I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about legendary athletes, specifically about Herschel Walker who played in the NFL. I’m sure you’ve heard of this guy. I mean, who hasn’t? He’s an absolute legend.
Anyway, my friend asked me if Herschel Walker played in the NFL. At first, I was taken aback by the question. Of course he did! I mean, the guy was a running back in the 80’s and 90’s. It was kind of a weird question considering how famous he is.
But then, I started to think about it. You see, I remember being a kid just getting into football and watching Herschel play with the Falcons. He was so ferocious and powerful that the defense had no chance. It was like superhero gave his powers to Herschel for just one game.
That’s why I was so taken aback when my friend asked if Herschel Walker played in the NFL. It felt like I was being asked a crazy question. Even crazier still was the fact that I couldn’t recall how many teams Herschel played for even though I followed the league religiously.
So I decided to take a look at some of his stats. Would you believe it, the guy played for four different teams during his career! His first team was the Atlanta Falcons and then moved onto the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. He rounded off his career with a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
But no matter which team Herschel was playing with in the NFL, one thing always remained the same: Herschel was incredible. He led the league in rushing yards per game every season and also was the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.
It was honestly such an honor to witness his greatness. It’s not every day that you get to witness someone so talented in action. Especially at the kind of level that Herschel displayed it. It’s no wonder that he’s so beloved by fans around the world even today, decades after his retirement.
In addition to Herschel’s illustrious career in the NFL, he also had a successful career as a martial artist. He competed in professional fights and even trained with UFC legends such as Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture. To this day, Herschel remains one of the most famous and impressive athletes.
I’m not just saying that because my friend asked me about Herschel either. I truly believe that he was one of the greatest of all time. If not THE greatest. And as if that wasn’t enough, he was also a great person off the field too. That level of respect and admiration that he had is something that’s rarely seen in professional sports.
Now, I want to hear from you. What do you think about Herschel Walker? Do you think he deserves to be considered the greatest of all time?
Having talked about Herschel’s accomplishments in the NFL and his legacy, it would be a mistake to forget about his college career. After all, that’s where it all started for Herschel. At the University of Georgia, Herschel set college football on fire. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy award winner and was a part of the Bulldogs’ historic national championship run in 1980.
It wasn’t just the stats and awards that made Herschel great though. He was a leader. Both on and off the field. He was constantly encouraging his teammates to give their best and was always pushing the team to do better. He was the perfect example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Oh, and let’s not forget about his charitable work. Herschel pioneered the ‘give back’ attitude that’s so common today. He was a big believer in dedicating time to those in need, and he did so himself with loads of charitable work.
Herschel’s impact on the game of football and athletic careers is unparalleled. He constantly pushed the envelope and set the bar incredibly high. His career as a professional athlete and martial artist was exemplary. His humble beginnings, leadership qualities and commitment to helping those in need have all been inspirational to many.
To this day, I still hold Herschel in high regard and I’m sure many of you do too. After hearing what I have to say about this man, what are your thoughts? Do you consider Herschel Walker the greatest of all time? Let me know in the comments below!