Football History

Tobin Bo Gunnar Gerhart was born on March 28, 1987, in Norco, California. A powerful and determined running back, Gerhart carved out a notable career in both college and the National Football League (NFL), leaving a lasting mark through his physicality and record-breaking performances, particularly during his time at Stanford University.  

Toby Gerhart rushing vs Redskins (cropped) courtesy of DB King via Wikimedia Commons.

College Career

Gerhart's prowess on the gridiron was evident early in his career at Norco High School, where he set a California state record with an astounding 9,662 career rushing yards. This exceptional high school production garnered significant interest from top collegiate programs, and he ultimately chose to attend Stanford University. Playing for the Cardinal from 2006 to 2009, Gerhart's college career was marked by increasing production and culminated in a spectacular senior season. After a freshman year as a backup and a sophomore season cut short by injury, Gerhart had a breakout year in 2008, setting a then-Stanford single-season rushing record with 1,136 yards and 15 touchdowns. His senior campaign in 2009 was truly exceptional. Gerhart led the nation in rushing yards (1,871), rushing touchdowns (28), total touchdowns (28), and points scored (172). He broke his own single-season rushing record and set numerous Pac-10 and Stanford records, including career touchdowns (44) and single-season rushing touchdowns (28). His remarkable season earned him unanimous All-American honors, the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back, and a runner-up finish in the closest Heisman Trophy race in history.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite also being a talented baseball outfielder at Stanford, Gerhart opted to pursue a career in the NFL. He declared for the 2010 NFL Draft, forgoing his potential additional year of college eligibility. His impressive college resume and physical running style made him an attractive prospect, and he was selected in the second round (51st overall) by the Minnesota Vikings.  

Football Legacy

Toby Gerhart's football legacy is primarily defined by his dominant senior season at Stanford, a year that etched his name into the annals of college football history. His combination of power, vision, and relentless running made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. While his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings (2010-2013) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-2015) saw him primarily in a backup role, he proved to be a reliable and hard-nosed runner when called upon. However, it is his collegiate achievements that stand out. Gerhart's record-breaking performances and numerous individual awards solidified his place as one of the greatest running backs in Stanford's history and a memorable figure in the Pac-10 Conference. His 2009 Heisman Trophy candidacy, though ultimately unsuccessful, remains a testament to his outstanding season and the impact he had on the college football landscape. His recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024 further cements his enduring legacy.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-Unanimous First-team All-American (2009)  

-Doak Walker Award (2009)  

-Archie Griffin Award (2009)  

-Jim Brown Trophy (2009)  

-Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (2009)  

-First-team All-Pac-10 (2009)

-Second-team All-Pac-10 (2008)  

-First-team Pac-10 All-Academic Team (2009)

-Second-team Pac-10 All-Academic Team (2008)

-Pac-12 Records: Most rushing touchdowns in a season (28), most total touchdowns in a season (28), most points scored in a season (172) (all in 2009)  

-Stanford Records: Most career touchdowns (44), most career rushing touchdowns (44), most career 100-yard rushing games (20), most single-season rushing yards (1,871), most single-season rushing touchdowns (28), most single-season total touchdowns (28), most single-season points scored (172), most single-season 100-yard rushing games (11), most single-season 200-yard rushing games (3 - tied)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)  

Professional:

NFL Career Stats: 397 rushing attempts, 1,675 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 7 rushing touchdowns; 100 receptions, 809 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns.