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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30 Sep 1990: Mike Rozier of the Houston Oilers during their 17-7 victory over the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT /

24. Mike Rozier, RB, Nebraska (1983)

Mike Rozier undoubtedly put himself on the map in the 1982 season with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as the running back carried the ball 242 times for 1,689 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, the following season, he was simply unstoppable as he ran for 2,148 yards on 275 carries, finding the end zone an incredible 29 times on the year as well. That was more than enough to get him the Heisman Trophy in 1983.

With the tumultuous decline of the USFL, where Rozier was initially headed, he was then taken second-overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft after the 49ers took Steve Young. Rozier had to earn his keep as a rookie, starting in only six of 14 games in the 1985 season, but he made the most of his work as he rushed for eight touchdowns and 462 yards as a rookie.

At Rozier’s peak from 1987-88, the Nebraska product was named to the Pro Bowl in both seasons and played quite well as he racked up a combined 1,959 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a 1,002-yard, 10-touchdown season in the 1988 campaign.

Pro football was short-lived for Rozier after he went to the Atlanta Falcons in the 1990 season. He played just one more year and retired following his age 30 season, putting up just marginal production in those final years. Having said that, being a two-time Pro Bowler and producing at a high level early in his career ultimately lands him at the bottom of these rankings, just sneaking in.

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