UGA football: Best NFL careers by Georgia Bulldogs in Super Bowl era
. . . Garrison Hearst (RB). 9. player. 42
Years at UGA: 1990-1992
Years in NFL: 1993-2004
Teams Played For: Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos
Notable Accomplishments: Two-Time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Two-Time Pro Bowl, All-Pro
Garrison Hearst was at times one of the most feared runners in the NFL, but continued injuries made his career spotty-looking, and his lifetime stats don’t match up with just how good he truly was.
He had some of his best seasons with the 49ers, where twice he was named as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1995 and 2001. A continually healthy Hearst probably would have finished among the top NFL running back of all time.
. . Charles Grant (DE). 8. player. 15.
Years at UGA: 1999-2001
Years in NFL: 2002-2010
Teams Played For: New Orleans Saints
Notable Accomplishments: 47 Career sacks, Super Bowl Champion
The New Orleans Saints picked Charles Grant with the 25th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft as part of the trade that sent running back Ricky Williams to Miami, and he was as productive as any defensive end in the league during his years in New Orleans.
He was a human wrecking machine, constantly playing on the opponent’s side of the line, racking up his 47 career sacks in just eight seasons. He was eventually suspended four games by the league for violation of the performance-enhancing drug policy. Following his eight seasons with the Saints, he was signed by both the Dolphins and Bears but didn’t play a snap with either team.
7. player. 57. . . . Tim Jennings (CB)
Years at UGA: 2002-2005
Years in NFL: 2006-2015
Teams Played For: Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notable Accomplishments: Two-time Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
Jennings was a second-round pick of the Colts in 2006 and after playing in Indianapolis for four seasons he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears. During his NFL career — particularly in Chicago — Jennings was one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the league.
Teaming Jennings up with Charles “Peanut” Tillman on the opposite side of the field, the Bears had perhaps the best pair of defensive backs in the league for several years.
Jennings led the NFL in interceptions in 2012 and had 20 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, 79 pass deflections, and three defensive touchdowns for his career.