Garrison Hearst, a dynamic running back, made a lasting impression in the National Football League (NFL) with his powerful running style and remarkable agility. Born on January 4, 1971, in Lincolnton, Georgia, Hearst's journey to professional football began at the University of Georgia, where he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. During his time at Georgia, Hearst demonstrated exceptional talent, culminating in a standout junior season in 1992, where he rushed for 1,547 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top college running back, and he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Hearst with the third overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. His rookie season showed promise, as he rushed for 592 yards and three touchdowns. However, his early years in the NFL were marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness. Despite these setbacks, Hearst continued to persevere, and by the 1995 season, he had become the Cardinals' primary running back, rushing for 1,070 yards and earning a Pro Bowl alternate selection.
In 1996, Hearst signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played for one season. Although his time with the Bengals was brief, he managed to rush for 847 yards and one touchdown. The following year, Hearst joined the San Francisco 49ers, a move that would lead to some of the most productive years of his career.
Hearst's tenure with the 49ers began in 1997, and he quickly became an integral part of the team's offense. That season, he rushed for 1,019 yards and four touchdowns, helping the 49ers reach the playoffs. The 1998 season proved to be a career-defining year for Hearst. He rushed for a franchise-record 1,570 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. His performance was instrumental in leading the 49ers to a 12-4 record and a playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers, where Hearst's 96-yard touchdown run in overtime became one of the most memorable plays in NFL history.
Unfortunately, Hearst's career faced a major setback in the 1998 playoffs when he suffered a severe ankle injury. The injury was so debilitating that it sidelined him for the entire 1999 and 2000 seasons. Many doubted whether he would ever return to his previous form, but Hearst defied the odds by making a remarkable comeback in 2001. He rushed for 1,206 yards and four touchdowns, earning his second NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and helping the 49ers return to the playoffs.
Hearst continued to play for the 49ers through the 2003 season, providing veteran leadership and contributing both on and off the field. In 2004, he signed with the Denver Broncos, where he played his final NFL season. Although his time with the Broncos was limited, Hearst's career left a lasting legacy of perseverance and excellence.
Throughout his NFL career, Hearst rushed for a total of 7,966 yards and 30 touchdowns.
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