Mike Rozier
Mike Rozier (born March 1, 1961) is a former American football running back who achieved national prominence as a college player at the University of Nebraska, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1983 after rushing for 2,148 yards and 29 touchdowns in his senior season.[1][2] He later played professionally in the USFL and NFL, amassing 6,615 rushing yards in his pro career while earning accolades as one of the most dynamic runners of his era.[3][1][4] Born in Camden, New Jersey, Rozier attended Woodrow Wilson High School before spending his freshman year at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he rushed for 1,157 yards on 157 carries, helping lead the team to a 9-0 record.[5] Transferring to Nebraska for his sophomore through senior seasons (1981–1983), he transformed into a star, totaling 4,780 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns over his college career, with a career average of 7.2 yards per carry.[6][7] In 1983, Rozier became the second player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, leading the nation with 179.0 yards per game and powering Nebraska to a 12-1 record.[6] His exceptional senior year earned him not only the Heisman but also the Maxwell Award as the nation's top player and the Walter Camp Player of the Year honor.[2] Rozier's professional career began in the USFL, where he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Maulers in 1984 and played the following spring season with the Jacksonville Bulls in 1985.[2] He then joined the NFL with the Houston Oilers in 1985 (after being selected in the supplemental draft), spending six seasons there from 1985 to 1990 (partial) and rushing for 3,462 yards and 27 touchdowns with the Oilers.[1][7] Rozier finished his NFL tenure with the Atlanta Falcons from late 1990 to 1991, retiring after nine professional seasons with career totals of 6,615 rushing yards, 45 touchdowns, and a 3.9 yards-per-carry average.[2][3][1][4] For his contributions to the sport, Rozier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, as well as the Camden County Sports Hall of Fame and New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.[2][7][8]Early Life and Education
Childhood in Camden
Mike Rozier was born on March 1, 1961, in Camden, New Jersey.[9] He grew up in a working-class family in one of Camden's tough urban neighborhoods, which he later described as a "ghetto" environment that shaped his resilience.[10] As the second youngest of six brothers, Rozier was raised on South 27th Street, where he and his siblings spent much of their time playing games outdoors in the street.[11][12] From an early age, Rozier showed a natural affinity for athletics, participating in little league football and other youth sports programs in Camden.[10] Known for his small but speedy and sturdy build, he honed his skills as a sprinter and running back in these local activities.[9][11] This early involvement laid the groundwork for his athletic development, leading him to enroll at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden for his secondary education.[9]High School Football Career
Mike Rozier played football as a wishbone fullback for the Woodrow Wilson High School Mighty Tigers in Camden, New Jersey, during the late 1970s.[13] Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and known for his speed and sturdiness despite his size, he emerged as a standout running back, drawing attention for his explosive plays in a challenging urban environment that fueled his determination.[9] Rozier shattered numerous school records during his tenure, establishing himself as one of South Jersey's premier prospects with a career total of 4,167 rushing yards.[9][14] One of his most memorable performances came in the 1979 Thanksgiving Day rivalry game against crosstown rival Camden High School, where he helped keep Woodrow Wilson competitive until the contest was infamously suspended in the third quarter due to a gang-related shooting, with Camden leading 14-6.[15] His efforts contributed to the team's competitive seasons, showcasing the raw talent that would later propel him to national acclaim. Despite his on-field dominance, Rozier faced limited recruitment interest upon graduating in 1980, largely due to subpar academic grades that deterred major programs.[2] The University of Nebraska extended his best scholarship offer after an assistant coach spotted him during a game against Pennsauken High School, but Rozier opted instead to enroll at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas to bolster his academics and eligibility.[9][2] In recognition of his high school legacy, Woodrow Wilson High School renamed its football stadium Mike Rozier Field, honoring the Camden native's foundational impact on the program.[16][17]College Career
