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
Stadium2
Showing posts with label Super Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super Bowl. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
HEART: Intersecting Super Bowl Leftovers 2013 and Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day was this week. yippee. The Super Bowl was 2 weeks ago. There were all sorts speculation. Colin Kaepernick is unstoppable. Joe Flacco is elite, at least by his own account. Catchy Phrases: Hey diddle diddle Ray Rice up the middle. But there was something that was discounted. Something that is an intangible. Considering once again this past week was Valentine's Day, I will explain to you where the Super Bowl and Valentine's day intersect.
One does not usually associate Valentine's Day and football. Valentine's Day is rather a romantic, girly holiday. Football is considered a more masculine event. (Although I believe I usually make a case in the more neutral direction ;-) ) Football season in college is over after the first week in January. Super Bowl is played at the beginning of February.
Ponder (no pun intended, well maybe) for a minute the last game Bobby Bowden coached. Many former Bowden players were there to support and cheer him on. Christian Ponder was injured. E. J. Manual was starting. FSU was 6-6 going into the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers 9-3 and Noel Devine (considered to be unstoppable) ranked by the BCS 16th. FSU getting to play in the Gator Bowl was nothing short of a miracle. And, yes I was there. For me, it ranks tied for Number one of great football games I have seen in person (the other 2 are Jacksonville Jaguars: Scobee's 59 yard field Goal, and Mike Thomas Immaculate Deflection). It's Number 1 for several reasons. Mainly because it was Bowden's last game. I had watched Bobby Bowden since I could remember. Number 2, FSU was not supposed to win that game and they did. How is that possible? Heart. Yes, heart is sometimes considered girly. It's not. It can make a grown man cry. It can make a grown man win. I submit those FSU players left EVERYTHING on the field for 1 man: Bobby Bowden.
Fast forward to the 2012 NFL season. Joe Flacco coming into the season, rejected a contract offer for 16 million. RISKY. Cam Cameron, offensive coordinator, was fired after the loss to the Washington Redskins. Numerous reasons cited. My favorite being limited use of Ray Rice. Seriously? Ray Rice is money (except that one season he tanked my fantasy football). Ray Lewis tears his triceps muscle in the Dallas game in October. Tearing the triceps is largely considered a time laden injury. Terrell Suggs has surgery for an Achilles injury in May and returns to play in October. Another time laden injury. Early January, Ray Lewis announces his retirement. He had been on the Ravens team since it's inception. Had a Super Bowl ring. Widely considered one of the best ever at his position (side note: I always giggle a little bit when I think of the Ravens. The Jaguars beat them in a Monday Night Football game in 2011 in what amounted to a field goal game. The score was 12-7. Jaguars beat them with field goals only. *snicker* So tough they got beat with field goals.) I believe Ray Lewis' retirement catapulted the team through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl win. A Super Bowl win during which a 34 minute blackout in half of the Superdome, created a switch in momentum almost costing the game. A Super Bowl win that Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick, I believe, thought they could not lose. Yeah Joe Flacco was probably gunning for more money and we'll see how much he gets and how successful he is next year, but nothing can stop a team who plays for a coach or another player. You can't stop a team playing with their heart. You can't stop players who leave EVERYTHING on the field.
Speaking of heart, something we did not see last year in professional football was Tim Tebow. As much as I hate to admit it, you simply cannot discount him in any situation. The New York Jets have stopped the Tebow Train. Ultimately sealing their demise and his as well. He is being squelched. Why do I care? Because I guess I'm getting old and soft. Or maybe, I really want to see players play with their HEART.
MDK in the House
We MUST Protect This House
Stay Calm, Wear Black
One does not usually associate Valentine's Day and football. Valentine's Day is rather a romantic, girly holiday. Football is considered a more masculine event. (Although I believe I usually make a case in the more neutral direction ;-) ) Football season in college is over after the first week in January. Super Bowl is played at the beginning of February.
Ponder (no pun intended, well maybe) for a minute the last game Bobby Bowden coached. Many former Bowden players were there to support and cheer him on. Christian Ponder was injured. E. J. Manual was starting. FSU was 6-6 going into the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers 9-3 and Noel Devine (considered to be unstoppable) ranked by the BCS 16th. FSU getting to play in the Gator Bowl was nothing short of a miracle. And, yes I was there. For me, it ranks tied for Number one of great football games I have seen in person (the other 2 are Jacksonville Jaguars: Scobee's 59 yard field Goal, and Mike Thomas Immaculate Deflection). It's Number 1 for several reasons. Mainly because it was Bowden's last game. I had watched Bobby Bowden since I could remember. Number 2, FSU was not supposed to win that game and they did. How is that possible? Heart. Yes, heart is sometimes considered girly. It's not. It can make a grown man cry. It can make a grown man win. I submit those FSU players left EVERYTHING on the field for 1 man: Bobby Bowden.
