What Heisman winners never got drafted? (2024)

By Jocelyn Alano December 17, 2023 09:05

The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in college football, presented annually to the most outstanding player in the sport. Winning the Heisman Trophy is often seen as a stepping stone to a successful professional career in the National Football League (NFL). However, there have been instances where Heisman winners were not drafted or did not have successful NFL careers. In this article, we will explore some of the Heisman winners who never got drafted and the reasons behind their lack of success in the NFL.

Marcus Mariota: The Unfulfilled Promise

Marcus Mariota, the former University of Oregon quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 2014. He was highly regarded for his dual-threat abilities, showcasing exceptional passing and running skills during his college career. Despite his success in college, Mariota faced several challenges in the NFL. The Tennessee Titans selected him as the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he struggled to replicate his college success at the professional level. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of supporting cast hindered his progress, leading to his eventual release from the Titans in 2019. Mariota's story serves as a cautionary tale that even Heisman winners can struggle to find success in the NFL.

Troy Smith: A Short-lived NFL Journey

Troy Smith, the former Ohio State University quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 2006. Known for his strong arm and exceptional accuracy, Smith was expected to have a successful NFL career. However, his professional journey did not pan out as expected. Despite being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Smith struggled to secure a starting role. He spent four seasons in the NFL, primarily as a backup quarterback, before being released by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Smith's inability to transition his college success to the professional level highlights the challenges that Heisman winners can face in the NFL.

Eric Crouch: From Heisman to a Failed NFL Experiment

Eric Crouch, the former University of Nebraska quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 2001. Known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, Crouch was expected to make a smooth transition to the NFL. However, his professional career was short-lived and largely unsuccessful. Crouch was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft but struggled to find a position that suited his skills. The Rams experimented with converting him to a wide receiver, but Crouch ultimately decided to retire from the NFL in 2005. His failed NFL experiment serves as a reminder that the transition from college to the professional level is not always seamless for Heisman winners.

Jason White: Battling Injuries and Limited Opportunities

Jason White, the former University of Oklahoma quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 2003. White was highly regarded for his leadership skills and ability to deliver accurate passes. However, a history of knee injuries raised concerns about his durability and affected his draft stock. Despite going undrafted in the NFL, White signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2005. However, he was unable to secure a roster spot and was released before the start of the regular season. White's story highlights the impact that injuries and limited opportunities can have on the professional prospects of a Heisman winner.

Charlie Ward: Choosing a Different Path

Charlie Ward, the former Florida State University quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 1993. Known for his exceptional athleticism and basketball skills, Ward faced a unique situation after winning the Heisman Trophy. Instead of pursuing a career in football, Ward chose to pursue a professional basketball career in the NBA. He was selected by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft and had a successful basketball career, playing for several teams over a span of 11 seasons. Ward's decision to pursue basketball instead of football showcases that winning the Heisman Trophy does not necessarily guarantee a successful NFL career.

While winning the Heisman Trophy is a significant achievement, it does not guarantee success in the NFL. Marcus Mariota, Troy Smith, Eric Crouch, Jason White, and Charlie Ward are just a few examples of Heisman winners who either went undrafted or had limited success in the professional league. Factors such as injuries, lack of opportunity, unsuccessful position changes, and personal career choices can all contribute to the challenges faced by Heisman winners in the NFL. These stories serve as a reminder that college success does not always translate to professional success and that the transition from college to the NFL can be a difficult one.

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