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It’s become a glorified quarterback competition, but it hasn’t been and isn’t always so.
With Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith the odds-on favorite to win the 2020 Heisman Trophy on Tuesday night, he would be the first wideout to win the award since Desmond Howard in 1991, and the fourth non-quarterback to do so since 2000. The other three were all running backs.
But if you really want to talk about anomalies, there’s one that really stands out, and it’s one of Michigan’s three prized Heisman winners. Of course, we’re talking about defensive back Charles Woodson, the only primarily defensive player to ever win the award.
Our mothership at USA TODAY Sports put together a list of the most productive Heisman Trophy winners at the next level, and though Woodson’s 1997 award sparks its fair share of controversy—considering he beat out Tennessee luminary Peyton Manning for the distinction—it turns out that, of the past 25 Heisman winners, Woodson is the most accomplished.
The best player in college football who went on to have the best career in pro football.
1. Charles Woodson
Year: 1997 (Michigan)
NFL accolades: 1998 defensive rookie of the year, 2009 defensive player of the year, 2000s all-decade team, 9-time Pro Bowler
A semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021, Woodson can become the 10th Heisman winner to be enshrined in Canton. Woodson’s 65 career interceptions is tied for fifth all-time, and he’s tied for second for most career pick-sixes (11, just one behind Rod Woodson’s 12). During the 2010 season, Woodson was a vital cog for the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl XLV championship team. Woodson’s fellow 2021 Hall semifinalist – Peyton Manning – was the runner-up in the 1997 Heisman voting; current Hall of Famer Randy Moss finished fourth.
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Considering some of the other winners of the past 25 years, it’s quite the accomplishment. But the award has also proven that just because you’re a star on the college level, it doesn’t mean that you have what it takes to make it in the NFL.
However, Woodson could do it all on the field, so it’s no surprise he was able to do it at any level.
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