Jason White’s Heisman winning season didn’t translate to the NFL- a common theme for Heisman winners this decade
The Heisman Trophy is one of the most coveted trophies in all of sports. However, winning this award, for some, is a jinx synonymous to the Madden Curse. Check out The Matador’s top five busts of the decade.
Number 5: QB Troy Smith (2006)
Smith was a dual threat QB for the Ohio State Buckeyes who was drafted in the 2007 NFL draft in the 5th round by the Baltimore Ravens. In 2005, he only lost 2 games and led OSU to a 2006 Fiesta Bowl win over the Irish.
In 2006, Smith received a record 86% first place votes en route to the Heisman. Unfortunately, he got slaughtered in the BCS National Championship game at the hands of the Florida Gators. Still in the NFL, Smith is barely a serviceable third string back-up.
Number 4: QB Matt Leinart (2004)
Leinart was a highly decorated Trojan leading his team to an AP National Championship in 2003, a BCS National Championship in 2004, and a BCS National Championship birth in 2005. As a junior, he won the Heisman. The following year he returned to New York, but lost to teammate Reggie Bush. Upon graduating from USC, his #11 jersey was retired.
Leinart was considered a top QB prospect drafted 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Without ever throwing a pass on Sundays, Leinart held out until he finally reached a six year deal worth over $51 million. This Cardinal sin turned out to be a huge bust for the organization.
In his first two NFL seasons, Leinart suffered two season ending injuries which landed him on the bench. However, when on the field, he has been anything but stellar. In 2010, Leinart was named the starter by default with the ageless Kurt Warner retiring. But it looks like Derek Anderson is overtaking the Heisman winner for the starting job.
Number 3: Eric Crouch (2001)
Nebraska’s Eric Crouch was 35-7 as a starter. He took home the 2001 Heisman Trophy, but as prelude for things to come, he got shattered in the Rose Bowl, 14-37. He holds several Nebraska records for passing and rushing. He barely won the Heisman in a close race with Rex Grossman and Ken Dorsey.
Unfortunately, Crouch’s QB skills didn’t translate to the NFL. He was drafted by the Rams as a wide receiver where he got injured during preseason. In 2005, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs who quickly sent him to the Hamburg Sea Devils (NFL Europe) where he was converted to safety. Never giving up the dream of playing QB, Crouch left Hamburg for Toronto. In 2006, he signed with the Argonauts where he landed fourth on the depth chart behind Damon Allen, Michael Bishop and Spergon Wynn. In 2007, he was expected to challenge for the starting spot, but chronic injuries caused Toronto to release the gunslinger.
On a side note, if you ever need recreational equipment, Crouch is your man.
Number 2: Chris Weinke (2000)
Weinke got a late jump in football as he played for the Toronto Blue Jays minor league baseball system for 6 years prior to joining the Seminoles. In 1999, Weinke led FSU to a national title, setting the stage for a Heisman run. In 2000, Weinke won the Heisman while leading the nation is passing (4,167 yards). He also led FSU to a national championship birth. Weinke holds the record for the oldest player, 28, to win the coveted trophy. He wrapped up his collegiate career with an outstanding 32-3 record.
Weinke was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. Unfortunately, the NFL never really panned out for him. He won his first game as a starter, but then set a record for most consecutive losses at 14. His career NFL record was 2-18. He was quickly demoted to back-up duties when Jake Delhomme arrived. Throughout his Panthers days, he did fill-in whenever Delhomme went down, but he never found his winning ways. In a last ditch effort, Weinke signed with the 49ers after Alex Smith and Trent Dilfer both went down in 2007 with injuries. He started the final game of the 2007 season, but lost to the Cleveland Browns 20-7. The 49ers did not resign him in 2008.
Unfortunately, Weinke was unable to find any suitors for his services thus ending his NFL career. He did find a way back to football as he is currently the director of the IMG Madden Football Academy.
Number 1: Jason White (2003)
White defied all odds after suffering consecutive ACL tears and reconstructive knee surgeries during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In 2003, Oklahoma’s triggerman tossed 40 TD passes en route to the Heisman Trophy. He led his team to the 2004 BCS National Championship game, but the Sooners were edged out by LSU 14-21. In 2004, White was vying for a second Heisman but fell behind winner Matt Leinhart and runner-up Adrian Peterson.
White had a very impressive collegiate career, but to NFL scouts, he had zero potential. He was undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft. He didn’t even receive tryouts for the first several weeks. Eventually, Kansas City gave him a shot, but the team did not sign him. The Tennessee Titans agreed to take a look at the Oklahoma native, but White called it quits citing knee problems.
White now holds two distinguished accomplishments: 1) one of the greatest Heisman trophy winners to never take a snap in the NFL; and, 2) the only Heisman trophy winner to own an Athlete’s Foot shoe store.
As the 2010 season kicks-off, let’s hope the Heisman brings better fortune to the next distinguished winner.
