Andre Ware shattered NCAA passing records and redefined the quarterback position during his historic run with the Houston Cougars.
Football Bio
July 31, 1968 – Galveston, Texas – 1989 Heisman Trophy-winning University of Houston quarterback and number one overall NFL draft pick Andre Ware was born, per footballfoundation.org.
Ware was a quarterback from 1987 to the 1989 season at the University of Houston, and was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
The Detroit Lions drafted Mr. Ware as the number one pick in the 1990 draft.
The standout signal-caller set NCAA records with 4,699 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 1989.
He averaged 427 passing yards per game as he guided Houston to a 9-2 record in three years, during which he threw for 8,202 yards and 75 TDs.
According to the NFL’s bio, Andre Ware won the Heisman Trophy in 1989, and his pro career lasted four seasons split between the NFL and the CFL. Great player there too.
Although the provided article states Ware went first overall in the draft, the Detroit Lions actually selected him with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Regardless of his draft position, Ware cemented his legacy as a true trailblazer, becoming the first Black quarterback to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He transitioned his college success into a multifaceted professional career and continues to influence the game today as an esteemed football broadcaster.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: 1989 (The first Black quarterback to win the award).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2004.
- NFL Draft Pick: Selected 7th overall in the 1st round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
- Davey O’Brien Award Winner: 1989.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1989.
- Record-Setting Season: Set 26 NCAA passing and total offense records in 1989, including 4,699 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns.
- Grey Cup Champion: 1997 with the Toronto Argonauts.
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2012.
- Retired Number: The Houston Cougars officially retired his No. 11 jersey.
