and totaled 28 touchdowns. He retired after the 2007 season.

 

1998 - Ricky Williams, Texas

Ricky Williams, Texas
ADAM NADEL-Getty Images

The Saints traded all their picks in the 1999 NFL Draft to get Williams, but his time there was marred by injuries and his social anxiety. He was dealt to Miami, but his marijuana use caused a string of suspensions as well as his early retirement. After a one-year stint in the CFL, he returned to the Dolphins but tore is pectoral muscle in his first game back. He retired for good in 2011 after rushing for 10,009 yards and 66 TDs. He now sells a line of cannabis products.

 

1997 - Charles Woodson, Michigan

Charles Woodson, Michigan
Sporting News Archive-Getty Images

As of now, Woodson is most likely the most recent Heisman winner to become a Hall of Famer. He was a star with the Raiders and Packers, going to nine Pro Bowls, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and named to the 2000s' All-Decade Team. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Packers and picked off 65 passes, recorded 20 sacks, forced 33 fumbles and scored 13 touchdowns. 

 

1996 - Danny Wuerffel, Florida

Danny Wuerffel, Florida
Andy Lyons-Getty Images

Wuerffel played for four NFL teams in six seasons. He threw 12 TDs in his career as well as 22 interceptions with just a 52.6 percent completion percentage. He did take the Rhein Fire to an NFL Europe championship in 2000 before finishing his career with the Packers and Redskins.

 

1995 - Eddie George, Ohio State

Eddie George, Ohio State
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

George was one of the most durable backs in the NFL, starting 130 consecutive games for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. In his first eight seasons, he started all 16 games. He made four Pro Bowls and totaled 10,441 yards and rushing 68 TDs for his career.  

 

1994 - Rashaan Salaam, Colorado

Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
Jed Jacobsohn-Getty Images

Salaam had a troubled NFL career. He rushed for 1,000 yards in his rookie year, making him the youngest player to ever accomplish that feat, but struggled with injuries and fumbles. He played just 15 more games with the Bears over two seasons before appearing in just two games for the Browns in his final NFL season. He did play in the XFL during the league's only season. 

 

1993 - Charlie Ward, Florida State

Charlie Ward, Florida State
Collegiate Images-Getty Images

Ward wasn't drafted into the NFL after announcing he was pursuing an NBA career. Ward played 11 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the New York Knicks. He averaged 6.3 points and 4 assists for his career.

 

1992 - Gino Torretta, Miami

Gino Torretta, Miami
The Sporting News-Getty Images

Torretta may have had the most unremarkable NFL career of any Heisman winner. He played just two games and only actually threw the ball in one, completing 5-of-16 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Seahawks' 1996 finale. 

 

1991 - Desmond Howard, Michigan

Desmond Howard, Michigan
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Howard's NFL career was rather pedestrian. He played 11 seasons and caught only 123 passes for 1,597 and 7 touchdowns. He did win Super Bowl XXXI MVP as a member of the Packers, becoming just the fourth Heisman winner to win that award. Currently he is an analyst on ESPN's "College GameDay."

 

1990 - Ty Detmer, BYU

Ty Detmer, BYU
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Detmer played eight seasons, primarily as a backup. He bounced around the league but backed up some legendary QBs. He was behind Brett Favre in Green Bay and Steve Young in San Francisco and was tagged to mentor Tim Couch in Cleveland. He started 25 games in his career, 18 of which came with the Eagles in 1996 and 1997.

 

1989 - Andre Ware, Houston

Andre Ware, Houston
Joe Patronite-Getty Images

Ware's NFL career got off to a rough start as Lions head coach Wayne Fontes went against his scout's advice and used the No. 7 overall pick on him (the scout would quit his job). Ware completed just 83 passes in the NFL in 14 games before washing out. He bounced around the CFL for a few years, winning a Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts as a backup to fellow Heisman winner Doug Flutie.

 

1988 - Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State

Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State
Bettmann-Getty Images

Sanders turned in a Hall of Fame career in which he was an All-Pro in each of his 10 seasons. He was the NFL's MVP in 1997, led the league in rushing four times and trails only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton for most career rushing yards. He still holds NFL records for most consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, most seasons rushing for at least 1,400 and 1,500 yards, most games with 150 yards rushing, most 50-yard TD runs, and averaged 99.8 yards per game rushing, second only to Jim Brown.

