Heisman Trophy: 5 Heisman Winners Who Washed Out in the NFL

As the jump from the style of play of major college football to the speed and size of the National Football League comes a bit of a shock, there are players that fade out and can’t compete when they come to the next level.

This is no different for winners of the biggest individual award in college football, the Heisman Trophy, as winners of the prestigious award have been known to come to the NFL and quickly leave the league after their career washes out after poor play at the pro level.

Let's take a look at five of the most memorable players to fit this bill...

Florida QB Danny Wuerffel, 1997 Heisman Winner

NFL Career Stats: 184-350 Pass Attempts, 2123 Yards, 12 Touchdowns, 22 Interceptions

While having a great college career including a national title and Heisman Trophy at Florida, Danny Wuerffel didn’t experience the same success when he went to the NFL as the quarterback never matched his production while with the Gators as he had more total yards in three of four seasons in Gainesville.

Houston QB Andre Ware, 1989 Heisman Winner

NFL Career Stats: 83-161 Pass Attempts, 1112 Yards, Five Touchdowns, Eight Interceptions

Despite being a record breaking quarterback during his time with the Houston Cougars, Andre Ware didn’t produce the same kind of numbers in his short pro career as the former Heisman winner bounced around three teams in his five seasons in the NFL.

Miami QB Gino Torretta, 1992 Heisman Winner

NFL Career Stats: 5-16 Pass Attempts, 41 Yards, Touchdown, Interception

After a great, award-winning career for the national champion Miami Hurricanes from 1989 to 1992, Gino Torretta had anything but successful NFL career. The former Heisman winner mustered an unremarkable two games for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. 

Nebraska QB Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Winner

NFL Career Stats: 25 Tackles

Even though being one of the most explosive players in college football in his Heisman winning season at Nebraska, Eric Crouch never made an impact at the next level on either side of the ball as he never played a down on offense and a inconsequential impact on defense. 

Oklahoma QB Jason White, 2003 Heisman Winner

NFL Career Stats: None

Following his career with the Oklahoma Sooners that saw the program win their first national title in 15 years, White opted to end his professional football career short after knee concerns following being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2005.

Chris Humphrey is a featured columnist for BleacherReport.com. He has covered everything from college football, college basketball, UFC, NFL, NBA and the WWE in his short time writing for the website. You can become a fan of him on B/R and follow him on Twitter @_CBH_.