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

The NFL is a league that draws its talent from across the country, and the University of Texas Longhorns have been one of the most prominent programs in terms of producing successful NFL players. From the glory days of Earl Campbell to the modern dominance of players like Patrick Mahomes and DeShon Elliott, the Longhorns have contributed a wealth of talent to professional football. This article will rank the pro football seasons of former Texas players, taking into account both their individual performances and their impact on the success of their teams.

1. Earl Campbell (RB, Houston Oilers) – 1978 Season

Earl Campbell’s 1978 season is one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history. The former Longhorns running back took the league by storm in his rookie year with the Houston Oilers, earning the 1978 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. His 1,450 rushing yards were the most in the NFL that season, and he averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry. Campbell was known for his physical running style, which combined speed, power, and vision. In addition to his rushing success, Campbell added 18 touchdowns and caught 17 passes out of the backfield.

That season, Campbell was instrumental in the Oilers’ success. He helped lead them to a 10-6 record and their first playoff appearance since 1970. Campbell’s aggressive running style brought a physicality to the NFL that was relatively rare at the time, and his performance as a rookie set the tone for an illustrious career. He would go on to become one of the league’s all-time greats and is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in history.

2. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 2018 Season

Patrick Mahomes’ 2018 season was a revelation. After sitting behind Alex Smith for his rookie year, Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018 and had one of the most explosive seasons in NFL history. The Texas Tech alum, who briefly spent time in Texas as a high school quarterback in the state, threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a 12-4 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.

Mahomes’ incredible arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability were on full display that season. He set the NFL on fire with a series of highlight-reel plays, including no-look passes, deep bombs, and impressive scrambles. His performance was enough to earn him the NFL MVP award, making him the first quarterback in Kansas City history to win the honor. His 2018 season firmly established Mahomes as one of the most exciting and talented quarterbacks in the NFL and set the stage for his future success, including leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win just two years later.

3. DeShon Elliott (S, Baltimore Ravens) – 2021 Season

DeShon Elliott’s 2021 season was a breakout year for the former Texas safety. In his third year in the NFL, Elliott established himself as one of the top young safeties in the league. Playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Elliott made significant contributions both in the passing game and in run support. He finished the season with 80 total tackles, two interceptions, and one sack. His playmaking ability helped anchor a Baltimore defense that finished 6th in the league in total defense.

Elliott’s hard-hitting, physical style of play was a perfect fit for the Ravens’ defense. He quickly became a fan favorite and was praised for his leadership and ability to make game-changing plays. Although he suffered a torn biceps injury later in the season that ended his campaign prematurely, Elliott’s 2021 performance was a testament to his potential as one of the best young safeties in the NFL.

4. Michael Griffin (S, Tennessee Titans) – 2008 Season

Michael Griffin had a remarkable career with the Tennessee Titans, and his 2008 season stands out as one of his best. Griffin was a key player on a Titans defense that helped lead the team to a 13-3 record, the best in the AFC that year. Griffin finished the season with 7 interceptions, which was tied for the most in the NFL. His ball-hawking skills helped the Titans lead the league in turnover differential that season.

Griffin’s 2008 season was a masterclass in safety play. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball was impressive, and he was also a strong tackler in run support. The Titans’ defense that year was one of the most formidable in the league, and Griffin’s play was a big reason why. While the Titans fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, Griffin’s individual performance solidified his place as one of the top safeties in the league.

5. Cedric Benson (RB, Chicago Bears) – 2006 Season

Cedric Benson, despite being overshadowed by some of the other running backs of his era, had an impactful career, with the 2006 season being one of his best. As a rookie with the Chicago Bears, Benson had a solid but unspectacular start to his career, rushing for 647 yards and 6 touchdowns. However, it was his 2006 season that saw him emerge as a major contributor to the Bears’ Super Bowl run.

Benson’s combination of speed and power helped him to become the team’s primary running back, and his 1,000-yard rushing season was pivotal in the Bears’ success. Despite being part of a committee at running back, Benson’s ability to grind out tough yards helped the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI, where they would eventually lose to the Indianapolis Colts. Nevertheless, Benson’s 2006 season solidified his place as one of the more important Longhorns in the NFL during the 2000s.

6. Jamaal Charles (RB, Kansas City Chiefs) – 2013 Season

Jamaal Charles was one of the most electrifying running backs in the NFL during his prime, and his 2013 season remains one of the best of his career. In 2013, Charles rushed for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiving threat, catching 70 passes for 693 yards and 7 touchdowns. His versatility as a dual-threat back made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Charles’ ability to break big plays both on the ground and in the air earned him a spot on the All-Pro team that season, and he was a key factor in the Chiefs’ success that year. His performance helped lead the Chiefs to an 11-5 record, and his 19 total touchdowns were the most in the NFL. While injuries would later derail Charles’ career, his 2013 season remains one of the most memorable individual performances in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs.

7. Bert Emanuel (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – 2000 Season

Bert Emanuel is perhaps a lesser-known name in the NFL, but his 2000 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of his best. Emanuel caught 58 passes for 800 yards and 4 touchdowns, emerging as a consistent target for quarterback Brad Johnson. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch was an important part of the Buccaneers’ offense that season.

Although the Buccaneers did not make a deep playoff run in 2000, Emanuel’s performance was crucial to their success in a competitive NFC South division. His skillset helped provide stability to an offense that was still in the midst of its development under head coach Jon Gruden. Emanuel’s solid 2000 season remains a highlight of his career and a reminder of the strong offensive players Texas has sent to the NFL.

8. Quentin Jammer (CB, San Diego Chargers) – 2011 Season

Quentin Jammer had a long and consistent career in the NFL, and his 2011 season with the San Diego Chargers was one of his best. Jammer, a veteran cornerback, played an integral role on a Chargers defense that finished in the top 10 in both pass defense and total defense that year. He finished the season with 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 66 tackles.

Jammer’s ability to cover the opposing team’s best wide receivers was essential to the Chargers’ success in 2011. His veteran leadership and experience helped guide a talented secondary that kept the Chargers in playoff contention. Though the team did not make it to the postseason, Jammer’s performance that year was a reminder of his longevity and consistency as one of the top cornerbacks of the 2000s.

From Earl Campbell’s legendary rookie season to Patrick Mahomes’ historic 2018 campaign, the University of Texas has produced a diverse array of players who have made significant impacts in the NFL. Each of these players has had a memorable season that has contributed to their respective teams’ success, while also leaving a lasting legacy in the NFL. The Texas Longhorns’ contribution to the league continues to grow, and it is exciting to think about the next wave of Longhorns who will make their mark in the NFL in the years to come.