7 Shocking Facts About Eddie George's Heisman Trophy Win And His New Life As An FBS Head Coach
The story of Eddie George's 1995 Heisman Trophy victory is one of the most dramatic mid-career turnarounds in college football history, culminating in one of Ohio State's most celebrated individual seasons. As of December 2025, the legend of the former Buckeyes running back is back in the spotlight, not just for his incredible on-field accomplishments, but for his surprising new role in the coaching ranks, proving his commitment to the sport is far from over.
George's legacy extends far beyond his iconic No. 27 jersey; he is a true Renaissance man who has conquered the NFL, Broadway, and the world of finance. This deep dive explores the pivotal season that earned him the most prestigious award in college sports and chronicles his latest, most challenging professional endeavor as a head coach.
The Complete Profile: Eddie George's Biography and Career Milestones
- Full Name: Edward Nathan George Jr.
- Born: September 24, 1973 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- College: Ohio State University (1992–1995)
- College Highlights: 1995 Heisman Trophy Winner, 1995 Maxwell Award, 1995 Walter Camp Award, 1995 Doak Walker Award, Consensus All-American.
- Heisman Win: 1995 (Ohio State's 6th winner)
- NFL Draft: 1st Round, 14th Overall Pick (1996) by the Houston Oilers (later Tennessee Titans).
- NFL Career: 9 Seasons (Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys)
- NFL Accolades: 4x Pro Bowl (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000), 1x First-Team All-Pro (2000), 1996 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- Post-Playing Career: Actor (Broadway's *Chicago*), Restaurateur (Eddie George's Grille 27), Wealth Management Firm Owner, College Football Coach.
- Current Role (2025): Head Football Coach at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).
- Hall of Fame: College Football Hall of Fame (2011), Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominee (Class of 2025).
The Breakout 1995 Season: How George Conquered the Heisman Vote
Eddie George’s path to the Heisman Trophy was not a foregone conclusion; it was a story of perseverance and a legendary senior season. His first three years at Ohio State were marked by quiet production and a notable fumble against Illinois in 1993, which initially overshadowed his potential. However, the 1995 campaign saw George transform into a dominant force, single-handedly carrying the Buckeyes offense.
He finished the season with 1,927 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the nation in scoring. George’s signature performance came against Illinois, where he rushed for a then-program-record 314 yards, symbolically erasing the memory of his earlier mistake and cementing his place in Ohio State lore.
The 1995 Heisman Voting Showdown
The 1995 Heisman race was closely watched, pitting George against some of the era's most dynamic college players. George ultimately secured the award, becoming the sixth Ohio State Buckeye to win the trophy, joining the ranks of legends like Archie Griffin, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Howard Cassady.
The final voting results showcased a strong field of competitors, but George’s overall production proved undeniable:
- Winner: Eddie George (Ohio State RB)
- Runner-Up: Tommie Frazier (Nebraska QB)
- Third Place: Danny Wuerffel (Florida QB)
- Fourth Place: Darnell Autry (Northwestern RB)
His victory was a triumph for the traditional running back, a position that has historically dominated the award, especially against the elite quarterbacks like Frazier and Wuerffel, who would both go on to have successful college careers. George is also one of only two Heisman winners to have received the Draddy Trophy, an award recognizing academic success, community service, and on-field performance.
From NFL All-Pro to FBS Head Coach: George's Evolving Legacy
Following his Heisman win, George translated his college success directly to the NFL. Drafted by the Houston Oilers (who soon became the Tennessee Titans), he immediately became one of the league's most durable and productive backs. He was named the 1996 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and went on to make four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1997 to 2000.
George holds virtually every career rushing record for the Titans franchise, amassing over 10,000 career rushing yards. His nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is a testament to his sustained excellence at the professional level.
The Surprising Second Act: Coaching and Entrepreneurship
Unlike many former athletes, George has cultivated a multi-faceted career off the field, becoming a true "Renaissance Man." His ventures include:
- Acting Career: George has transitioned to the stage, notably starring in the Broadway production of *Chicago*.
- Business Ventures: He is a successful restaurateur, owning the popular "Eddie George's Grille 27" in Columbus, Ohio. He also runs a wealth management business and a landscape architect and development firm.
The New Challenge: Head Coach at Bowling Green
The most recent and perhaps most compelling chapter of George's story began with his transition into coaching. After a successful tenure as the head coach at Tennessee State University from 2021 to 2024, George made the leap to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
In his first season as the Head Coach for the Bowling Green State University Falcons, George is tasked with rebuilding the program and injecting his championship-level pedigree into the Mid-American Conference (MAC). This move is a major signal of his commitment to the sport and his desire to mentor the next generation of football stars.
His coaching journey is already a unique one; he is one of the few Heisman winners to transition into a head coaching role at the FBS level, bringing a unique perspective as both a former player and an entrepreneur. This new challenge solidifies George’s legacy as one of the most versatile and driven figures in modern football history, consistently seeking out new peaks to conquer, decades after his famous Heisman season.
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