College football’s Heisman Trophy: from Berwanger to Manziel

15. Heisman winners with the shortest NFL careers

Bill Feig/AP/File
Miami quarterback Gino Torretta is pressured by an Alabama defender in the Sugar Bowl played in the New Orleans Superdome on Jan. 2, 1993.

Gino Toretta, QB, Miami (1992 winner)

   2 games

Gary Beban, QB, UCLA (1967 winner)

   5 games

Billy Vessels, RB, Oklahoma (1952 winner)

   12 games

Johnny Lattner, RB, Notre Dame (1953 winner)

   12 games

Andre Ware, QB, Houston (1989 winner)

   14 games

Angelo Bertelli, QB, Notre Dame (1943 winner)

   16 games

Johnny Rodgers, WR, Nebraska (1972 winner)

   17 games

Terry Baker, QB, Oregon State (1962 winner)

   18 games

Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State (2006 winner)

   20 games

Davey O’Brien, QB, Texas Christian (1938 winner)

   22 games

Tom Harmon, RB, Michigan (1940 winner) 

   22 games

Vic Janowicz, RB, Ohio State (1950 winner)

   22 games

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