 

1987 - Tim Brown, Notre Dame

Tim Brown, Notre Dame
The Sporting News-Getty Images

The first receiver to win the Heisman went on to have a Hall of Fame pro career. Brown went to nine Pro Bowls with the Raiders, catching 1,094 passes for nearly 15,000 yards and 100 touchdowns. He is sixth all time in punt return yardage, seventh in receptions, seventh in receiving yards and ninth in receiving touchdowns. 

 

1986 - Vinny Testaverde, Miami

Vinny Testaverde, Miami
Bettmann-Getty Images

Testaverde spent 21 seasons with seven teams and finished sixth all time in completions and passing yards and seventh in touchdown passes. He also set an NFL record for most quarterback losses (123). In his second season, Testaverde threw 15 TDs and 35 interceptions for Tampa Bay. He played for the Buccaneers, Browns, Ravens, Jets, Cowboys, Patriots and Panthers and threw a touchdown pass in a record 21 consecutive seasons.

 

1985 - Bo Jackson, Auburn

Bo Jackson, Auburn
Bettmann-Getty Images

Jackson had one of the most popular yet short-lived careers. His Monday Night Football performance against Brian Bosworth and the Seahawks in 1987 was his NFL introduction to the masses. He played just four seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders, racking up 2,782 yards and 16 rushing TDs before suffering a career-ending hip injury in the playoffs against the Bengals. He also had a nine-year MLB career, mainly with the Royals and White Sox.

 

1984 - Doug Flutie, Boston College

Doug Flutie, Boston College
Bettmann-Getty Images

Flutie had one of the more interesting pro careers. He began in the USFL before signing with the Bears a year after their Super Bowl Shuffle run. He's end up starting for the Patriots before making a remarkable run in the CFL where he won three MVP awards and three Grey Cups. He'd find a renaissance with the Bills in 1998 and win Comeback Player of the Year. After being benched, he was the Chargers' starter in 2001. In his final game, he successfully completed the NFL's first dropkick since 1941. He played 21 seasons in three leagues for eight franchises, throwing for 369 TDs and rushing for 82 more.

 

1983 - Mike Rozier, Nebraska

Mike Rozier, Nebraska
Bettmann-Getty Images

Rozier began his career in the USFL before joining the Houston Oilers in the dispersal draft. He played over five seasons in Houston before being dealt to the Falcons. He played seven NFL seasons overall, rushing for 4,462 yards and 30 touchdowns. 

 

1982 - Herschel Walker, Georgia

Herschel Walker, Georgia
Bettmann-Getty Images

Walker entered the USFL after his junior season and rushed for a pro football record 2,411 yards in 1985. When the USFL folded, he joined the Cowboys' backfield with fellow Heisman winner Tony Dorsett. His all-everything season of 1988 enticed the Vikings to give up five players and six picks for him. The Vikings, nor Walker, wouldn't have the success the Cowboys did as the trade has become the headline of his career. He did run for over 8,000 yards, 61 rushing TDs and 21 receiving TDs in his career.

 

1981 - Marcus Allen, USC

Marcus Allen, USC
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer Marcus Allen is the only player to win a Heisman Trophy, a college football championship, NFL MVP, a Super Bowl and a Super Bowl MVP. His MVP performance in Super Bowl XVIII was his masterpiece, rushing for a then-record 191 rushing yards for the Raiders. The end of his Raiders tenure was marred by a feud with Al Davis that led to a trade to Kansas City. He played 16 seasons in total and gained 12,243 rushing yards and is seventh all time in yards from scrimmage.

 

1980 - George Rogers, South Carolina

George Rogers, South Carolina
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Rogers was the top overall pick in the 1981 draft by the Saints (just ahead of Lawrence Taylor). He led the league in rushing his rookie season and was productive in his four years in New Orleans, though he was involved in drug issues. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1986 with the Redskins. His final game was winning Super Bowl XXII.

