Herschel Walker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Herschel Walker. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Herschel Walker is a former American football running back, renowned for winning the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award in 1982. He enjoyed a 15-year professional career in both the USFL and NFL. Beyond sports, Walker ventured into politics, becoming the Republican nominee in the 2022 United States Senate election in Georgia. Additionally, he was nominated to be the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas during President Donald Trump's (hypothetical) second term.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1979: State Championship and Dial Award

In 1979, Herschel Walker rushed for 3,167 yards, leading the Johnson County Trojans to their first state championship. He also received the inaugural Dial Award as national high school scholar-athlete of the year.

1980: Freshman Season at University of Georgia

During his freshman season in 1980, Herschel Walker set the NCAA freshman rushing record and played a major role in helping Georgia win the de facto national championship.

1982: Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award Winner

In 1982, Herschel Walker won both the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award for his outstanding performance in college football.

1985: USFL MVP and NFL Draft

In 1985, Herschel Walker was named the USFL's MVP during its final season and was drafted into the NFL by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round.

1987: First Pro Bowl Appearance

In 1987, Herschel Walker made his first Pro Bowl appearance.

1988: Established NFL Running Back

In 1988, Herschel Walker established himself as an NFL running back, reaching career highs in rushing and receiving yards, and became the 10th player in NFL history to amass more than 2,000 combined rushing and receiving yards in a season.

1988: Second Pro Bowl Honor

In 1988, Herschel Walker received his second Pro Bowl honor as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

1994: Unique NFL Achievement

In 1994, Herschel Walker became the first NFL player to have one-play gains of 90 or more yards rushing, receiving and kick-returning in a single season.

1999: Election to College Football Hall of Fame

In 1999, Herschel Walker was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

2008: Publication of 'Breaking Free'

In 2008, Herschel Walker wrote and published the book Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder to help dispel myths about mental illness and to help others.

January 30, 2010: MMA Debut

On January 30, 2010, Herschel Walker defeated Greg Nagy via technical knock-out in his MMA debut at Strikeforce: Miami.

January 29, 2011: Victory Against Scott Carson

On January 29, 2011, Herschel Walker defeated Scott Carson via TKO (strikes) at 3:13 of round 1 in Strikeforce.

2014: Celebrity Cook-Off Winner

In 2014, Herschel Walker won season 3 of Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.

July 4, 2017: Herschel Walker Drive Dedication

On July 4, 2017, Trojan Way, the street where Johnson County High School resides, was officially renamed Herschel Walker Drive during Wrightsville's annual Fourth of July celebration and parade.

2018: Trump Appoints Walker to President's Council

In 2018, Donald Trump appointed Herschel Walker to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

December 17, 2020: Trump Reappoints Walker to President's Council

On December 17, 2020, Donald Trump reappointed Herschel Walker to another two-year term on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

December 16, 2024: College Graduation

On December 16, 2024, 42 years after his initial enrollment, Herschel Walker returned to the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences degree in Housing Management and Policy.