Notre Dame Football: 10 best players in program history

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Tim Brown Career Statistics, 1984-1987

Games Played: 43
Receptions: 137
Receiving Yards: 2,493
Receiving Touchdowns: 12
Yards per Game: 57.9
Yards per Catch: 18.2
All-Purpose Yards: 5,024
Return Touchdowns: 6
Notables: 1987 Heisman Trophy, 1987 Walter Camp Award, 1987 UPI Player of the Year, 1987 Unanimous First Team All-American

The first Heisman Trophy winner on this list is former wide receiver Tim Brown. Brown was one of the most electrifying players of the 1980’s in college football as he was an all-purpose machine that Lou Holtz could base a big chunk of his offense on. He finished his Irish career with 137 receptions for 2,493 yards and 12 touchdowns. Brown also accumulated 5,024 all-purpose yards, including six special teams touchdowns.

As a true freshman, Brown saw action in every game, catching 28 balls for 340 yards and a touchdown. His numbers improved through his sophomore year and into his junior year, which happened to be his best statistical season. In 1986, Brown hauled 45 passes for 910 yards and five touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns.

However, Brown saved his best for last in 1987, hauling in 39 passes for 846 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown and three punt returns for touchdowns. His play was enough to give him the Heisman Trophy as well as the Walter Camp Award and earned a unanimous First Team All-American selection. Brown went on to play 16 years in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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