The Comeback Kid

Born on January 19, 1957, in West Palm Beach, Florida, Ottis "O.J." Anderson emerged as a powerful force in football, leaving an indelible mark at both the collegiate and professional levels.

✦ College Career

Anderson was a standout at the University of Miami (FL), where he established himself as the premier running back in school history during his tenure from 1975 to 1978. He shattered numerous rushing records, becoming the first Hurricanes player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season (1,266 yards in 1978). By the time he graduated, he held school records for career rushing yards (3,331), all-purpose yards (4,265), and most 100-yard games (13). His dominant senior season earned him First-Team All-American honors from The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association. He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Anderson's collegiate prowess made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1979 NFL Draft. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals as the 8th overall pick in the first round. He made an immediate impact, rushing for an impressive 1,605 yards in his rookie season, which was the second-highest total in the NFL that year. This outstanding debut earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He continued his strong performance with the Cardinals, recording five 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first six years.

✦ Football Legacy

Anderson's football legacy is defined by his impressive longevity, consistent production, and remarkable ability to reinvent his game later in his career. After a trade to the New York Giants in 1986, his role evolved. While his early career with the Cardinals showcased him as a primary workhorse back, his time with the Giants saw him transition into a crucial component of their "ball control" offense, especially during their Super Bowl runs. He became an iconic figure for the Giants, demonstrating resilience and veteran leadership.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ 2x Super Bowl Champion: Super Bowl XXI, Super Bowl XXV

✦ Super Bowl XXV MVP (1991)

✦ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: 1979

✦ NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 1989

✦ 2x Pro Bowl Selection: 1979, 1980

✦ First-Team All-Pro: 1979

✦ Second-Team All-Pro: 1980

✦ PFWA All-Rookie Team: 1979

✦ New York Giants Ring of Honor

✦ University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame: 1990 Inductee

✦ Career NFL Rushing Yards: 10,273 (81 rushing touchdowns)

✦ Career NFL Receptions: 376 (3,062 receiving yards, 5 receiving touchdowns)

✦ Played 182 career NFL games (starting 125 of them) over 14 seasons.