The Senior Bowl is a premier post-season college football all-star game held annually, typically in late January or early February, in Mobile, Alabama. This event serves as a showcase for top NFL Draft prospects who have completed their college eligibility, allowing them to demonstrate their skills in front of NFL scouts and coaches. The game is organized by the non-profit Mobile Arts & Sports Association and has a charitable aspect, raising over $7.8 million for local and regional organizations throughout its history. The inaugural Senior Bowl took place in 1950 at Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The following year, it moved to Mobile's Ladd–Peebles Stadium, where it remained until 2020. Since 2021, the game has been hosted at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the University of South Alabama campus. Traditionally, players are divided into two teams: North and South. However, since 2021, the teams have been designated as National and American. Each team is coached by staff from two NFL teams that finished near the bottom of the league standings but retained their coaching staff.
The game is played under modified professional rules, which differ from college football regulations. For instance, receivers must have both feet in bounds for a catch to be considered legal. The Senior Bowl week includes practices attended by NFL personnel, providing an opportunity for players to impress scouts and coaches. While many athletes view this as a critical step toward the NFL Draft, some choose to prepare for other events like the NFL Scouting Combine instead.
List of Heisman Winners who have played senior bowl
Several Heisman Trophy winners have participated in the Senior Bowl, showcasing their talents before entering the NFL. Notable players include Carson Palmer, who won the Heisman in 2002 and played in the Senior Bowl that same year; Troy Smith, the 2006 winner, who also participated in the 2007 Senior Bowl. Tim Tebow received the award in 2007 and played in the Senior Bowl in 2010. Baker Mayfield, the 2017 winner, was invited to the 2018 Senior Bowl.
| Player | Pos. | Heisman season | Senior Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doak Walker | HB | 1948 | 1950 |
| Alan Ameche | FB | 1954 | 1955 |
| Pat Sullivan | QB | 1971 | 1972 |
| John Cappelletti | RB | 1973 | 1974 |
| Bo Jackson | RB | 1985 | 1986 |
| Carson Palmer | QB | 2002 | 2003 |
| Troy Smith | QB | 2006 | 2007 |
| Tim Tebow | QB | 2007 | 2010 |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | 2017 | 2018 |
FAQ on Heisman Winners who have played Senior Bowl List
A. As of January 2025, five Heisman Trophy winners have gone on to win the Super Bowl.
A. As of the 2024 Senior Bowl, the last Heisman Trophy winner to play the Senior Bowl was Baker Mayfield in 2018.
A. Jay Berwanger won the first Heisman Trophy in 1935. He played as a Halfback.
