Nov 1, 1980; Athens, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; South Carolina Gamecocks running back #38 George Rogers in action against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Gamecocks 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Gamecocks Legend George Rogers Recalls Heisman Trophy Season

Originally posted on South Carolina Gamecocks on SI
By Jonathan Williams | Last updated Jul 10, 2024 12:35 PM ET

South Carolina Gamecocks legend George Rogers recalls his Heisman Trophy winning season.

The South Carolina Gamecocks have had some memorable players over the program's history. Names like Jadeveon Clowney pop into mind when thinking of former South Carolina players who had historic careers, but perhaps the most notable name is running back George Rogers.

Rogers was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1980 and is still the only Gamecock to ever win the award. In four seasons at South Carolina, he racked up over 5,000 rushing yards, 33 total touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. He was also named a unanimous All-American following that season.

In a video posted by the Heisman Trophy's Twitter account, Rogers was asked what he remembers most about that season, and the answer he gave had nothing to do with himself. Here is what Rogers said in the video:

The 1980 Heisman Trophy winner, @gamecockfb's @GeorgeRogers38, shows some love for the guys who literally cleared the path to his bronze statue!#Heisman #MoreThanATrophy pic.twitter.com/q9FGbePdWQ
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) July 10, 2024

"I have to say my offensive line. Because we knew we were gonna run the ball and every time we went out everyone knew we were going to run the ball. And if you can't stop us, then you are in for a good football game, and my offensive line was very good," said Rogers.

Rogers would also go on to have a great professional career as well. After being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round with the overall pick in the 1981 draft, Rogers would go on to win a Super Bowl, win NFL Rookie of the Year and be a two-time Pro Bowler over seven seasons. Injuries eventually caught up to him and he elected to retire from the professional football league.

This article first appeared on South Carolina Gamecocks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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