UGA football: Best NFL careers by Georgia Bulldogs in Super Bowl era
. . Charles Johnson (DE). 6. player. 87.
Years at UGA: 2004-2006
Years in NFL: 2007-2017
Teams Played For: Carolina Panthers
Notable Accomplishments: All-Pro, 67.5 career sacks, 19 forced fumbles
Charles Johnson was part of some absolutely smothering defenses during his 11 seasons in Carolina, but even after coming out of Julius Peppers’ shadow, Johnson still never seemed to receive the accolades he deserved.
His 63.5 sack total during Johnson’s first nine NFL seasons is the second-most ever by a former Georgia player, and he had three different seasons where he eclipsed double-digit numbers in sacks.
Perhaps even more impressive was his ability to get to a ball-carrier quickly and strip the ball away, evidenced by his 19 career forced fumbles. Charles Johnson is an often overlooked NFL star, whose career was marked by consistency and unselfish play.
. Herschel Walker (RB). 5. player. 123. .
Years at UGA: 1980-1982
Years in NFL: 1986-1997
Teams Played For: Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, NY Giants
Notable Accomplishments: Two-time Pro Bowl, All-Pro
It’s hard to imagine a list that Herschel Walker appears on where he’s not at the top (or just below it). Had Walker not opted to spend the first part of his professional career in the USFL, there’s no telling how many NFL records he may have broken.
Despite losing three professional seasons in the upstart league, Walker still finished his career with 8,225 rushing yards, 61 rushing touchdowns, 4,859 receiving yards, and 21 receiving TDs. He is currently ranked 12th all-time in all-purpose yards in NFL history.
He’s also noted as being the main part of the trade which brought the draft picks to the Cowboys that helped them assemble their two Super Bowl championship teams in the 90s when he was sent to the Minnesota Vikings for a total of five players and six future draft picks.
47. . . . Richard Seymour (DT). 4. player
Years at UGA: 1997-2000
Years in NFL: 2001-2012
Teams Played For: New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders
Notable Accomplishments: Three-time Super Bowl champion, Seven-time Pro Bowl, Five-time All-Pro, NFL 2000s All-Decade team
While in the NFL, Richard Seymour set the standard for what a defensive tackle should be in the league. He was the anchor of some fearsome New England defenses and a human wrecking ball to offensive lines.
Seymour did it all during his career – sacking the quarterback, stripping the ball and forcing fumbles, even blocking field goal attempts. He was named to the Patriots All-2000s team as well as their 50th anniversary team. There were few better in the league than Seymour.