Fast forward to the 2012 NFL season. Joe Flacco coming into the season, rejected a contract offer for 16 million. RISKY. Cam Cameron, offensive coordinator, was fired after the loss to the Washington Redskins. Numerous reasons cited. My favorite being limited use of Ray Rice. Seriously? Ray Rice is money (except that one season he tanked my fantasy football). Ray Lewis tears his triceps muscle in the Dallas game in October. Tearing the triceps is largely considered a time laden injury. Terrell Suggs has surgery for an Achilles injury in May and returns to play in October. Another time laden injury. Early January, Ray Lewis announces his retirement. He had been on the Ravens team since it's inception. Had a Super Bowl ring. Widely considered one of the best ever at his position (side note: I always giggle a little bit when I think of the Ravens. The Jaguars beat them in a Monday Night Football game in 2011 in what amounted to a field goal game. The score was 12-7. Jaguars beat them with field goals only. *snicker* So tough they got beat with field goals.) I believe Ray Lewis' retirement catapulted the team through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl win. A Super Bowl win during which a 34 minute blackout in half of the Superdome, created a switch in momentum almost costing the game. A Super Bowl win that Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick, I believe, thought they could not lose. Yeah Joe Flacco was probably gunning for more money and we'll see how much he gets and how successful he is next year, but nothing can stop a team who plays for a coach or another player. You can't stop a team playing with their heart. You can't stop players who leave EVERYTHING on the field.
Speaking of heart, something we did not see last year in professional football was Tim Tebow. As much as I hate to admit it, you simply cannot discount him in any situation. The New York Jets have stopped the Tebow Train. Ultimately sealing their demise and his as well. He is being squelched. Why do I care? Because I guess I'm getting old and soft. Or maybe, I really want to see players play with their HEART.
MDK in the House
We MUST Protect This House
Stay Calm, Wear Black
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Keeping it Positive
I want to take this time to thank Wayne and Delores Weaver for bringing us the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thank you for all your contributions to the community and to all the different charities. From someone who grew up in Jacksonville and moved to Atlanta in 1991 and return in 2003 to a totally different town, I want to thank you for bringing Jacksonville into the 21st century. Thank you for bringing the Super Bowl to this city. It doesn't matter what anyone says, it was a success. Please enjoy your retirement. But please don't forget all the fans who have supported this organization rain or shine or 90 degree heat. There are many of us who "get it".We are and continue to be .....Jaguars.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Super Bowl Leftovers
So, it's time to weigh in on the last game of football for awhile.
Ben Roethlisberger, let me introduce you to KARMA. You and Tiger Woods should be roommates. Oh, you might want to save those late night booze induced karaoke sessions to a minimum during Super Bowl week and save that for Disney World. Oh yeah. You aren't going to Disney World because you have no self control.
Lawrence Timmons, I'm really sorry I rooted against you in the Super Bowl.
Maurkice Pouncey, we all knew you weren't playing in the Super Bowl and we all knew the Steelers could not win without you.
Byron Leftwich, still just 1 Super Bowl ring. We saw you in the Locker Room with Ben trying to act like y'all are old buddies. Seriously.
Aaron Rodgers, I love you because your dad is a Chiropractor.
Clay Matthews, you still need to cut your hair.
Jordy Nelson, thanks for getting rid of the "dropsy's".
Saturday Morning, I went down to the local Barnes & Noble and met Ryan Sprague. He was on the FSU National Championship team in 1999. He wrote a book called "Grateful". He was nice and signed my book. He also noticed my 2003 Rivalry Week Florida vs. Florida State hat. It's my favorite hat. I really like the book so far.
Already gearing up for the NFL combine!! (Go Ponder, GO!!!)
Ben Roethlisberger, let me introduce you to KARMA. You and Tiger Woods should be roommates. Oh, you might want to save those late night booze induced karaoke sessions to a minimum during Super Bowl week and save that for Disney World. Oh yeah. You aren't going to Disney World because you have no self control.
Lawrence Timmons, I'm really sorry I rooted against you in the Super Bowl.
Maurkice Pouncey, we all knew you weren't playing in the Super Bowl and we all knew the Steelers could not win without you.
Byron Leftwich, still just 1 Super Bowl ring. We saw you in the Locker Room with Ben trying to act like y'all are old buddies. Seriously.
Aaron Rodgers, I love you because your dad is a Chiropractor.
Clay Matthews, you still need to cut your hair.
Jordy Nelson, thanks for getting rid of the "dropsy's".
Saturday Morning, I went down to the local Barnes & Noble and met Ryan Sprague. He was on the FSU National Championship team in 1999. He wrote a book called "Grateful". He was nice and signed my book. He also noticed my 2003 Rivalry Week Florida vs. Florida State hat. It's my favorite hat. I really like the book so far.
Already gearing up for the NFL combine!! (Go Ponder, GO!!!)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Jay Cutler and Jeff Fisher
Well, this is my first blog. It only seems appropriate to talk about the departure of Jeff Fisher from the Titans. Fisher, always a formidable opponent to my Jaguars, will be missed for his calm and cool wins and losses. One has to ask, this is all kinda dumb. You blow your QB and your Head Coach before the Super Bowl? Someone has to wonder "What's up in Music City?".
Now everyone's favorite talk subject this week:Jay Cutler. Teammates and coach following lock step behind him. Today, he was seen shopping with girlfriend, Kristen Cavalleri on Rodeo Drive. Not Limping. No crutches. Nothing. Strolling along. Jay, get ready for rough seas. At least Tom Brady wears a boot on a bad foot in public. Dude, take a lesson from the master.
MDK
Now everyone's favorite talk subject this week:Jay Cutler. Teammates and coach following lock step behind him. Today, he was seen shopping with girlfriend, Kristen Cavalleri on Rodeo Drive. Not Limping. No crutches. Nothing. Strolling along. Jay, get ready for rough seas. At least Tom Brady wears a boot on a bad foot in public. Dude, take a lesson from the master.
MDK
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