Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker is a former professional American football player, born on March 3, 1962, in Wrightsville, Georgia. He is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest running backs in football history. Walker began his professional career with the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League (USFL) before moving to the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, where he had multiple successful seasons.

Walker is known for his incredible speed, strength, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Heisman Trophy, and holds multiple records, such as the only player to have 4,000 yards three different ways: rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns.

Off the field, Walker is also recognized for his business ventures and his contributions to mental health awareness.

University of Georgia

• Collegiate Career: Walker played for the University of Georgia where he was a three-time All-American and won the 1982 Heisman Trophy.

New Jersey Generals (USFL)

• Early Success: Walker signed with the New Jersey Generals in 1983. He quickly established himself as a star, leading the league in rushing and scoring two seasons in a row.

Dallas Cowboys

• NFL Debut: In 1986, Walker made his NFL debut with the Dallas Cowboys. He became a standout player, leading the league in rushing in 1988 and earning Pro Bowl honors three times with the team.

Minnesota Vikings

• Trade: In 1989, Walker was part of a blockbuster trade to the Minnesota Vikings. While his time with the Vikings was less successful, the trade led to the Cowboys acquiring the draft picks that would build their 1990s dynasty.

Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants

• Later Career: Walker played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants in the mid-90s, showcasing his versatility as a running back and a kick returner. He ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1997.

Walker did not have an international career as American football is primarily played in the United States.

• Position: Primarily a running back, but also excelled as a kick returner and wide receiver.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, and versatility. Walker is celebrated for his power running style, ability to break tackles, and excellent hands as a receiver.

• Family: Walker has one child. He was previously married to Cindy DeAngelis Grossman.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Walker has been open about his struggles with dissociative identity disorder and has become an advocate for mental health awareness.

• Herschel Walker is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for his versatility and longevity in professional football. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans across America.

Heisman Trophy:

• 1982 winner

Pro Bowl Selections:

• 1987, 1988, 1992

Books

• Walker, H. & Schaller, G. (2008) Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Websites

• NFL: Information about Herschel Walker’s career and statistics. Available at: https://www.nfl.com
• Dallas Cowboys: Details about Walker’s career with the Cowboys. Available at: https://www.dallascowboys.com

Articles

• ESPN: Herschel Walker: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• Sports Illustrated: Herschel Walker’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.si.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• 30 for 30 - The Trade (2011): Directed by Ken Rodgers. This documentary provides a detailed look at the infamous trade that sent Walker to the Vikings, and how it shaped the NFL for years to come.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Herschel Walker, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com