Junior College at Coffeyville
Following his standout high school career in New Jersey, where his speed and elusiveness as a running back drew interest from junior college programs, Mike Rozier enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas for the 1980 season.[18] As a freshman running back for the Coffeyville Red Ravens, Rozier adapted swiftly to the physical and fast-paced junior college competition, emerging as a central figure in the team's revitalized ground game under coach Dick Foster.[19] His explosive style complemented a balanced offense, allowing him to exploit defenses effectively in the Jayhawk Conference.[19] Rozier's on-field impact was immediate and dominant; he rushed for 1,157 yards over nine games, powering the Red Ravens to an undefeated 9-0 regular season record and a No. 2 national ranking in the NJCAA poll.[18][19] Notable performances included 176 yards on 28 carries against Fort Scott Community College and a career-high 295 yards on 32 carries in a 63-21 rout of Dodge City Community College, which clinched the conference title.[19] The season culminated in a hard-fought 7-6 victory over Arizona Western College in the Beef Empire Bowl, where Rozier played a key role in the game-winning drive despite the low-scoring affair.[19] His contributions earned him First Team All-American recognition from both J.C. Gridwire and the NJCAA.[19] Buoyed by his academic progress—maintaining a 2.5 GPA—and on-field success, Rozier decided to transfer to the University of Nebraska after the season to pursue Division I football.[18]University of Nebraska Seasons
Rozier transferred to the University of Nebraska in 1981 following a standout performance at Coffeyville Junior College, which prepared him for the physical demands of Big Eight Conference competition. Head coach Tom Osborne recruited him specifically for the Huskers' wishbone offense, a run-oriented scheme emphasizing option plays and multiple backs, where Rozier slotted in as the I-back alongside incumbent Roger Craig.[20][21] In his sophomore season of 1981, Rozier shared the backfield workload but quickly demonstrated his potential, rushing for 943 yards while adapting to the nuances of Osborne's system. He burst onto the national scene with explosive runs, including a 93-yard touchdown against Kansas State that highlighted his speed and vision.[22] Rozier's junior year in 1982 marked his emergence as the primary tailback, as he rushed for a then-school-record 1,689 yards and earned consensus All-American honors for his contributions to Nebraska's 12-1 campaign. Taking full command of the I-back role, he showcased improved burst and power, helping the Huskers maintain their offensive dominance through the wishbone's triple-option framework.[6] During his senior season in 1983, Rozier elevated his game to historic levels, rushing for 2,148 yards—the second-highest single-season total in NCAA history at the time and only the second instance of a player surpassing 2,000 yards. His performance powered Nebraska's high-octane wishbone attack under Osborne, fueling a 12-1 record and the team's contention for the national championship as the top-ranked squad entering the Orange Bowl. Rozier capped the year as a unanimous All-American, solidifying his growth into one of college football's premier rushers.[23][24]College Statistics and Awards
Mike Rozier's college rushing statistics highlight his explosive productivity, particularly during his three seasons at the University of Nebraska from 1981 to 1983, where he totaled 4,780 yards on 668 carries for an average of 7.2 yards per carry and 49 rushing touchdowns.[24] Including his junior college performance at Coffeyville Community College in 1980, Rozier gained 1,157 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on approximately 156 carries averaging 7.4 yards per carry over nine games.[18] He also contributed modestly as a receiver at Nebraska, catching 20 passes for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns across his career there.[25] The table below provides a year-by-year breakdown of Rozier's primary rushing statistics, with receiving and total touchdowns noted where applicable:| Year | School | Games | Rush Att | Rush Yds | YPC | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD | Total TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Coffeyville | 9 | 156 | 1,157 | 7.4 | 10 | — | — | — | 10 |
| 1981 | Nebraska | 11 | 151 | 943 | 6.2 | 5 | 4 | 64 | 0 | 5 |
| 1982 | Nebraska | 12 | 242 | 1,689 | 7.0 | 15 | 6 | 46 | 2 | 17 |
| 1983 | Nebraska | 12 | 275 | 2,148 | 7.8 | 29 | 10 | 106 | 0 | 29 |
| Nebraska Career | 35 | 668 | 4,780 | 7.2 | 49 | 20 | 216 | 2 | 51 |