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Mike Rozier

Running Back

Inducted 2006

Date of Birth

3/1/1961

Birthplace

Camden, NJ

School

University of Nebraska (1981-1983)

Bio

After spending a season in junior college, Mike Rozier entered the University of Nebraska. In his 1981 sophomore season, he shared time with Roger Craig as the team's featured back. Despite his less than full-time status, Rozier rushed for 943 yards. The following year he became a consensus All-America as he ran for 1,689 yards, 15 touchdowns and a 7.0 yard per-carry-average. He placed tenth in the Heisman voting. As a senior, Rozier was part of a team that averaged over 50 points per game. Mike's contributions included a nation leading 2,148 yards, while also topping the country with 2,486 all-purpose yards and a 7.8 yards-per-carry average. He also scored 29 touchdowns and had 11 games where he exceeded the 100-yard mark in rushing. Rozier got better as the season progressed. In the final four regular season games he gained 929 yards including 285 yards against Kansas. In the Orange Bowl he suffered an ankle injury that severely hampered the Nebraska comeback attempt that fell short by one point to Miami. His overall play was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy and a unanimous All-America selection. Over his career he gained 4,780 yards, scored 49 touchdowns, and gained 7.2 yards per rushing attempt. As a professional he signed with Pittsburgh of the USFL. After two years he moved to the NFL with Houston. He played nine seasons with the Oilers and Atlanta Falcons until a chronic foot injury ended his career.