Heisman Winners In The NFL, An Early Season Update

The first three weeks of the NFL season have been dramatic and tumultuous, to say the least, for many of our Heisman Trophy winners in the league.

On one hand, we are ready to pitch a reality-show concept based on our trophy recipients’ workplace travails while navigating their high-pressure and very public jobs. On the other hand, that’s what the NFL is, the country’s most popular and highly rated reality and entertainment property. They beat us to the punch.

All of it is good fodder, though, including the drama-free yet positively positive start of NFL rookie and Heisman newbie Fernando Mendoza.

The first pick of the 2026 NFL draft, Mendoza has followed a preseason of good vibes and solid exhibition appearances by assuming the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 2 job behind long-time veteran Kirk Cousins.

The Raiders had always planned to ease Mendoza into the NFL behind a mentor like Cousins. Cousins has not only embraced the role, but is thriving as the starter, leading the struggling franchise to its first 3-0 start since 2021.

Whether Mendoza gets significant playing time this season will be tied to the fortunes of the Raiders. If things go sideways, he’ll get his chance. But all things being equal, all parties would be happy for Mendoza to chill in his supporting role for a while longer.

There is only one other Heisman winner on an undefeated team and that is — of course — first-year Minnesota Viking Kyler Murray, who else.

Murray won the QB job in August, but a concussion knocked him out of his Vikings’ debut. He returned in Week 3 and led Minnesota to a 23-16 win over Tampa Bay. He is not yet firing on all cylinders in purple, but hey, he’s unbeaten.

Murray’s win on Sunday sent former college teammate and fellow Heisman Fraternity member Baker Mayfield to a surprising 0-3 start. Mayfield’s final play in the loss to Minnesota resulted in a dislocated thumb and he will watch at least the next three games from the sidelines.

Mayfield, unfortunately, is not the only Heisman winner beset by injuries.

Jayden Daniels, looking to shake off his 2025 sophomore slump with a 2026 junior rejuvenation (if we may coin a phrase), dislocated his left elbow against Dallas in Week 2 and missed Week 3. He may return to action Sunday.

In his place is Heisman-teammate Marcus Mariota, who turned in one of his best games in a long spell last week to lead the Commanders to a 33-31 win over Seattle for their first win of the season.

Mariota, the oldest active Heisman winner in the NFL, completed 19-of-31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, the first time he’d thrown that many TDs in a game since 2022 as a starter for Atlanta.

Caleb Williams led Chicago to 59 points in a Week 1 win at Carolina before pulling a hamstring in a Week 2 loss and sitting out Week 3. He could return as early as this weekend. Meanwhile, he’ll continue to support his teammates, as in this video.

Bryce Young was on the wrong side of the Bears’ scoring outburst in the season-opening loss to Chicago. Young rebounded by leading the Panthers to a Week 2 demolition of Atlanta before a loss in Week 3.

Still, the Panthers are tied for first in the NFC South and Young leads the NFL with 939 passing yards and is tied for fifth with seven passing TDs.

Veteran Heisman QBs Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are 11th and 12th, respectively, in passing yards, but both have their AFC North squads part of the four-way tie for first at 2-1.

Jackson, along with Heisman-winning running back teammate Derrick Henry, led the Ravens to a comeback win over Dallas on Sunday. Henry leads all NFL running backs with six rushing scores and is fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (301). Jackson is also 30th in rushing overall, first among QBs.

Burrow, looking to lead Cincinnati back to the postseason for the first time in four years, is sixth in the league in completion percentage and has thrown six TDs. He’s got a big date with Heisman finalist Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville on Sunday.

That game will also feature Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who snared his first NFL interception on Sunday in the Jags’ blowout win over New England. Hunter intercepted Drake Maye late in the second quarter deep in the end zone to help preserve the Jags’ two-score lead. Watch it here.

Finally, 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston has been thrust into the New York Giants starting quarterback role after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Winston led the Giants to a 12-7 win over Tennessee in a Week 3 start to move New York to 2-1.