10 Heisman Trophy winners with best NFL careers

10 Heisman winners with best NFL careers

PONTIAC, : Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (2ndL) tries to outrun Minnesota Vikings defenders Corey Fuller (L), Ed McDaniel (2ndR) and Dixon Edwards (R) during the fourth quarter of their 25 October game at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. The Vikings beat the Lions 34-13. AFP Photo/Jeff KOWALSKY (Photo credit should read JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images) /

10 of 10

Mandatory Credit: Damian Strohmeyer /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images /

1. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders could be argued as the best running back to ever play the game of football. His career would be even more appreciated had he not spent his entire NFL career with the extremely disappointing Detroit Lions. At Oklahoma State University, Sanders put up incredible numbers during the 1988 season. He rushed for an unheard of 2,850 rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns. Sanders also added two receiving touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 for his efforts.

Sanders made an immediate impact in the NFL, nearly winning the rushing title in his rookie season. He would settle for being the NFL Rookie of the Year. Sanders led the league in rushing four times, never rushing for less than 1,115 yards on the ground. However, he only led the NFL in rushing touchdowns once. Sanders abruptly retired after the 1998 season, but still put up over 15,000 yards on the ground.

Must Read: Top 10 NFL players who retired too soon

His early retirement prevented him from breaking the rushing record. Had he stuck around, he certainly would have done so. And if Sanders didn’t retire so early in his career, he’d be universally known as the best running back of all-time.

Home/College Football