Back to search

Herschel Walker

Running Back

Inducted 1999

Date of Birth

3/3/1962

Birthplace

Wrightsville, GA

School

University of Georgia (1980-1982)

Bio

Herschel Walker played three years at Georgia and was unanimous All-America every year. When he left after his junior year, he owned 41 school records, 16 Southeastern Conference records, and 11 NCAA records. As a freshman in 1980, he led Georgia to a 12-0 record and the national championship. United Press International named him Back of the Year. He rushed for 1,616 yards. This was an NCAA record for a freshman and lasted until 1996. In the Sugar Bowl, he rushed for 150 yards and was named Outstanding Player as Georgia beat Notre Dame 17-10. Georgia had records of 10-2 in 1981 and 11-1 in 1982. Walker placed third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1980, second in 1981, first in 1982. In 33 regular-season games he scored 55 touchdowns, and rushed for 5,259 yards (an average of 159 a game). His best games in rushing yardage were 283, 265, 235, 225, 219 (3 times), 215 and 205. Walker was 6-2 in height and weighed 222. He also starred in track. In high school at Wrightsville, GA., he was state champ in the 100-yard dash (9.9 seconds) and shot put (53 feet). After he left Georgia, Walker played three years in the U.S. Football League with the New Jersey Generals, 1983-85, and 12 years in the National Football League with Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia and New York Giants, 1986-97. Walker worked on charity drives. He donated $100,000 for a new building at the University of Georgia, $100,000 for a scholarship and $10,000 to the Vince Dooley Library Fund. In 1998, he was named to the board of trustees of the University of Georgia Foundation.