Heisman Trophy Winners: Top 20 NFL careers of all time
Not only is Doak Walker the name of an award given to college football’s top running back, but he was a pretty impressive rusher during the 1940s with SMU and the 1950s with the Detroit Lions. It’s hard to believe the Detroit Lions have had three Hall of Fame running backs and are still one of the worst franchises in professional sports.
Walker was a heck of a running back and led the Lions to two league championships — before they were even called Super Bowls. He was also a kicker and a punter at the professional level, making 49-of-87 field goals over his career and 183-of-191 extra points.
Doak did it all at SMU and was named an All-American three times and won the Heisman Trophy in 1948 during his junior season as a halfback. He was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 1949 and played six seasons with the Lions before his retirement.
The do-it-all star was named to five Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro five times, won two NFL titles and was named the league’s 1950 Rookie of the Year. Walker finished his illustrious career with 1,520 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, 152 catches for 2,539 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns and 330 points on field goals and PATs.
Next: 11. Herschel Walker, Georgia