By Darin 
Born on November 18, 1969, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Raghib “The Rocket” Ismail burst onto the national scene at Notre Dame, instantly becoming one of college football’s most dynamic and feared players. His blinding speed and versatility—excelling as both a wide receiver and a kick returner—led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated national championship in 1988. Unlike many college superstars, The Rocket opted for a path less traveled, choosing the CFL after being drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys, only to return later and forge a successful career in the NFL. From Heisman runner-up to Grey Cup champion and eventual NFL 1,000-yard receiver, Ismail’s career trajectory remains one of the most unique and exciting in the history of the sport.
Rocketing to the Top
The very shifty wide receiver/ kick returner of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Raghib Ismail graced the green grass of Notre Dame Stadium from 1988 through the 1990 seasons, according to footballfoundation.org. Rocket Ismail led the Irish to an undefeated national championship season in 1988, capped by a victory over West Virginia in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl.
The speedster was a two-time First Team All-American and earned consensus honors in 1989 as a kick returner. Rocket also earned unanimous All-American honors in 1990 at the positions of wide receiver and as a return man. The nationally acclaimed player was the 1990 Walter Camp Player of the Year, was named The Sporting News’ College Player of the Year, and finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy! No doubt that Raghib had to go shopping for a bigger trophy case!
The National Football Foundation voted Raghib Ismail into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2019. After college, Ismail was selected as the first overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, but chose to play north of the border instead. The LA Raiders also put in a pick for him later to secure his rights in case he changed his mind about the NFL. The Rocket played in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts for two seasons after college and was a member of the 1991 Grey Cup Championship team. In the Canadian League, he accumulated 1951 receiving yards, 1925 KO return yards, and 1216 punt return yards, while scoring 21 touchdowns.
He eventually played in the NFL with the Raiders, and as a rookie, Ismail recorded 353 receiving yards. The following year, he recorded 513 receiving yards and five touchdowns. In 1995, his first season back in Oakland, he recorded 491 receiving yards. He eventually was traded to the Carolina Panthers.
Conclusion
Raghib Ismail’s career is a testament to extraordinary talent and an unconventional journey. He leveraged his unparalleled speed to become a two-time unanimous All-American at Notre Dame, where he helped secure a national title and earned the distinction of Heisman runner-up. His decision to dominate the CFL and win a Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts only broadened his legend before he brought his explosive playmaking to the NFL. While his early NFL years with the Raiders were promising, he peaked as a productive wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, solidifying his legacy as a dual-threat icon who excelled in every league he played in, culminating in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
List of Accolades and Football Accomplishments
College Career (Notre Dame)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2019).
- Heisman Trophy Runner-Up (1990).
- Walter Camp Player of the Year (1990).
- The Sporting News College Player of the Year (1990).
- National Champion (1988): Member of the undefeated Notre Dame team that won the Fiesta Bowl.
- 2x First-team All-American:
- Unanimous All-American (1990) as a Wide Receiver and Return Man.
- Consensus All-American (1989) as a Kick Returner.
Professional Career (CFL & NFL)
- CFL Grey Cup Champion (1991): Won championship with the Toronto Argonauts.
- CFL Statistical Accomplishments (Toronto Argonauts): Accumulated 1,951 receiving yards, 1,925 kickoff return yards, and 1,216 punt return yards, scoring 21 total touchdowns in the CFL.
- NFL Production: Played for the Raiders (1993-1995), Carolina Panthers (1996-1998), and Dallas Cowboys (1999-2001).
- NFL 1,000-Yard Season (1999): Posted a career-high 1,097 receiving yards with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Draft Status: Selected 1st overall in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys (opted for CFL), and later taken by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1991 NFL Supplemental Draft.