NFL Longhorns: Ranking the pro football seasons of former Texas players

The University of Texas has long been one of the most prolific and prestigious programs in college football. With a rich history of success, it’s no surprise that the Texas Longhorns have produced a significant number of players who have gone on to make their mark in the National Football League (NFL). From legendary quarterbacks to dynamic running backs and dominant defensive players, the NFL career trajectories of former Longhorns have been filled with highs, lows, and moments of greatness.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the careers of former Texas players who have made a lasting impact on the NFL. By examining their standout seasons, achievements, and overall career arcs, we’ll rank the best pro football seasons of former Texas Longhorns.

10. Cedric Benson (RB, 2005-2014)

Cedric Benson was one of the most accomplished running backs in the history of Texas football, finishing his college career as the school’s all-time leading rusher. After being drafted by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Benson struggled to make an immediate impact. However, his 2009 season with the Cincinnati Bengals stands out as the pinnacle of his NFL career.

In 2009, Benson posted 1,251 rushing yards and six touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. It was a career year for Benson, who had a workhorse role in the Bengals’ offense. His performance was crucial to Cincinnati’s success that season, as the Bengals won the AFC North division title. Benson’s season remains his most notable in the NFL, and it was a testament to his hard work and persistence after facing early struggles in his career.

Despite an up-and-down NFL tenure, Benson’s 2009 season demonstrated his ability to dominate and solidify his place in Longhorns’ NFL lore.

9. Jordan Shipley (WR, 2010-2012)

Jordan Shipley was one of the most dynamic wide receivers in Texas Longhorns history. After a productive college career in which he became one of the most reliable and versatile targets in the Longhorns’ offense, Shipley was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Shipley’s best NFL season came as a rookie in 2010, when he caught 52 passes for 600 yards and three touchdowns. While Shipley didn’t have a long or consistently productive career in the NFL, his 2010 campaign stood out as a bright spot. His ability to find space in the slot and create yards after the catch gave him a quick impact on the field. Unfortunately, injuries shortened his career, but Shipley’s first season in the NFL was one of promise and excitement.

8. Brian Orakpo (OLB, 2009-2019)

Brian Orakpo was one of the premier pass rushers during his time in the NFL, bringing his college-level dominance at Texas to the professional ranks. Orakpo had a standout rookie season with the Washington Football Team in 2009, where he recorded 11 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl.

Although he continued to be a productive player over the course of his 10-year career, his 2009 season remains his best. That year, Orakpo helped bolster the Washington defense, finishing the season with 11 sacks, 28 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. He was one of the league’s most promising pass-rushers and a key defensive player for Washington.

Over the next several seasons, Orakpo continued to make an impact, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 2014 while playing for the Tennessee Titans. However, his 2009 rookie season remains the pinnacle of his NFL career in terms of individual performance.

7. Earl Campbell (RB, 1978-1985)

Earl Campbell, one of the most iconic players in Texas football history, had a legendary career in the NFL. After being selected first overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft, Campbell immediately became one of the most dominant running backs in the league. His combination of size, speed, and power made him an unstoppable force on the field.

Campbell’s 1979 season is considered one of the greatest single-season performances in NFL history. He rushed for 1,697 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories. He also captured the NFL MVP award that year, an honor that solidified his place as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Campbell’s punishing running style made him a fan favorite, and his contributions to the Oilers’ offense in 1979 were central to the team’s success.

In addition to his MVP honors, Campbell was also selected to five Pro Bowls during his career and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Though his career was relatively short-lived due to injuries, his 1979 season remains one of the finest in NFL history.

6. Roy Williams (WR, 2004-2012)

Roy Williams was one of the most highly touted wide receivers to come out of Texas in the early 2000s. He was selected by the Detroit Lions with the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and immediately became one of the top receiving threats in the league.

Williams’ best season came in 2006, when he recorded 82 receptions for 1,310 yards and 7 touchdowns. His breakout performance helped solidify his status as one of the top wideouts in the NFL during that period. Williams’ physicality and ability to make tough catches in critical situations helped elevate Detroit’s offense, though the team’s overall struggles prevented them from achieving sustained success.

Despite a successful start to his NFL career, Williams’ numbers declined after he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. However, his 2006 campaign stands out as the peak of his career, and his time at Texas was pivotal in setting the stage for his pro success.

5. Jamaal Charles (RB, 2008-2017)

Jamaal Charles was one of the most electrifying and elusive running backs in the NFL during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his speed and ability to break off long runs, Charles was a threat every time he touched the ball. His 2013 season is arguably his best.

In 2013, Charles rushed for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns while also catching 70 passes for 693 yards and seven touchdowns. He led the league in total yards from scrimmage and was a key contributor to Kansas City’s success that year. His versatility as both a rusher and a receiver made him one of the most complete running backs in the NFL.

Charles was selected to five Pro Bowls over the course of his career and was one of the most consistently dominant offensive players of the 2010s. Although injuries slowed him later in his career, his 2013 season remains one of the most impressive performances by a former Texas Longhorn in the NFL.

4. Vince Young (QB, 2006-2011)

Vince Young’s career in the NFL was marked by both tremendous highs and frustrating lows, but his 2006 season remains one of the most iconic for any former Longhorn. In 2006, Young led the Texas Longhorns to a national championship victory over USC, earning the game’s MVP award. The magic that Young displayed at the college level didn’t immediately translate into NFL success, but he did have a career year in 2006 with the Tennessee Titans.

As a rookie, Young guided the Titans to an 8-5 record as a starter, finishing the season with 2,199 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 552 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Though his career was plagued by inconsistency and off-field issues, his 2006 season was the peak of his NFL tenure and helped solidify his place as one of the most memorable quarterbacks in Longhorn history.

3. Aaron Ross (CB, 2007-2013)

Aaron Ross was a standout cornerback for the Texas Longhorns, and he enjoyed a productive career in the NFL, primarily with the New York Giants. His best season came in 2011, when he was a key part of the Giants’ defense during their Super Bowl run. Ross contributed significantly to the Giants’ victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, making crucial plays throughout the postseason.

That season, Ross started in all 16 games and finished with four interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and 59 tackles. His playmaking ability in both the regular season and playoffs helped the Giants secure another championship, and Ross’ ability to shut down opposing receivers was crucial in their success.

2. DeShawn Elliott (S, 2018-Present)

While DeShawn Elliott’s NFL career is still in its early stages, he has already made a significant impact as a defensive playmaker for the Baltimore Ravens. Elliott’s career took off in 2020, when he had an outstanding season in which he recorded 66 tackles, three interceptions, and nine pass deflections, making him one of the most promising young safeties in the league.

His physical style of play and leadership abilities have been key factors in the Ravens’ success on defense. If Elliott continues on his current trajectory, his future could see him become one of the top defensive backs in the league, adding another chapter to Texas’s legacy in the NFL.

1. Michael Griffin (S, 2007-2017)

Michael Griffin, a star safety for the Texas Longhorns, enjoyed a long and productive NFL career, spending the majority of it with the Tennessee Titans. Griffin’s best season came in 2008, when he was a Pro Bowl selection. That year, Griffin recorded 84 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. He was a key player in the Titans’ defense, which finished the regular season as one of the NFL’s top-ranked units.

Griffin’s ability to read the game and make critical plays in the secondary helped elevate the Titans’ defense, and his Pro Bowl season is a testament to his skills and consistency. Griffin also contributed to the Titans’ playoff runs during his career, making him one of the most accomplished former Longhorns in the NFL.