NFL Films Ranks Tebow 7th Best Heisman Winner In NFL History
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – NFL Films has been one of the most respected voices on the history of the league and the accomplishments of individual players. But they have made a controversial pick in one of their latest top 10 lists and it involves Tim Tebow.
NFL Films ranked the Top 10 Heisman Trophy Winners in NFL history and came up with the following list, according to USA Today:
- Barry Sanders
- Roger Staubach
- O.J. Simpson
- Paul Hornung
- Charles Woodson
- Tony Dorsett
- Tim Tebow
- Earl Campbell
- Marcus Allen
- Cam Newton
While some could argue over the number five selection, the real controversy erupted at number seven and ten. Both Earl Campbell and Marcus Allen are NFL Hall of Famers, while Newton has played just one season and Tebow hasn't started an entire NFL season.
Allen was a 6-time Pro Bowler and twice selected first team All-Pro. He finished his career with 12,243 yards rushing, 5411 yards receiving and a total of 82 touchdowns. Campbell was a 5-time Pro Bowler and three-time first team All-Pro. Campbell finished an injury shortened career with 9,407 yards rushing and 74 touchdowns.
Tebow's career completion rate in the NFL is 47.3 percent. He's thrown 17 touchdowns to 9 interceptions and has never started more than 11 games in a season. That said, he has been able to transcend the game and become arguably the most popular backup quarterback in NFL history.
But, Tebow's value was displayed by the Broncos during the offseason when the team traded him to the New York Jets for a fourth-round pick.
Newton has played just one year at the NFL level, but has shown flashes of brilliance after being the number one overall pick. Still, elevating him that high may be controversial to some because he hasn't had enough playing time.
Newton completed 60 percent of his passes last year including 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He also rushed for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns in his rookie season.