Do Heisman Winners Translate To The NFL?

Ever wondered why a college player who is so fantastic goes to the NFL and doesn't do much? I'm not sure I know the answer to that question. But in an effort to show the elite players, mostly offensive, Heisman trophy winners, I have decided to do a little research. Hopefully this research is impartial. I'm at least trying. Only tangible things like years in the NFL, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl appearances are being considered. Certainly no "eye tests" here. As to why some players do not translate, I really think that sometimes when you are so good at say college level football, it can be difficult to transition to the next level that is indisputably the best of the best. Intimidating? Maybe. Disillusionment? Possibly. Too tired or injured? Maybe. Drafted to the wrong team, a losing team? Quite possibly. I will present evidence of past Heisman winners and their viability in the NFL.

I wondered how far back I should go. So, I thought maybe just until the USFL disbanded (that's when players salaries skyrocketed). Then I saw several players just before that time period who were successful in the NFL ( in an effort to be fair).

My personal belief is that being a Heisman winner somewhat stacks the deck against you. Sometimes, when you are so good in college, you have a hard time translating to the pro game. Yet, we shall see.

We will begin with year, player's name, years in the NFL, Pro Bowl appearances, and Super Bowl appearances.

1980 George Rogers, 1981-1987, 1 Super Bowl, 2 Pro Bowls.
1981 Marcus Allen, 1982-1997, 1 Super Bowl, 6 Pro Bowls.
1982 Herschel Walker, 1986-1997, 2 Pro Bowls.
1983 Mike Rozier, 1985-1991, 2 Pro Bowls.
1984 Doug Flutie, 1986-1989, 1998-2005, 1 Pro Bowl.
1985 Bo Jackson, 1987-1990, 1 Pro Bowl.
1986 Vinny Testaverde, 1987-2007, 2 Pro Bowls.
1987 Tim Brown, 1988-2004, 9 Pro Bowls.
1988 Barry Sanders, 1989-1998, 10 Pro Bowls.
1989 Andre Ware, 1990-1993 (1994-1995 practice squad).
1990 Ty Detmer, 1992-2003 (2004-2005 practice squad).
1991 Desmond Howard, 1992-2002, 1 Pro Bowl, 1 Super Bowl.
1992 Gino Torreta, 1993-1997.
1993 Charlie Ward, NBA
1994 Rashaan Salaam, 1995-1999 (2003 practice squad).
1995 Eddie George, 1996-2004, 4 Pro Bowls, 1 Super Bowl.
1996 Danny Wuerrfel, 1997-2002.
1997 Charles Woodson, 1998-current, 8 Pro Bowls, 1 Super Bowl.
1998 Ricky Williams, 1999-2003, 2005, 2007-2011, 1 Pro Bowl.
1999 Ron Dayne, 2000-2007, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2000 Chris Weinke, 2001-2007, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2001 Eric Crouch, 2002-2005.
2002 Carson Palmer, 2003-current, 2 Pro Bowls.
2003 Jason White,   None (2005 practice squad).
2004 Matt Leinart, 2006-2012 (2013 preseason), 1 Super Bowl appearance.
2006 Troy Smith, 2007-2010 (2012 off season).
2007 Tim Tebow, 2010-2012 (2013 preseason).
2008 Sam Bradford, 2010-present.
2009 Mark Ingram, 2011-present.
2010 Cam Newton, 2011-present, 1 Pro Bowl.
2011 Robert Griffin, III 2012-present, 1 Pro Bowl.
2012 Johnny Manziel, Still in college.
2013 ??????


So, out of 32 Heisman Trophy winners, only 8 have been to a Super Bowl. Mind you, that's not necessarily WINNING the Super Bowl. That's about a 25% chance if you win the Heisman you will go to the big game. 16 H.T.W. have been to the Pro Bowl. That's a 50% chance at a game that is quite similar to a popularity contest.

After totaling up all the seasons played divided by the number of HTW (taking out those currently still playing) the average seasons played by HTW is 7.96. In today's terms, you'll get through the rookie salary cap contract and a few more years.

Is that translating? I just don't know. To me, if winning the Heisman makes you "great", then you should be really spectacular in the NFL. But the reasons listed before are why I think they don't translate. Or maybe when you get to the NFL, it truly becomes a team sport at that point. Thought s are welcome in the comments as always.

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Football Potion No.9-My First Quarterback Love

For myself, it was sad news this week that David Garrard has said he will retire. It was even more sad the day, almost 3 yrs ago,  he was let go from the Jaguars (I happened to be at the stadium the following day. And through misty eyes I took the photo.) Why is it sad? Because he was the first NFL quarterback on MY team that I loved.

It feels as if not so long ago, that the media dubbed the Jaguars with a quarterback controversy/competition. I believe it was around 2005. That season, Byron Leftwich went out with a broken ankle. David Garrard led the Jaguars to the playoffs only to find out through the press that Byron Leftwich would start in the playoff game against the Patriots. The curious thing about that was the only footage available of Leftwich doing anything significant on the football field was him being carried by teammates at Marshall after breaking his leg. Seriously? That's the only footage they had? Nothing in the NFL? Anyway, the Jaguars lost to the Patriots and it wasn't even close. I was surprised the Jaguars did not let Garrard start. Why not let the man who led us to the playoffs continue? And there was born a controversy.

And then the rose colored glasses were off. That fateful season, my first as a Jaguar season ticket holder, I had seen 2 quarterbacks, and my choice was made: David Garrard. Why? Because he shined through adversity. He kept a straight face when passed over. He struggled through Crohn's Disease. And last but not least, he didn't "lumber" onto the field like he had been in battle for 30 days straight.

The next season, Leftwich would once again have problems with the ankle and Garrard to the rescue. Only solidifying my opinion of his play. Then the following summer just days before the regular season was the announcement I had been waiting for. David Garrard: starting Quarterback!! Leftwich was released. What a season it was! We made the playoffs, beating Pittsburgh in the final seconds and going on to play New England and lost. But what a wild ride!

The next 2 seasons did not fare as well. Mostly because he spent the majority of his time, in my opinion, laying on the ground looking up. You can't be in that position and win games. However, he did go to the Pro Bowl in February 2010. He also had one of the most exciting moments in my history of going to Jaguar games:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlvOUG8nuZ4

(Buys enough time to get his receivers down field)

Out of seemingly nowhere, the Jaguars drafted Blaine Gabbert 10th in the first round. Well, it was obvious Garrard's days were numbered. I still hoped that the inevitability would be at least 2 years down the road. Less than 1 week before the season opener, Garrard was cut in favor of Blaine Gabbert.

The way he was cut is worth mentioning. He was with the team at the Jacksonville Chamber Luncheon for the Jaguars. He was proclaimed the starter, rode back to the stadium on the bus, and was told he needed to meet with Jack Del Rio. And then, he was released. Needless to say, after that I never turned my football back on JDR. He couldn't be trusted. He let my favorite Quarterback go. He let go of the man that gave the fans a Hail Mary that we are likely never to forget. He let the Quarterback that molded me into the NFL fan that I am.

I would just like to say thank you to David Garrard for the memories. Thank you for being a great Quarterback during my fledgling years as a season ticket holder. In my mind, all will be compared to you.


MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House