The 8 biggest Heisman Trophy busts from this century

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: 2013 Heisman Trophy finalist Johnny Manziel, quarterback of the Texas A&M University Aggies, poses with the Heisman Trophy at the Marriott Marquis on December 13, 2013 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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Jan 08, 2007; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Ohio State Buckeyes against the Florida Gators TIM TEBOW in the BCS National Championship Game at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The Gators defeated the Buckeyes 41-14. (Photo by Jay Drowns/Sporting News via Getty Images) /

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (2007)

Regardless of anyone’s opinions about his actual level of skill, Tim Tebow is one of the greatest college football players to ever take the field. He finished top five in the Heisman Trophy voting in three-straight seasons from 2007-09 while leading the Florida Gators, but it was his sophomore season and the first in that run that ultimately won him the award.

Tebow was simply an unstoppable force in that 2007 season with the Gators. In 13 games, the quarterback threw for 3,286 yards, 32 touchdowns and just six interceptions on the year, looking phenomenal in Urban Meyer’s offense. He wasn’t remotely limited to passing alone, though, as he also rushed for 895 yards and 23 more touchdowns on the season, giving him 55 in total on the season and an easy choice for the award.

Despite concerns over his throwing mechanics and NFL prospects in the draft process, the Denver Broncos made him the 25th overall pick in 2010. He served as a backup as a rookie but replaced Kyle Orton in the 2011 season after 4.5 games. He helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs, despite a rough regular season finish. That’s when the magic happened as he led Denver to a playoff win over the Steelers with an 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime.

After that season, however, Tebow was traded to the Jets as Denver signed Peyton Manning, who used him sparingly and released him in 2013. He was then signed by the Patriots and Eagles and played in preseason action, but didn’t make the final roster.

Now playing Major League Baseball, the critics of Tebow coming out of college in regards to his pro future appear right. He as a gamer and a winner in college, but the NFL future for Tebow just weren’t meant to be.

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