It was a Heisman Trophy class that featured four NFL first round picks and three NFL Hall of Famers. It is also so controversial fans still argue about it to this day, 26-years later.
ESPN’s award-winning documentary series will bring its original brand of storytelling to the race for the 1997 Heisman Trophy. That year, Charles Woodson of Michigan became the first primarily defensive player to win the award. To do so, Woodson had to overcome Peyton Manning. Randy Moss and Ryan Leaf were also 1997 Heisman finalists.
After his junior season, Manning could have left Tennessee and most-likely have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. But Manning had unfinished business in Knoxville. He returned for his senior year as the Heisman front-runner and didn’t disappoint, winning the SEC title and throwing for 3,819 yards and 36 TDs.
Woodson became a human highlight reel, dominating at CB, electrifying on special teams and offense. Tennessee fans still refer to the Heisman as the “Heistman” after Woodson edged Manning for the trophy.
