Mike Garrett Southern Cal Heisman Winner

Relive the glory of "Iron Mike" Garrett, USC's explosive halfback and 1965 Heisman Trophy winner! Born on EventDay: April 12, his electrifying runs and versatility set college records. Discover how this #20 Trojan legend transitioned to the NFL, playing for the Chiefs and Chargers, wearing #20, #21, and #25.

Mike Garrett, a College Football Hall of Famer, dominated NCAAF wearing #20 for the USC Trojans, earning the coveted Heisman in 1965. His remarkable college career paved the way to the NFL, where he showcased his talents with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers. Explore the legacy of this EventDay: April 12 icon.

Mike Garrett left an indelible mark on football, from his record-breaking performances at Southern Cal to his professional career with the Chiefs and Chargers. A Heisman winner and College Football Hall of Famer, his impact on the game continues to resonate. Celebrate his achievements on EventDay: April 12.

April 12, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, marked the arrival of Michael "Mike" Lynn Garrett, a dynamic halfback who would leave an indelible mark on both the college and professional football landscapes. His explosive speed and versatility made him a standout player throughout his career.

✦ College Career

Garrett's collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1963 to 1965 was spectacular. Serving as the Trojans' primary ball carrier, he consistently ranked among the nation's top ten rushers in each of his three seasons. His remarkable talent culminated in breaking Ollie Matson's 15-year-old national career rushing record, amassing a total of 3,221 yards. Garrett also displayed a nose for the end zone, scoring 30 rushing touchdowns. Beyond his ground prowess, he was a multifaceted threat, catching 36 passes, returning 43 punts (including electrifying 87 and 74-yard touchdowns against Cal in 1965), returning 30 kickoffs with an impressive 23-yard average, and even throwing six passes. His exceptional open-field abilities earned him the moniker "Iron Mike" and made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Garrett's stellar college performance naturally paved the way to the professional ranks. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and embarked on an eight-year NFL career, playing for both the Chiefs (1966-1970) and the San Diego Chargers (1971-1973). His success at the collegiate level translated to the pros, where he continued to showcase his dynamic running style and earned All-Pro honors as a halfback.

✦ Football Legacy

Mike Garrett's legacy is firmly etched in football history. His record-breaking rushing career at USC established him as one of the all-time great college running backs. His versatility as a receiver and return specialist further highlighted his exceptional athleticism. He was a key contributor to USC's success during his tenure and his individual accolades stand as a testament to his dominance. His transition to the professional level and subsequent All-Pro recognition underscore his ability to excel against the highest competition. Garrett's impact on the game is celebrated through his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.  

✦ Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

✦ Heisman Trophy (1965)

✦ Walter Camp Memorial Trophy (1965)

✦ Pop Warner Award (1965)

✦ Unanimous All-American (1965)

✦ Two-time All-American (1964, 1965)  

✦ Helms Foundation North American Athlete of the Year

✦ YMCA Athlete of the Year

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

✦ College Career Rushing Record (3,221 yards)

✦ 30 Career Rushing Touchdowns (College)

✦ 36 Career Receptions (College)

✦ 43 Career Punt Returns (College)

✦ 30 Career Kickoff Returns (College), 23-yard average

✦ All-Pro Halfback (NFL)

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.