NFL Longhorns: Ranking the pro football seasons of former Texas players
NFL Longhorns: Ranking the Pro Football Seasons of Former Texas Players
The University of Texas Longhorns have a rich tradition in college football, consistently producing elite talent that transitions to the professional ranks with great success. With a history of dominating the NCAA scene and churning out NFL stars, Texas has firmly established itself as a premier football program. From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, the Longhorns have sent players to the NFL who have gone on to have prolific careers.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the standout NFL seasons of former Texas players, ranking them based on their performances, accolades, and overall impact on the league. From Super Bowl victories to All-Pro selections, the players who once donned the burnt orange of Texas have made significant marks in the NFL. This list not only highlights the best individual performances but also reflects the program’s ability to develop professional-level talent.
**10. ** Jordan Hicks (LB, Philadelphia Eagles) – 2019 Season
A highly productive linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Hicks has consistently been a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. However, his 2019 season stands out. Hicks accumulated 91 total tackles, including five tackles for loss, and intercepted two passes. While not the flashiest player, Hicks proved his value as an integral part of the Eagles’ defense. His leadership and consistent play helped the Eagles to stay competitive in a tough NFC East division.
Hicks’ 2019 campaign highlighted his all-around ability as a linebacker. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and his leadership on the field are critical to Philadelphia’s success. While his career has had some ups and downs, Hicks remains one of the more dependable linebackers in the NFL, and his 2019 season was a clear reflection of that.
9. Cedric Benson (RB, Chicago Bears) – 2006 Season
Cedric Benson was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2005 NFL Draft, and while his career had some challenges, his 2006 season stands as a bright spot. Playing behind a strong offensive line and alongside a powerful defense, Benson recorded 674 rushing yards and scored 6 touchdowns during his rookie season, showing flashes of his potential as a bruising back capable of taking over games.
While Benson’s career did not fully live up to expectations, his rookie season with the Bears demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL. With his size, vision, and balance, Benson had the tools to be a feature back, and his 2006 performance gave the Bears hope for the future. After his time in Chicago, he would go on to have successful stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and other teams before retiring in 2014.
8. Derrick Johnson (LB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 2011 Season
Derrick Johnson had an outstanding NFL career, and his 2011 season with the Kansas City Chiefs was one of his best. Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl after a campaign that saw him accumulate 179 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. His leadership on the field was pivotal to the Chiefs’ defensive success during that season. Johnson was consistently in the right place at the right time, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses both in the run game and as a pass defender.
Johnson’s 2011 performance demonstrated his elite football IQ and his knack for making plays in critical moments. His ability to be a sideline-to-sideline presence made him one of the most respected linebackers of his era. The 2011 season, in particular, helped solidify his place as one of the premier linebackers in the NFL at the time.
7. Earl Campbell (RB, Houston Oilers) – 1979 Season
Earl Campbell is a legend in both college and professional football, and his 1979 NFL season was a shining example of his greatness. In just his second year in the league, Campbell rushed for 1,697 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning a First-Team All-Pro selection and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. His physical running style and breakaway speed helped him dominate opponents, and the Oilers relied heavily on Campbell as the centerpiece of their offense.
That season, Campbell was the engine that powered the Oilers’ offense and kept them competitive in a tough AFC. His remarkable blend of speed, power, and vision allowed him to carve through defenses with ease. Campbell’s 1979 season was the beginning of a storied career that would include five Pro Bowls and an eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 1979 campaign stands as one of the greatest individual seasons by a running back in NFL history.
6. Brian Orakpo (OLB, Washington Football Team) – 2009 Season
Brian Orakpo quickly became a dominant force as an outside linebacker for the Washington Football Team (formerly known as the Washington Redskins). In his rookie season of 2009, Orakpo registered 11 sacks, which earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. His ability to rush the passer from the linebacker position made him an immediate impact player for Washington, and his 2009 season set the tone for what would be a strong career.
