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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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 9: Running back George Rogers #38 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium October 9, 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rogers played for the Saints from 1981-84. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

21. George Rogers, RB, South Carolina (1980)

At 6-foot-2 and close to 230 pounds, George Rogers was an absolute behemoth out of the backfield throughout his career with the South Carolina Gamecocks. In 1979, he was a bell-cow back with 311 carries for 1,681 yards and eight scores. But it was the 1980 season that won him his Heisman as he went off for 1,781 yards on 297 carries and found the end zone 14 times.

His size and productivity at South Carolina made him the top pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 1981 NFL Draft and he got out of the gate running strong. Rogers was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl nod in his first NFL season, rushing for 1,674 yards and 13 touchdowns. It seemed like he was destined for a monstrous NFL career.

However, Rogers was never able to match the success that he had as a rookie throughout his career, save for the 1986 campaign with the Redskins as he went for 18 touchdowns, though only 1,203 yards, on the season. Still, he amassed three four total 1,000-yard seasons before returning after 1987 with Washington.

The lack of longevity for Rogers ultimately dings him a bit when it comes to this list, which is why he fails to crack the top 20. However, with 54 career touchdowns and some truly phenomenal single seasons to his credit, he still earned himself a spot among the most successful Heisman winners in NFL history.

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