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: Andy Hayt /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images /

2. Marcus Allen

It’s hard to follow in the footsteps of O.J. Simpson, but that’s precisely what Marcus Allen did. While his career at USC only featured two years as a starter, his senior season is arguably one of the best in college football history. Allen became the second running back to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a single season in 1981. He won the Heisman Trophy that season as well.

Allen’s success followed him to the NFL. Though he only had three seasons of over 1,000 yards rushing, many consider him to be among the best running backs of all-time. Allen was one of the first true dual-threat running backs, able to be an effective weapon both as a runner and a receiver. He put up 150 total touchdowns during his career. 121 of those 144 were on the ground while 23 of them were through the air. Allen was a remarkable passer, throwing for six passing touchdowns in his career.

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Allen finished his career with 17,464 yards from scrimmage. He spent time with the Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. As incredible as Simpson’s career was at USC, Allen found a way to outdo him. He’s remembered as one of the best running backs of all-time and a true pioneer for running backs.

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