Orakpo was a disruptive force off the edge and quickly became one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. His first-year success was an indication of his future potential, as he went on to register multiple double-digit sack seasons throughout his career. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and make big plays in crucial moments helped Washington stay competitive in the NFC East for several years.
5. Vince Young (QB, Tennessee Titans) – 2006 Season
Vince Young’s career in the NFL was a roller coaster, but his 2006 rookie season with the Tennessee Titans is one of the most impressive by any quarterback in recent memory. After being drafted third overall, Young led the Titans to an 8-5 record as a starter and earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors. He threw for 2,199 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while also rushing for 552 yards and 7 touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs made him an exciting dual-threat quarterback.
Young’s performance in 2006 helped restore hope to a Titans franchise that was in rebuilding mode. His incredible playmaking ability and leadership qualities were evident in several high-pressure situations. Young’s iconic game-winning drive against the Houston Texans in Week 17, where he rushed for a touchdown and secured the Titans’ playoff berth, remains one of his most memorable moments. Despite a turbulent career, Young’s 2006 season remains a standout in the history of Longhorns in the NFL.
4. Jamaal Charles (RB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 2013 Season
Jamaal Charles’ 2013 season was one of the best by a running back in recent NFL history. He rushed for 1,287 yards, averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and scored 12 touchdowns. His versatility also showed in the receiving game, as he caught 70 passes for 693 yards and 7 more touchdowns. Charles’ ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield made him one of the most dangerous all-purpose backs in the NFL.
Charles earned a First-Team All-Pro selection and helped lead the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2013. His 2013 season was defined by his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in space. Charles’ quickness and elusiveness were on full display as he led the Chiefs’ high-powered offense that season. His exceptional year ranks as one of the best individual seasons by a running back in the 2010s.
3. Quandre Diggs (CB, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks) – 2019 Season
Quandre Diggs had an incredible 2019 season, one of the best among all former Longhorns in the NFL that year. Playing for both the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, Diggs proved his worth as one of the most consistent and dependable cornerbacks in the league. After a trade to Seattle mid-season, Diggs became a critical piece of the Seahawks’ defense, helping them make a playoff push. He finished the season with 4 interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and 70 tackles. His ability to play both physical and smart coverage on opposing receivers made him a valuable asset.
Diggs was a key contributor to Seattle’s defense down the stretch, earning him a spot as one of the most notable cornerbacks in the league that season. His ability to cover top-tier receivers and create turnovers was a big reason for the Seahawks’ success. Diggs’ performance in 2019 helped solidify his place among the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
2. J.J. Watt (DE, Houston Texans) – 2014 Season
J.J. Watt’s 2014 season is regarded as one of the best defensive seasons in NFL history. Watt finished with 20.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 touchdowns, including one on offense as a fullback. His dominance as a pass rusher, along with his ability to disrupt the game in a variety of ways, earned him his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Watt’s 2014 campaign further cemented his status as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
Watt was a constant presence in the opposing backfield, and his ability to take over games was unparalleled that season. Whether it was sacking the quarterback, batting down passes, or recovering fumbles, Watt was a game-changer for the Texans. His performance in 2014 was a clear demonstration of his unmatched athleticism, strength, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 2018 Season
No Texas player’s pro football season has been as electrifying as Patrick Mahomes’ 2018 campaign. In his first full season as a starter, Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 12-4 record and threw for 5,097 yards, 50 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. His playmaking ability and arm strength were on full display, with Mahomes completing passes in ways that had never been seen before in the NFL. He was named the NFL MVP and became one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch.
Mahomes’ 2018 season revolutionized the quarterback position and solidified him as one of the faces of the NFL. He became the youngest quarterback to win the MVP award and led the Chiefs to an AFC Championship appearance. His ability to make jaw-dropping plays, whether in the pocket or on the move, made him a standout player and redefined what it means to be an NFL quarterback. Mahomes’ 2018 season remains the pinnacle of NFL performances by a former Longhorn, and it
