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) /

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Mandatory Credit: Rich Clarkson /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images /

8. Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell is one of the best running backs in college football history. Sadly, his NFL career was a bit short thanks to injuries. However, his impact on both NCAA football and the NFL can’t be understated. Campbell is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 with the Texas Longhorns. Campbell is a legend in the state of Texas because his best years were spent with the Houston Oilers. Perhaps no running back ever dominated the NFL in his first three seasons like Earl “The Pearl” did. Campbell won the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 1978 and was also named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. This is an award he won in each of this first three seasons. Campbell won the MVP award in 1979, his finest season, putting together 1,934 rushing yards.

Because of his brutal, punishing running style, he became quite injury prone. However, when Campbell was healthy, he was the best running back in the NFL. He retired with 9,407 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns. Campbell might have even more accomplishments and accolades if it wasn’t for his constant injuries.

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