Players
Events
Running Back

Herschel Walker

Trade 1989

Number

34

Birthdate

1962-03-03

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1989

Player Bio

Herschel Walker is a former professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile athletes in NFL history. Known for his powerful running style, speed, and physical prowess, Walker’s career spanned multiple teams and included notable achievements both in the NFL and other sports. Below is a detailed biography of Herschel Walker:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Herschel Junior Walker
Born: March 3, 1962
Hometown: Wrightsville, Georgia, USA

High School:

  • Walker attended Johnson County High School in Wrightsville, Georgia, where he was a standout athlete in football, track, and wrestling.
  • He excelled in both football and track and field, setting state records in the shot put and sprinting events.
  • In high school, he was known for his incredible physical conditioning and ability to dominate opponents, showcasing early signs of the athletic prowess that would define his professional career.

College:

  • Walker played college football at the University of Georgia.
  • Under head coach Vince Dooley, he became one of the most dominant running backs in college football history.
  • Walker won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1982, after a standout season in which he rushed for 1,616 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a national championship.
  • He finished his college career with over 5,000 rushing yards, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in college football history.
  • Walker was known for his incredible speed, strength, and ability to carry defenders, and he quickly became a household name in the sport.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Herschel Walker was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round (114th overall pick) of the 1983 NFL Draft.
  • He initially considered playing professional basketball and track and field, but he decided to pursue a career in the NFL, a decision that proved to be highly successful.

Dallas Cowboys (1986–1989)

  • Breakout Season:
    • After initially playing in the USFL (United States Football League) for the New Jersey Generals, where he became a star, Walker joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1986 following the collapse of the USFL.
    • In his first NFL season (1986), Walker made an immediate impact, rushing for over 700 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns.
    • He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top running backs, known for his speed, toughness, and ability to break tackles.
  • Prime Years with the Cowboys:
    • Walker’s most productive seasons came during the late 1980s. He became the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1988 and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
    • He was also a major weapon in the passing game, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver, and was regarded as one of the most complete backs in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings (1989–1991)

  • The Blockbuster Trade:
    • In 1989, Walker was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most famous trades in NFL history. The Cowboys received a significant number of draft picks and players in exchange for Walker, a deal that helped shape the future of the Cowboys.
    • The trade is often seen as one of the most lopsided in NFL history, as the Cowboys used the picks acquired to build a team that would win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.
  • Vikings Impact:
    • Walker continued his impressive performance in Minnesota, rushing for over 1,000 yards in both 1989 and 1990.
    • He was the Vikings’ primary offensive weapon during his time with the team, but despite his individual success, the team struggled to achieve postseason success, making only one playoff appearance during his tenure.

Return to Dallas Cowboys (1992–1993)

  • Revitalized Career:
    • In 1992, Walker returned to the Dallas Cowboys, where he played for two seasons.
    • The Cowboys had rebuilt into a Super Bowl contender, and Walker contributed as a part-time player, primarily in a backup role behind the team’s star running back Emmitt Smith.
    • While his role was diminished, Walker still provided valuable contributions to the Cowboys’ offense, especially in short-yardage situations.

Other Stops and Final Seasons

  • Philadelphia Eagles (1992): After his brief return to the Cowboys, Walker spent a short time with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992, before finishing his career with the New York Giants in 1995.

NFL Career Stats

  • Games Played: 164
  • Rushing Yards: 8,225 yards
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 61
  • Receptions: 512
  • Receiving Yards: 4,859 yards
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 21
  • Total Yards from Scrimmage: Over 13,000 yards

Post-Football Career

  • Mixed Martial Arts: After retiring from football, Herschel Walker pursued a career in mixed martial arts (MMA), where he achieved success as well.
  • He trained for several years in MMA and made his professional debut at the age of 48, becoming the oldest fighter to win an MMA match.
  • Public Speaking: Walker is also an advocate for mental health awareness and fitness. He has spoken openly about overcoming personal struggles and has been involved in various public speaking engagements.
  • Political Career: Walker became active in politics, running for U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022. He campaigned on issues related to economic development, healthcare, and supporting the military.

Legacy

  • Herschel Walker’s legacy as one of the most gifted and versatile athletes in NFL history is well-established.
  • He is considered one of the greatest running backs in both NFL and USFL history and is widely recognized for his all-around ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver.
  • Walker’s Heisman Trophy and successful NFL career have cemented him as one of the top football players of the 1980s and 1990s.
  • His trade from the Cowboys to the Vikings in 1989 will be remembered as one of the most impactful trades in NFL history, and his time with the Cowboys helped propel the franchise to future success.
  • Herschel Walker’s unique combination of speed, power, and versatility will be remembered by fans as one of the most complete skill sets ever seen in the NFL.

Summary

  • Position: Running Back
  • NFL Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1986–1989, 1992–1993), Minnesota Vikings (1989–1991), Philadelphia Eagles (1992), New York Giants (1995)
  • NFL Career Stats:
    • Games Played: 164
    • Rushing Yards: 8,225
    • Rushing Touchdowns: 61
    • Receptions: 512
    • Receiving Yards: 4,859
    • Total Yards from Scrimmage: Over 13,000 yards

Herschel Walker is remembered as one of the most versatile and powerful athletes ever to play in the NFL. His combination of running, receiving, and physical dominance, along with his achievements in multiple sports, has solidified his place as an all-time great in both professional football and sports history.