Heisman Trophy Winners: Top 20 NFL careers of all time
Much like Billy Sims, George Rogers would have been much higher on this list had he not been forced to retire early because of nagging injuries. The former South Carolina running back and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner played seven seasons in the NFL, starting in 78 games over that span.
Rogers was a highly-touted recruit in 1977 and chose to attend South Carolina because of the playing time he could potentially earn. The Gamecocks never won a national title with him at running back, but he rushed for over 3,300 yards during his final two seasons with the school and ended up winning the Heisman in 1980 before getting selected No. 1 overall in the 1981 NFL Draft.
Widely considered the best player to ever play for South Carolina, Rogers became a staple of consistent rushing in the NFL for seven years. It was his rookie season which really put him on the professional map as he rushed for 1,674 yards and 13 touchdowns, being named Offensive Rookie of the Year and to his first Pro Bowl in 1981.
The former Gamecock played four seasons in New Orleans, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. He then joined the Washington Redskins, playing three more seasons and picking up 2,909 yards and 31 touchdowns in the process.
Rogers finished his career with 7,176 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns while making two Pro Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXII and winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was the first player in South Carolina history to have his jersey retired while still playing at the school. Too bad his career was cut short.
Next: 13. Ricky Williams, Texas