The Heisman Legend's Second Act: 7 Unforgettable Milestones Of George Rogers' Football Career And Current Life
George Rogers is far more than just a Heisman Trophy winner; he is a foundational figure in college and professional football history whose legacy continues to grow through philanthropy. As of late December 2025, the legendary running back, who redefined the ground game for the University of South Carolina and the New Orleans Saints, remains deeply connected to the sport and his community, primarily through his active George Rogers Foundation of the Carolinas, which focuses on providing crucial scholarships to first-generation college students.
The story of George Rogers is a compelling narrative of athletic dominance, from his humble beginnings in Georgia to becoming the first overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. His career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including a Super Bowl championship, and his post-football life is now dedicated to ensuring the next generation of students gets the same opportunities he did.
George Rogers: Complete Biography and Profile
George Washington Rogers Jr. is one of the most decorated running backs in the history of college and professional football. His career, though relatively brief in the NFL, was impactful, establishing records that stood for decades and culminating in a championship ring.
- Full Name: George Washington Rogers Jr.
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1958
- Age (as of late 2025): 67
- Birthplace: Duluth, Georgia, U.S.
- Wife: Brenda Rogers
- College: University of South Carolina (USC)
- College Highlights:
- 1980 Heisman Trophy Winner (South Carolina’s first)
- 1980 Unanimous All-American
- Two-time All-America (1979-1980)
- Led the nation in rushing in 1980 (1,781 yards)
- NFL Draft: 1st Round, 1st Overall Pick in the 1981 NFL Draft (New Orleans Saints)
- Professional Career:
- New Orleans Saints (1981–1984)
- Washington Redskins (1985–1987)
- Professional Highlights:
- Super Bowl XXII Champion (Washington Redskins, 1987 season)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
- NFL Rushing Leader (1981)
- Two-time Pro Bowl selection (1981, 1986)
- Post-Football Career: Founder of the George Rogers Foundation of the Carolinas, Inc.
The Ground-Breaking College Career at South Carolina
Rogers' time at the University of South Carolina (USC) under coach Jim Carlen is the stuff of legend. He arrived as the "prize catch" of the 1977 recruiting class and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the backfield.
His senior year in 1980 was a masterpiece of consistency and power. Rogers led the entire nation in rushing, accumulating a staggering 1,781 yards. Crucially, he topped the 100-yard mark in every single game that season, a feat of sustained excellence that captured the attention of voters nationwide.
This phenomenal performance earned him the 1980 Heisman Trophy, making him the first player from the South Carolina Gamecocks program to win the prestigious award. The achievement cemented his status as a permanent icon in Columbia, where a massive 13-foot statue of him now stands outside Williams-Brice Stadium.
The aura of the Heisman winner made him an undeniable choice for the New Orleans Saints, who selected him with the very first pick of the 1981 NFL Draft. He was the first Heisman winner to be drafted by and suit up for the Saints, ushering in a new era of excitement for the franchise.
From 'Aints' to Champions: Rogers' Transformative NFL Journey
George Rogers' seven-year professional career was a high-impact, high-mileage run that saw him transform the fortunes of two franchises.
The New Orleans Saints Era (1981–1984)
Rogers’ impact in New Orleans was immediate and historic. In his rookie campaign, he led the entire NFL in rushing with 1,674 yards. This total was, at the time, an all-time high for an NFL rookie, a record that solidified his selection as the 1981 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.
His presence helped the struggling franchise, often affectionately/derisively called the "Aints," become more competitive. He spent four seasons with the Saints, compiling over 4,200 rushing yards and earning a place in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.
Super Bowl Glory with the Washington Redskins (1985–1987)
Rogers was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1985, where he continued his Pro Bowl form and became a crucial part of a championship-caliber team.
His time in Washington culminated in a Super Bowl ring. Although his final season was cut short, he was a key contributor to the 1987 Redskins team that went on to defeat the Denver Broncos 42-10 in Super Bowl XXII. Rogers finished his seven-year NFL career with 7,176 rushing yards and 54 rushing touchdowns, securing his place as one of the most dominant backs of the 1980s.
The Latest: The George Rogers Foundation of the Carolinas (TERKINI)
The most current and enduring chapter of George Rogers’ life is his commitment to education and philanthropy. Rogers, a first-generation college student himself, founded the George Rogers Foundation of the Carolinas, Inc. (GRF) as a way of paying it forward.
The foundation's primary mission is to provide scholarships to other first-generation college students, helping them overcome financial barriers to higher education. This focus on academic opportunity is the cornerstone of his current work.
The foundation remains highly active in late 2025, serving as a hub for community engagement and fundraising.
- Annual Fundraising Events: The GRF hosts significant annual events, including a celebrity golf tournament and an auction, which are the main engines for raising scholarship funds.
- Community Presence: The foundation actively engages with the University of South Carolina community. For instance, they recently hosted a social event in Atlanta for the Gamecocks' first game of the season, showcasing Rogers' ongoing connection to his alma mater and its fans.
- Current Life in Columbia: Now in his late 60s, Rogers and his wife, Brenda, reside in Columbia, South Carolina, about 20 minutes from the stadium where his statue stands. This proximity allows him to maintain a constant, visible presence in the community he has done so much to serve, both on and off the field.
From the Heisman stage in New York to the Super Bowl field in San Diego, and now to the philanthropic efforts in the Carolinas, George Rogers' impact on football and education is undeniable. His legacy is a powerful reminder that true champions continue to serve long after the final whistle blows.
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