 

1979 - Charles White, USC

Charles White, USC
Bettmann-Getty Images

White struggled with drugs during his four years with the Browns, where he rushed for less than 1,000 yards during his time there. He would flourish with the Rams, however, where his USC coach John Robinson was coach. He led the league in rushing in 1987, winning Comeback Player of the Year and making his only Pro Bowl. He'd serve a four-game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy the next season and retired following the year.

 

1978 - Billy Sims, Oklahoma

Billy Sims, Oklahoma
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Sims got off to a fast start with the Detroit Lions, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons — both of which ended in Pro Bowl selections. He would go to a third Pro Bowl in 1982, where he led the Lions to the playoffs. A horrific knee injury during the 1984 season ended his career. 

 

1977 - Earl Campbell, Texas

Earl Campbell, Texas
Bettmann-Getty Images

Campbell was one of most violent runners in NFL history as images of defenders pulling pieces of his jersey are embedded in our minds. That style that made him a grinder and a TD magnet with the Oilers also limited him to an eight-year career. In those eight seasons, he totaled over 9,400 yards and 74 touchdowns on the ground. His post-football life has been defined by his health issues, some of which may be attributed to his football career.

 

1976 - Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh

Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh
New York Daily News Archive-Getty Images

Dorsett rushed for 12,739 yards and 77 touchdowns (including a record 99-yard TD run from scrimmage) during his 12-season career with the Cowboys and Broncos. He was a Super Bowl champion and a four-time Pro Bowler who had eight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

1974, 1975 - Archie Griffin, Ohio State

Archie Griffin, Ohio State
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner in history, played seven seasons in the NFL with the Bengals. He didn't find the same success in the NFL as he did in college, rushing for only 2,808 yards and 7 touchdowns for his career, and he only had three 100-yard games.  

 

1973 - John Cappelletti, Penn State

John Cappelletti, Penn State
Bettmann-Getty Images

Cappelletti played nine seasons in the NFL with the Rams and Chargers but found limited success. In his second season, he ran just 48 times, but six of those rushes went for touchdowns. He finished with 2,951 rushing yards and rushing 24 touchdowns. 

 

1972 - Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska

Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska
Steven Branscombe-Getty Images

Rodgers actually went to the Canadian Football League after college, starring for the Montreal Alouettes for four seasons and winning the 1974 Grey Cup. He then played just 17 games over two seasons with the Chargers as hamstring and knee injuries ended his career. He only rushed for 49 yards in the NFL.

 

1971 - Pat Sullivan, Auburn

Pat Sullivan, Auburn
Focus On Sport-Getty Images

Sullivan played just six NFL seasons. The quarterback started just four games for the Falcons (losing all four) and never played as a Redskin. He finished his career with 1,155 passing yards and 5 touchdowns. He would go on to have a long coaching career, including head coaching gigs for TCU and Samford. 

 

1970 - Jim Plunkett, Stanford

Jim Plunkett, Stanford
Bettmann-Getty Images

Plunkett played 15 seasons in the NFL, but the eight years spent with the Raiders at the end of his career defined it. Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Raiders, including the Super Bowl XV MVP. He threw for 25,882 yards, 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions and is one of the most debated players to not be in the Hall of Fame.

 

1969 - Steve Owens, Oklahoma

Steve Owens, Oklahoma
Bettmann-Getty Images

Owens played five NFL seasons — all with the Lions. His best season was 1971 when he started 13 games and ran for 1,035 yards and 8 touchdowns, which earned him a Pro Bowl nod. On Thanksgiving Day, 1974, Owens tore a ligament in his knee and never play again. 

 

1968 - O.J. Simpson, USC

O.J. Simpson, USC
Bettmann-Getty Images

Simpson ran for 11,236 yards and 61 touchdowns in a Hall of Fame career primarily spent with the Buffalo Bills. Of course, he would become notorious for the "trial of the century" and his acquittal of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. In 2008, he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping and was released in 2017 after serving nine years of his sentence.

 

1967 - Gary Beban, UCLA

Gary Beban, UCLA
Bettmann-Getty Images

Beban was drafted by the Rams, but his rights were dealt to the Redskins. He played two seasons with Washington but was entrenched behind Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen. The former UCLA quarterback threw just one NFL pass in his career before retiring officially in 1971.

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