25 best NFL careers from Heisman Trophy winners

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Cam Newton of the Auburn University Tigers speaks after being named the 76th Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner at the Best Buy Theater on December 11, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: Photographer approval needed for all Commercial License requests. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images for The Heisman) /

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BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1968: Running back Mike Garrett #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the Boston Patriots during an NFL football game at Fenway Park circa 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts. Garrett played for the Chiefs from 1966-70. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

25. Mike Garrett, RB, USC (1965)

Prior to the emergence of O.J. Simpson on the USC Trojans, there was another running back dominating in Southern California, Mike Garrett. After two solid years running for the Trojans, Garrett broke out to win the Heisman Trophy in the 1965 season as he rushed for 1,440 yards on 267 carries in 10 games, amassing 13 rushing touchdowns and a receiving score as well along the way.

Entering pro football prior to the full institution of the merger in 1970, Garrett was taken by the Los Angeles Rams with the 18th overall pick of the 1966 NFL Draft but elected to join the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFL, who selected him 178th overall in the same year’s draft. Garrett’s start to his pro career in the AFL went swimmingly.

Named to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons and made a First-Team All-Pro selection in his second season, Garrett rushed for 801 yards and six scores as a rookie, following that up with 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns the next year. Garrett’s production tailed off after that for the most part, however, averaging just 513.3 yards per season over his final six seasons at the pro level.

What really bolsters Garrett’s case to be included on this list, however, was his team success. With the Chiefs, Garrett was a two-time AFL Champion and a one-time Super Bowl champion. Though his overall production won’t turn many heads, some great peak seasons and his championships résumé ultimately let him lead off this list.

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