The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, has a storied history and has recognized some of the greatest talents in the sport. Since 2000, many Heisman winners have transitioned to the NFL, with varying degrees of success. This article will explore the careers of these winners and where they stand today.
Heisman Trophy Winners of the Early 2000s
1. 2000: Chris Weinke, QB – Florida State
Chris Weinke won the Heisman Trophy in 2000 after leading Florida State to an undefeated season and a national championship. After being drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers in 2001, Weinke struggled to find success in the NFL. He played primarily as a backup and retired after the 2007 season. Today, Weinke is involved in coaching and mentoring young quarterbacks, sharing his experience and knowledge of the game.
2. 2001: Eric Crouch, QB – Nebraska
Eric Crouch won the Heisman Trophy in 2001 as a dual-threat quarterback for Nebraska. Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2002, Crouch struggled to find a permanent position in the NFL and eventually transitioned to wide receiver before retiring from professional football. He has since worked as a coach and is involved in various football-related activities, including youth coaching.
3. 2002: Carson Palmer, QB – USC
Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy in 2002 while at USC, leading one of the most potent offenses in college football history. Selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003, Palmer had a successful NFL career, earning three Pro Bowl selections and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs. After retiring in 2018, Palmer has been involved in various business ventures and remains active in football through commentary and analysis.
4. 2003: Jason White, QB – Oklahoma
Jason White captured the Heisman Trophy in 2003 after leading Oklahoma to a national championship appearance. Despite his college success, White went undrafted in 2005 due to concerns about his knee injuries. He briefly signed with the Tennessee Titans but did not make an impact at the professional level. Today, White works as a motivational speaker and is involved with various charitable organizations.
5. 2004: Matt Leinart, QB – USC
Matt Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 while leading USC to consecutive national championships. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals as the 10th overall pick in 2006, Leinart had an up-and-down career as a starter and backup quarterback before retiring in 2013. Since then, he has worked as a college football analyst for ESPN and has remained active within football circles.
6. 2005: Reggie Bush, RB – USC
Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 after an electrifying season at USC. Although he was drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints, Bush’s career was marred by injuries and controversies regarding his college eligibility that led to his Heisman being vacated. Despite this, he had a successful NFL career, winning a Super Bowl with the Saints and making multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Bush has since transitioned into broadcasting and works as an analyst for Fox Sports.
7. 2006: Troy Smith, QB – Ohio State
Troy Smith captured the Heisman Trophy in 2006 while leading Ohio State to an undefeated regular season. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, Smith struggled to secure a starting role and spent time with several teams before retiring from professional football. Currently, he is involved with various charitable initiatives and remains connected to Ohio State as a mentor for current players.
8. 2007: Tim Tebow, QB – Florida
Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 during an illustrious college career at Florida. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, Tebow became known for his unique playing style and leadership qualities but struggled to maintain a starting role in the NFL. After retiring from professional football, Tebow pursued a career in baseball before transitioning into sports commentary and philanthropy.
9. 2008: Sam Bradford, QB – Oklahoma
Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy in 2008 after an impressive season at Oklahoma. Drafted first overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2010, Bradford had a promising start but faced numerous injuries throughout his career that limited his effectiveness as a starter. After playing for several teams over his career, Bradford retired from professional football after the 2019 season and has since been involved with various business ventures.
10. 2009: Mark Ingram II, RB – Alabama
Mark Ingram II won the Heisman Trophy in 2009 while at Alabama and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints as the 28th overall pick in 2011. Ingram had a successful NFL career, including winning Super Bowl XLIV with New Orleans and earning Pro Bowl honors multiple times. As of now, Ingram continues to play professionally; he returned to New Orleans for another stint before announcing his retirement plans.
The journey of each Heisman Trophy winner since 2000 reflects both their college success and their subsequent paths through professional football and beyond. While some have thrived at the highest levels of competition—like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson—others have faced challenges that impacted their careers significantly.
The stories of these players serve as reminders of how unpredictable life can be after college athletics; many factors influence whether these athletes can maintain their success at higher levels or transition into new roles outside of football entirely.
As we continue to celebrate these athletes’ achievements on and off the field, it is essential to recognize that their legacies extend beyond just their time as players; they become mentors, analysts, philanthropists, and more—shaping future generations of athletes along the way.
The Heisman Trophy remains one of college football’s most prestigious awards; its winners are often remembered not just for their accolades but also for how they navigate life after football—an endeavor that can be just as challenging as competing on game day itself.
