Heisman Trophy Winners: Top 20 NFL careers of all time
It was tough to really find a spot on this list for Billy Sims. Despite having some of the best numbers of any running back in the league during his five years with the Detroit Lions, he was forced to retire early because of a devastating knee injury that he suffered in 1984. Had he played a few more years in the league, he may be one of the top three guys on this list.
After being recruited to play for Barry Switzer and the Oklahoma Sooners in 1976, Sims had just 74 rushing attempts in his first two years. It wasn’t until his third year as a Sooner that he really took off, rushing for 1,896 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry during the 1978 season, becoming the sixth junior ever to win the Heisman Trophy.
Sims was the runner-up for the award in his senior year, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was then drafted No. 1 overall in 1980, rushing for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns, becoming the Rookie of the Year.
As a second-year running back, Sims broke his rookie marks with 1,437 yards and 13 touchdowns on an impressing 4.9 yards per carry. He played in just 30 games in his final three seasons, ultimately having his career cut short with his afoprementioned knee injury.
Sims attempted a comeback with the Lions in 1988, but it never amounted to anything. Sims finished his five-year career with 5,106 yards and 42 touchdowns on the ground while catching 186 passes for 2,072 yards and five touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times and led the Lions to the playoffs twice.
Next: 14. George Rogers, South Carolina