Herschel Walker was born in Wrightsville, GA in 1963. Before becoming an SEC and NFL icon, Walker starred as the running back of his high school football team from 1975-79 and led them to their lone state championship. While starring in high school, Walker became known for his explosive and tough running style and won the first Dial Award for National Prep Player of the Year.

Following his High School Championship, Walker decided to play for the University of Georgia. Though Walker was an NFL star who went to two pro bowls, his true glory years came at Georgia, where he became one of the program's greatest icons. As a freshman, Walker set the college record for rushing yards and finished third in the Heisman voting. Even more impressive was the fact that he did it as a part of one of the most talented squads in Bulldog history; a group that won the National Title and Sugar Bowl in 1980. Moreover, he enjoyed an even more statistically impressive senior season in 1982 when he rushed for over 2,000 yards and won the Heisman Trophy. After leaving for the NFL, he would ultimately be remembered as one of the most electrifying players in the history of SEC football and maybe even the best all time college football player.

After graduating, Walker spurned the NFL and instead chose to play for the USFL's New Jersey Generals. Walker's greatest years actually came with the Generals as he led the USFL in rushing in both 1983 and 1985 and had over 4,000 yards of total offense while averaging over 5.5 yards a carry in his third year as a professional. However, Walker ultimately left the bankrupt USFL for the NFL in 1986. Proving something of a renegade, Walker played for six teams in his ten year NFL career but he still managed to elevate each squad he joined. After two consecutive pro bowl seasons in 1987 and 1988 for the Dallas Cowboys, Walkwr was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a bevy of players and picks that would serve as the backbone of the Cowboys 1990s dynasties. The Vikings, however, never experienced the fruits of their expensive trade since, while Walker was effective, he never managed to justify what the Vikings gave up to get him. After several more years in the NFL, Walker retired in 1997.

In the end, Walker's career was filled with ups and downs. Electrifying in high school and college, Walker earned his place in Bulldogs lore and began his professional career with Hall of Fame aspirations. While he never reached such lofty heights, Walker's professional career was still excellent and he remains the standard against which all college runners are measured.

This Herschel Walker biography was written by SEC Sports Fan Senior Staff Writer Paul Grossinger.

Greatest SEC and NFL icon Herschel Walker has recently been named to SEC Sports Fan's "All Time SEC Football Team". You can also read more about Best All Time College Football Running Back.

Check out our current page about University of Georgia Bulldogs Football and Georgia Bulldogs Football History.

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