He is a former standout running back who represented the University of Oregon and went on to achieve great success in his football career. In 2010, he earned recognition by finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting, a testament to his talent and performance on the field. His journey continued into the NFL, where he began his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
Long before he became a household name, he made a significant impact during his freshman year at Oregon. Back then, he was honored as the Freshman of the Year in the Pac-10 conference, setting the stage for his future accomplishments. Growing up, his life wasn’t easy—he was primarily raised by his grandmother. His mother played only a minimal role in his upbringing, and tragically, he lost his father at a young age. Despite these challenges, he managed to rise above and carve out an impressive path in football.
Not long after he guided Oregon to a thrilling Rose Bowl win, the San Francisco 49ers picked him with a late second-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft. He had really made a name for himself during that championship run, and teams were starting to take serious notice. It was clear that his performance put him on the radar, and the 49ers saw potential in him. That moment marked a turning point in his career, as he transitioned from college standout to professional prospect. His journey from the collegiate stage to being drafted by such a storied franchise was no small feat. And when the 49ers called his name, it was evident that his hard work had paid off.