Heisman has strange legacy of winners

Shoe salesman, playground equipment operator, basketball player, pro baseball player and convicted felon/wife killer. Sounds like a strange list of characters, but all have one distinction in honor, they won a Heisman Trophy. One would think winning the award for the best player in college football would be an automatic ticket to the NFL but history proves it is anything but.

It is Eric Crouch who now owns a playground equipment company. He won the Heisman for Nebraska but could never overcome injuries to make it at the next level. He decided to go into business instead.

Oklahoma star Jason White also had to turn to the business world. He is now owner of an athletic shoe store. 

 Charlie Ward and Bo Jackson won the Heisman but made their name in other sports. Ward decided a career with the New York Knicks was more appealing than football. Jackson actually starred in football but will be remembered as much for his exploits on the diamond in Kansas City.

Then, of course, there is O.J. Simpson. The Heisman doesn't even compared to his criminal record. It didn't do a thing to keep him out of prison, where he should have been a long time ago.

There are of course exceptions to the Heisman jinx. Nine have won that award and then made it to the Hall of Fame. Tim Tebow is trying to make his mark right now. Others barely make a living in the sport that brought them national notoriety.

A whole new crop of Heisman hopeful's starts out their quest this weekend. Chances are, based on history, this will be their best year to shine.