How Heisman Trophy winners have fared in NFL

Sports

How Heisman Trophy winners have fared in NFL

Photos: How Heisman Trophy winners from 1998-2006 have fared in the NFL as of Jan. 2010.

Because the most recent Heisman winners - Mark Ingram, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow - haven't yet been drafted we go to 2006 and back 10 years, starting with... TROY SMITH, Ohio State / 2006 - Drafted in the 2007 5th round by Ravens. With Ravens (2007-present). Used sparingly at QB; lost starting job to Joe Flacco.

REGGIE BUSH, Southern Cal / 2005 - Drafted 2nd overall in 2006 by the Saints. With Saints (2006-present). Started only 14 times in 39 games at USC. Will play in Super Bowl XLIV Feb. 2010 with Saints.

MATT LEINART, Southern Cal / 2004 - 10th overall pick in 2006 Draft by Cardinals. With Cardinals (2006-present). 7-9-0 in 16 career NFL starts.

CARSON PALMER, Southern Cal / 2002 - Taken No. 1 overall by Bengals in 2003 Draft. With Cincinnati (2003-present). Two-time Pro Bowler; 2006 Pro Bowl MVP. Has thrown for nearly 18,300 yards as a pro. Led Bengals to 2005 and 2009 playoffs. Holds 10 franchise records.

ERIC CROUCH, Nebraska / 2001 - Drafted in 3rd round (2002) by St. Louis as WR but wanted to continue at QB. With Rams (2002); Packers (2003-04); and Chiefs (2005) with offseason/practice squad only. Has played for NFL Europe, CFL and AAFL.

CHRIS WEINKE, Florida State / 2000 - Drafted by Carolina Panthers in 4th round of 2001 NFL Draft. Oldest player to ever win Heisman, at age 28. With Panthers from 2001-06; 49ers (2007). Career 2-18 record as pro QB.

RON DAYNE, Wisconsin / 1999 - Dayne (33) holds the NCAA record for career rushing yards. Drafted 11th overall by the New York Giants in 2000. With Giants from 2000-04; Broncos (2005); Texans (2006-07). Played in Super Bowl XXXV with 2001 NFC Champion Giants. Currently a free agent.

RICKY WILLIAMS, Texas / 1998 - Drafted 5th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1999 NFL Draft. With Saints from 1999-2001; Miami (2002-03; 2005; 2007-present); Toronto Argonauts (2006). Despite early retirements, marijuana use and his 2006 season-long NFL suspension, Williams (34) has rushed for nearly 8,900 yards in the pros.

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Because the most recent Heisman winners - Mark Ingram, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow - haven't yet been drafted we go to 2006 and back 10 years, starting with... TROY SMITH, Ohio State / 2006 - Drafted in the 2007 5th round by Ravens. With Ravens (2007-present). Used sparingly at QB; lost starting job to Joe Flacco.

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