Herschel Walker

American football running back who won the 1982 Heisman Trophy and became one of the most dominant college and professional players of the 1980s.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1962 and raised in Wrightsville, Herschel Junior Walker overcame a childhood stutter and weight issues to become one of the most physically imposing athletes in American sports history. He attended Johnson County High School, where his exceptional speed and power first attracted national attention as a sprinter and football player. Walker's college career at the University of Georgia from 1980 to 1982 established him as a generational talent. He led the Bulldogs to a national championship as a freshman in 1980 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 after a dominant junior season. His combination of size, speed, and strength revolutionized the running back position, as he consistently broke through defensive lines while maintaining sprinter-level acceleration. Rather than complete his senior year, Walker made the unprecedented decision to join the upstart United States Football League in 1983, signing with the New Jersey Generals. After three successful USFL seasons, Walker entered the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. His most productive NFL years came with Dallas, where he rushed for over 1,500 yards in 1988. However, his career became defined by the 1989 trade that sent him to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for five players and six draft picks, including three first-round selections. This transaction, known simply as "The Herschel Walker Trade," enabled Dallas to acquire future Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson, fueling their 1990s championship dynasty. Walker's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements to his impact on sports business and team building strategies. The trade remains a cautionary tale about overvaluing individual players versus building through depth and draft capital. His willingness to discuss his struggles with dissociative identity disorder has raised awareness about mental health in professional sports. The trade's consequences continue to influence NFL front office decision-making, making Walker's name synonymous with both individual excellence and unintended franchise transformation.

Explosive runner with exceptional speed and power, known for his rigorous training regimen and versatility as a player

One of the greatest college football players of all time who revolutionized the running back position with his combination of size, speed, and power

• NFL rushing title 1988
• Heisman Trophy 1982
• USFL champion
• College Football Hall of Fame