Mark Ingram Wins The Heisman; Does Anyone Really Care?

 

      Alabama running back Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy this evening.  And he deserved it.  He was the star running back on the team that is, in all likelihood, about to win a National championship.  1,542 yards.  And his is a great story; his dad, former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr. is housed at a federal correctional facility right across from the site of the ceremony.

     Now that we’ve got the warm fuzzies out of the way, we come to the real question as it pertains to football in general.  Who really cares?  God bless the kid, and I wish him a world of success, but does the Heisman really mean anything anymore?  I remember when it did.  Heisman Winners used to, as often as not, go on to great and even Hall of Fame Careers.

     1985-88:  Bo Jackson, Vinny Testeverde, Tim Brown, Barry Sanders.  Hall of fame materials, there.  Even the ‘busts’ of that era were moderately successful; Doug Flutie, Mike Rozier and the like.

     But over the last 20 years, the award has lost much of it’s luster.  Now we get guys like Jason White.  Eric Crouch.  Chris Weinke.  Hell, Charlie Ward never played a down… chose instead obscurity in the NBA.

     So, while I don’t want to take a thing from Ingram, You’ll forgive me if I/m not impressed with the hardware this time.  The Heisman just ain’t what it used to be… it’s more of a novelty item nowadays.

     Here’s what the downtown Athletic club has server us over the last 20 years.  (Obviously, the last two winners are still in school.)  Following a breakdown of each player is a grading; 1 to 5 Heismans.

2006Troy Smith QB (Ohio State)

Troy Smith was a machine his Heisman year; until the Buckeyes championship loss to Florida, he was as close to perfect as any quarterback in the history of the game.  His NFL career has, to date, been unimpressive.  A few starts with the Ravens, but he will in all likelihood remain a backup his entire career.

2005Reggie Bush RB (USC)

Reggie Bush Dominated College football his Heisman year like no one since Barry Sanders.  It wasn’t just the plays he made, but the frequency with which he made them; highlight after highlight after highlight.  His NFL career has been far less successful, although not a failure by any means.  He has become a solid utility back in New Orleans, and has showed occasional bursts of brilliance.   If he ends up with the right team, he could be a decent premier back.

2004Matt Leinart QB (USC)

The jury is still very much out on Leinart.  He started a bit early, and was impressive at times, but lost his job to Kurt Warner.  He should get his shot soon; Warner can’t play forever. (although we’ve been saying that for years now)  Some think he’ll benefit from learning from Warner the way Aaron Rodgers did from Brett Favre, but for now we just don’t know yet.

2003Jason White QB (Oklahoma)

It was only 6 years ago, and even I, a religious football fan, can barely remember this guy.  He went undrafted, and eventually signed a free agent contract with the Titans.  He quit football, citing bad knees.

2002Carson Palmer QB (USC)

Prior to this year, you’d have had to label Palmer a semi-bust.  He’s been surrounded with plenty of offensive talent most of his career in Cincy, and not done much with it.  He’s been decent statistically, but just didn’t win much.  After a few injury marred seasons, he is finally playing to his potential this year.

2001Eric Crouch QB (Nebraska)

Another one who’s barely memorable.  Was switched to defensive back in the NFL, and did nothing.  Had brief stints in NFl Europe, and did play a bit of QB in the CFL before injuries ended his Canadian career.

2000Chris Weinke QB (Florida St)

Posted a career record of 2-18 in the NFL.  Started one full season for Carolina, and finished his brief career as a backup there and in San Fransisco.

1999Ron Dayne RB (Wicconsin)

Dayne was moderately successful during his NFL career, although he never achieved the role of full time starter.  Played for the Giants, Broncos, and Texans.  He did have his moments, though.

1998Ricky Williams RB (Texas)

Was initially a bust; Mike Ditka traded his entire draft to bring him to New Orleans, where he was a decent back.  (No where near worth an entire draft)  Williams simply couldn’t stop smoking weed, however, and his addiction literally drove him out of the NFL.  But Williams has rejuvenated his career last year and this, and is thriving with his act cleaned up in Miami.

1997Charles Woodson CB (Michigan)

The first defensive player to win the award, Woodson has very quietly put together what may be a hall of fame career, and is having a career year this year.

1996Danny Wuerfful QB (Florida)

Still another bust.  Bounced around for seven years as a backup for five different teams, and had a brief stint in the World League. (Where he did win a title.)

1995Eddie George RB (Ohio State)

Perhaps not quite a hall of fame career, but George has a stellar run with the Oilers/ Titans, teaming up with Steve McNair to form one of the most lethal backfields of the era.

1994Rashan Salaam RB(Colorado)

Started promising with a 1,000 yard, 10 touchdown rookie year, and did nothing after that.  Played briefly in CFL and XFL.

1993Charlie Ward QB (Florida State)

Never played an NFL down; Chose instead to be a mediocre guard in the NBA.  No trophies for this guy.

1992Gino Torretta QB (Miami, Fla)

Had a four year career as a backup.  career record:  1-0.

1991Desmond Howard WR (Michigan)

Was a bust initially.  Then in the Packers 1996 Super Bowl run, he transformed, at least for one year, into the best kick and punt returner in the history of the game, culminating with The Super Bowl MVP.  And never really accomplished another thing.  But for one year, at least… he was great.

1990Ty Detmer QB (BYU)

Had a solid career, if not a remarkable one.  Lasted 14 years, mostly as a backup.

1989Andre Ware QB (Houston)

Played four years with the Lions, starting a few games.  Bounced around the CFL for a few years.

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