Immortalizing college football legends with statues seems like a no-brainer when you consider the game's rich history and the players who defined it. Yet, for some of the sport's most iconic figures, that honor remains elusive. While schools like Texas, Florida, and Auburn have made a tradition out of celebrating Heisman Trophy winners in bronze, others focus solely on national championship-winning coaches, leaving some of their greatest players without the tribute many fans believe they deserve.
Let's dive into the stories of ten legends whose alma maters should seriously consider crafting some bronze in their likeness:
Hugh Green | LB | Pittsburgh
One of the all-time greats, Hugh Green left an indelible mark at Pitt. His accolades are numerous: a two-time unanimous first-team All-American and the first defensive end to scoop both the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards.
Despite some recognition in the form of a plaque near a panther statue at Pitt, fans aren't shy about saying Green deserves a full statue at Acrisure Stadium. After all, his four-year reign of dominance at Pitt is the stuff of legend.
Johnny Manziel | QB | Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel, or "Johnny Football," was nothing short of electric during his time at Texas A&M. Known for his record-breaking performances, including a jaw-dropping 5,116 yards of total offense as a redshirt freshman, Manziel's dual-threat capability redefined what a quarterback could achieve. Discussions about a statue outside Kyle Field have been ongoing, but as of yet, no bronze tribute stands there to commemorate his impact.
Deion Sanders | CB | Florida State
When you think of legendary Florida State players, Deion Sanders is at the top of the list. "Prime Time" was a spectacle on the field, becoming a two-time consensus All-American and a Jim Thorpe Award winner.
His career at FSU was nothing short of dazzling, and a statue outside Doak S. Campbell Stadium seems like a fitting tribute to one of football's most colorful personas.
Tommie Frazier | QB | Nebraska
While Memorial Stadium is already home to the famed Husker Legacy statue, Nebraska fans know another figure deserves to be immortalized in bronze — Tommie Frazier. A beacon of Nebraska's historic dominance in the mid-'90s, Frazier led the Huskers to two national titles and delivered one of the most celebrated plays in college football history. If anyone deserves a solo tribute, it's him.
Joe Montana | QB | Notre Dame
Notre Dame is no stranger to statues, especially for their championship-winning coaches. However, the absence of a tribute to Joe Montana is notable. Known as the Comeback Kid, Montana's heroics in the 1977 season, culminating in a decisive Cotton Bowl victory that lifted Notre Dame to a national championship, surely merit a statue at one of college football's most storied programs.
Jack Ham | LB | Penn State
Following the removal of Joe Paterno's statue, Penn State hasn't been quick to put up another. Yet, there's little doubt that a likeness of Jack Ham would be a hit among Nittany Lions fans. Representing the fierce and tenacious spirit of Penn State football in the late '60s, Ham's contributions helped forge the school's identity during a golden era.
Adrian Peterson | RB | Oklahoma
The Sooners have honored the Salmon brothers with statues, but Adrian Peterson is another name that should be celebrated. His landmark freshman season, where he rushed for 1,925 yards and came tantalizingly close to a Heisman win, solidified his legacy at Oklahoma. A Peterson statue would be a fitting homage to one of the finest backs in college football history.
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Joe Burrow's 2019 season with the LSU Tigers wasn't just impressive—it was historic. Leading LSU to a 15-0 record and a national championship, Burrow's statistical achievements, including 60 touchdown passes, are awe-inspiring. With these feats, it's only a matter of when, not if, a statue is erected outside Death Valley.
Peyton Manning | QB | Tennessee
Tennessee volunteers have several statues, yet Peyton Manning—their golden boy—remains without a monument. Manning's decision to return for his senior year, a move that proved pivotal, shows the depth of his commitment to Tennessee football. His unmatched record-setting career leaves no doubt that he deserves a statue at his alma mater.
Vince Young | QB | Texas
Already home to monuments of stars like Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, Texas hasn't honored a player who arguably changed their history more than anyone—Vince Young. Leading the Longhorns to a national championship with an unforgettable performance against USC in the Rose Bowl, Young's contribution to the program is etched into the hearts of fans. A statue of Young would celebrate a legacy defined by one of the game's most spectacular individual efforts.
Derrick Thomas | LB | Alabama
Alabama loves its statues honoring winning coaches, but when it comes to players, Derrick Thomas stands out as one who deserves such recognition. Known for his ferocious play and record-setting sack numbers, Thomas left a legacy at Alabama that's still recognized today. His impact off the field was just as significant, making him a perfect candidate for honoring with a statue.
Charles Woodson | CB | Michigan
Michigan's Memorial Eagle is a known landmark, but adding Charles Woodson's statue would tell the tale of a player who did the unthinkable—winning the Heisman as a defensive player. Woodson's 1997 season was a tour-de-force performance, and his unique contributions on both sides of the ball and as a punt returner helped Michigan capture a national title. A tribute to Woodson would encapsulate a legendary era in Michigan football.
Archie Griffin | RB | Ohio State
With seven Heisman Trophy winners, you'd expect Ohio State to have a few statues celebrating these achievements. But none of these winners, including Archie Griffin, stand outside The Shoe.
As the game's only two-time Heisman winner, Griffin holds a unique place in college football lore. A statue at Ohio State would honor his storied collegiate career and further solidify his standing as one of the game's all-time greats.
In the world of college football, these legends have left legacies that might yet find their expression in bronze—there for generations of fans to admire and remember.
