George Rogers (American football)

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George Rogers (born December 8, 1958 in Duluth, Georgia) is a former American football player who achieved distinction in both the college and professional ranks as a running back.

1 College career
2 NFL career
3 Seasons among the NFL's top 10
4 Other honors
5 External links

[edit] College career

Rogers was highly recruited out of high school, but decided to attend the University of South Carolina when coach Jim Carlen told him that he could play in his freshman year. Due to his large size, he seemed destined to play fullback rather than tailback. However, the Gamecocks had two running backs who graduated at the same time, so he began his college career as the starting tailback midway through his freshman season.

Rogers rushed for 1,006 yards during his sophomore year, despite splitting time with fellow sophomore Johnnie Wright. However, it was Rogers' junior campaign that launched him into the national spotlight, as he was one of the best rushers in the country with 1,681 yards.

After that season, Rogers was given Second Team All-America Honors by the Associated Press, National Editorial Alliance, United Press International, American Football Coaches, and Football News.

In 1980, the stage was set when the Gamecocks returned plenty of talent, which was headlined by senior and Heisman candidate Rogers. While Carolina's 8-3 record was good, Rogers' final season was better. His 1,894 yards was the best in the nation and earned him a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

The Downtown Athletic Club in New York City named Rogers as the winner of the 1980 Heisman Trophy. Rogers beat out an impressive group of players, including Pittsburgh defensive lineman Hugh Green and Georgia running back Herschel Walker. Rogers also earned spots on eight All-America teams, all First Team honors.

Rogers had his number "38" retired duing halftime ceremonies at Carolina's final 1980 home game. He was the first USC player to have his jersey retired while still active at the school.

Rogers left the Gamecock football program as its most successful running back, and many of his records remain after all these years. His 5,204 yards is still the highest career total by any Gamecock running back, and his 31 rushing touchdowns is tied with Harold Green for first. He is second on the all-time points scored list with 202. He also gained more than 100 yards in each of his final 22 college games.

[edit] NFL career

While the college honors were numerous, Rogers got one of the ultimate honors in football when the New Orleans Saints made him the first pick overall in the 1981 NFL draft. He was the first Heisman Trophy winner selected be the Saints. Ricky Williams in 1999 and Reggie Bush in 2006 were the other two.

In his first season, Rogers lead the league in rushing with 1,647 yards, which set a high for rookies at that time. He was selected as the NFL Rookie of the Year for 1981 and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Rogers would spend his first four seasons in New Orleans, and his running ability is credited with bringing the 'Aints out of its perennial cellar. He played alongside quarterback Archie Manning in 1981 and eventually running back Earl Campbell, who was brought in during the 1984 season.

Rogers would play only three more seasons, all for the Washington Redskins. When he arrived in Washington, Hall of Fame running back John Riggins was ending his professional career, while coach Joe Gibbs was trying to bring the Redskins back to glory. Rogers had some of his biggest professional success in Washington, including another trip to the Pro Bowl and a Super Bowl title on January 31, 1988.

Rogers, however, retired due to nagging injuries after the Redskins beat the Denver Broncos, 42-10, in Super Bowl XXII. When he left the NFL, Rogers had rushed for 7,176 yards with 54 touchdowns in a mere seven seasons.

[edit] Seasons among the NFL's top 10

Rushes: 1981 (1st), 1986 (6th)

Rushing yards: 1981 (1st), 1983 (10th), 1986 (7th)

Rushing TDs: 1981 (T-2nd), 1986 (1st), 1987 (T-10th)

Yards from scrimmage: 1981 (5th)

Rush/Receive TDs: 1981 (T-5th), 1986 (1st)

[edit] Other honors

In 1992, Rogers was named to the All-Century Team at USC. He holds memberships in the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. In 1997, he received the honor of being inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. Also, the road that runs along the north end of Williams-Brice Stadium was renamed in his honor and is now known as George Rogers Boulevard.