From Heisman to NFL: A Deep Dive into the Journey of College Football’s Elite
The Heisman Trophy is the highest individual honor in college football, awarded to the player whose performance represents the pinnacle of excellence and integrity. But does winning the Heisman guarantee NFL stardom? The answer is no. While the Heisman is a prestigious award, the transition from college to the pros doesn’t always lead to instant success, and many winners have struggled to make a name for themselves in the NFL. Since 2000, such players that did not continue an upward lasting trend in their career include Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith, Tim Tebow, Johnny Manziel, and Marcus Mariota.
Let’s break down the journey of the Heisman Trophy winners over the past decade and see how their NFL careers panned out.
Derrick Henry – 2015 Heisman Winner
Derrick Henry’s Heisman win in 2015 as Alabama’s powerhouse running back was a crowning achievement, and he was selected 45th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 6'3", 247-pound back had a solid rookie year, rushing for 490 yards and 5 touchdowns. Fast forward to 2024, and Henry has evolved into one of the NFL's top backs, now with the Baltimore Ravens. With 11,423 career rushing yards and 106 rushing touchdowns, Henry is a force to be reckoned with, including a massive 1,921-yard season in 2024.
Lamar Jackson – 2016 Heisman Winner
Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback from Louisville, took home the Heisman in 2016 and was drafted 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. His rookie year was a bit rocky, with Jackson starting only 7 games, throwing for 1,201 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. But since then, he’s been nothing short of spectacular, winning league MVP in both 2020 and 2024. As of now, Lamar has accumulated 20,059 passing yards, 166 touchdowns, and a career passer rating of 102. In 2024, he posted a ridiculous 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Baker Mayfield – 2017 Heisman Winner
Baker Mayfield’s 2017 Heisman win cemented his status as one of college football’s most electric quarterbacks. The Cleveland Browns selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, and while he’s had his ups and downs, Mayfield has become a solid NFL starter. In 2024, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker posted career-best numbers with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mayfield has thrown for over 24,000 yards and 171 touchdowns in his career, proving that Heisman winners can overcome rough starts in the NFL.
Kyler Murray – 2018 Heisman Winner
Kyler Murray, the dual-threat quarterback from Oklahoma, was selected No. 1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. Murray’s first two seasons showed promise, but his real breakout came in 2024, when he threw for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. With a career total of 19,498 passing yards and 115 touchdowns, Murray has shown that his electrifying college performance can translate to NFL success, even if it’s been a bumpy road at times.
Joe Burrow – 2019 Heisman Winner
Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 Heisman season at LSU set the stage for his selection as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. After an impressive rookie year despite a major knee injury, Burrow has solidified himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. In 2024, Burrow posted a career-high 4,918 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and a 108.5 passer rating. With 140 career touchdowns to his name, Burrow is now the face of the Bengals' offense and a legitimate MVP contender.
DeVonta Smith – 2020 Heisman Winner
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith of Alabama made history as the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since 1991. Selected 10th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith made an immediate impact. With 308 career receptions for 4,011 yards and 27 touchdowns, Smith has proven himself as one of the top wideouts in the league. His career continues to trend upward, making him one of the key weapons in the Eagles’ high-powered offense.
Bryce Young – 2021 Heisman Winner
Bryce Young’s Heisman win at Alabama in 2021 was followed by his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Young's first season in the NFL showed promise, even though he struggled with a rough offensive line. In 2024, he showed major improvement, cutting down his sack total from 62 in 2023 to 29, and continues to develop as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback.
Caleb Williams – 2022 Heisman Winner
USC’s Caleb Williams is one of the most exciting quarterbacks to come out of college football in recent years. After winning the Heisman in 2022, Williams was selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. He stepped into a tough situation, as the Bears’ offensive line has struggled, but his numbers from his rookie season—3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns—show potential for future greatness. With 68 sacks on the season, Williams needs the Bears’ front office to protect him if he’s to reach his potential.
Jayden Daniels – 2023 Heisman Winner
Jayden Daniels’ Heisman-winning 2023 season at LSU propelled him into the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders. Daniels immediately made an impact, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. His future looks incredibly bright, and he could be the next young QB to lead his team to prominence.
Travis Hunter – 2024 Heisman Winner
Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way player from Colorado, became the first Heisman winner to excel both at cornerback and wide receiver. Known for his versatility, Hunter’s stock is sky-high as he heads into the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether he plays cornerback or wide receiver at the next level remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hunter’s ability to play well on both sides of the ball could make him one of the most unique talents the NFL has ever seen.
Conclusion: The Heisman’s Impact on NFL Careers
While the Heisman Trophy is a prestigious honor, history shows that it doesn’t guarantee NFL success. Some winners go on to become legends, while others find themselves fighting for a roster spot. However, for many players, the Heisman marks the beginning of an exciting journey to the NFL, where their skills are put to the ultimate test.
The road from Heisman winner to NFL star is not always a straight line, but for those who can handle the pressure and adjust to the pro game, it can be a launchpad to greatness. The story of each player—whether they achieve stardom or struggle to find their place—is a reminder that success in college football doesn’t always translate to the NFL, but with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
