Heisman Trophy Winners: Top 20 NFL careers of all time

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Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Cam Newton makes an appearance at No. 19 with an opportunity to rise further before his career concludes. Right now, the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback is playing the best football of his career. Carolina has the best record in the NFL in 2015 and he is a serious MVP candidate.

Let’s go back to his college days, though. With Auburn, he led the Tigers to a national title in 2010, two years removed from a 5-7 season. He took an interesting route to stardom, however. Newton started his career with the Florida Gators in 2007 and left after the 2008 year because it was evident his playing time wasn’t enough.

Newton then found himself at Blinn Junior College before transferring to Auburn in 2010 to finish out his collegiate career. He put together a great season, won the Heisman, won the national title and went 14-0, leading to the first-overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.

There have been times already in his professional career when people doubted his attitude and work ethic, but the reality of it all is that he’s an elite quarterback in this league. Watching what he can do with very little help at receiver, and a tight end as his top target is impressive.

His career is just getting started and he has already passed for over 17,000 yards and 100 touchdowns while rushing for another 3,000-plus and 40 scores. By the end of his career, he could be one of the top Heisman winners to make it in the NFL — ever.

Next: 18. Jim Plunkett, Stanford

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