The Heisman Trophy is college football’s highest honor, but winning doesn’t guarantee NFL success. Many Heisman winners have struggled as pros, with only a few becoming superstars. However, some exceptional athletes dominated college and pro football and heavily impacted the NFL. These 15 players took their Heisman win and turned it into NFL greatness.
Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State
Sanders’ 1988 season made him one of the greatest college players in history. He set an insane NCAA record within 11 games with 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns. After college, this Hall of Famer played for the Detroit Lions, getting 10 Pro Bowls, an MVP award, and over 15,000 rushing yards.
Roger Staubach, QB, Navy
When the Navy needed a leader, Staubach stepped up with great personality and remarkable performance—especially his passing. After winning the 1963 Heisman Trophy, the 1985 Pro Football Hall of Famer started a legendary NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. The two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP was called “Captain Comeback” because of his clutch plays.
O.J. Simpson, RB, USC
In 1968, O.J. carried for 1,880 yards and 23 touchdowns and shattered records at USC. Simpson took his speed and power to the NFL and became the first NFL player to run over 2,000 yards in a season (1973). Today, we remember him as a five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Here, we have the youngest player to win the Heisman at just 19. He was a dual-threat that passed for over 3,500 yards and rushed over 1,500. After 2016, Jackson took the league by storm with the Baltimore Ravens. He won the 2019 MVP award while breaking records for rushing yards by a quarterback.
Marcus Allen, RB, USC
Allen’s 1981 Heisman win came after he became the first college player to rush for over 2,000 yards a season. In the NFL, the Hall of Famer Won a Super Bowl, was named the 1982 Rookie of the Year, and bagged Super Bowl MVP with the Raiders. He ended his career with over 12,000 rushing yards.
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
After Henry set an SEC record with 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, no one deserved the 2015 Heisman more. His size and speed made him a nightmare for NFL defenses. The Tennessee Titan is a two-time rushing champion and bagged the Offensive Player of the Year award and an NFL MVP in 2020.
Tim Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Brown changed the narrative when RBs and QBs won the most awards. The Oakland Raiders superstar became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman in 1987 with his amazing playmaking. In the NFL, the 2015 Hall of Famer recorded over 1,000 receptions, about 15,000 yards, and scored 100 touchdowns, earning nine Pro Bowl selections.
Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Bush won the Heisman in 2005 with over 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns. He stunned fans with moves that were highlight-reel worthy. Although his trophy, was later vacated due to NCAA violations, he became a superstar with the New Orleans Saints. He helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV, playing as a rusher and receiver.
Eddie George, RB, Ohio State
Although George didn’t pass the iconic 2,000-yard rushing mark, his 1,900 yards and 24 touchdowns were dominant enough to merit the 1995 Heisman Trophy. After college, he played for the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys, racking up over 10,000 yards before retiring. The four-time Pro Bowler was the 1996 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
After his Heisman win, Burrow led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in his second season—after an injury in his rookie year. He then proved his college heroics with LSU were no fluke. Before the NFL, the quarterback had thrown for 5,671 yards with 60 touchdowns, leading LSU to an undefeated season and a national title.
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Not everyone wins the Heisman as a freshman, but Winston deserved the coveted trophy after throwing for over 4,000 yards with 40 touchdowns. He also led Florida State to a national championship. The once-youngest player to win the Heisman was first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and finished the season with over 5,000 yards passing.
Charles Woodson, CB, Michigan
In 1997, Charles Woodson made history as the first Heisman winner as a predominantly a defensive player after helping Michigan to a national title. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010. The nine-time Pro Bowler is fifth on the all-time list of interceptions with 95.
Tony Dorsett, RB, Pittsburgh
Dorsett won the 1976 Heisman Trophy after leading Pittsburgh to a national championship with an incredible 2,150-yard season. His vision was insane, and the Dallas Cowboys drafted him. In his first season, he rushed for over 12,000 yards and won a Super Bowl. The four-time Pro Bowler is also a 1994 Hall of Famer.
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
In 2010, After running for 1,473 yards and passing for nearly 2,800 yards with 50 touchdowns overall, Newton earned the Heisman Trophy. As a Panthers player, he led the team to Super Bowl 50 after his MVP in 2015. Newton is also the first rookie quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards.
Earl Campbell, RB, Texas
Campbell bulldozed his way to the 1977 Heisman Trophy with 1,744 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. He continued this style in the NFL as a dominant force with the Houston Oilers. The 1991 Hall of Fame inductee bagged five Pro Bowl selections, won three straight rushing titles, and became league MVP in 1979.
15 Heisman Trophy Winners Who Later Became NFL Superstars