Gerard Garrison Hearst (born January 4, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the University of Georgia, and was recognized as an All-American. A first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, he also played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos of the NFL. He ran for 1,000 yards or more in four different seasons. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1995 and 2001. In 1992, Hearst got third place for Heisman Trophy after rushing for 1,547 yards and 19 touchdowns. When he left Georgia, he was the second-leading career rusher. Hearst was the number 3 overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He played 12 years for the NFL. Early years Garrison Hearst was born in Lincolnton, Georgia. He attended Lincoln County High School in Lincolnton, where he was an all-state running back and broke several records. College career Hearst attended the University of Georgia, and played for the Georgia Bulldogs football team from 1990 to 1992, leading the nation in touchdowns (21) and in scoring (11.5 points per game) in his junior year. During his career, he established new school and Southeastern Conference (SEC) records for points scored in a season (126), total touchdowns (21), rushing touchdowns (19), and average yards per carry (6.8)*. Hearst was a Consensus All-America selection, the Doak Walker Award recipient, ESPN's ESPY Winner for Outstanding Collegiate Athlete and SEC Player of the year in 1992. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Hearst finished his college career second on the Georgia records list in rushing yardage (3,232), all-purpose yardage (3,934), and 100-yard rushing games (16); trailing only Herschel Walker. He also finished third in career rushing touchdowns (33). Regarded as an excellent prospect, he was taken in the 1993 NFL Draft third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Statistics Professional career Arizona Cardinals Hearst was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 1993 NFL Draft. In Hearst's first two seasons with the Cardinals, he was used sparingly. In 1995, however, he broke out as a pro player, rushing for 1,070 yards. He was cut by the Cardinals in the 1996 training camp. Cincinnati Bengals Hearst was then claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played there one season, gaining 847 yards, but was then