Seminole Chop

Florida State University’s football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing a slew of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From Heisman Trophy winners to NFL superstars, the Seminoles have showcased exceptional talent across decades. Here, we explore some of the best FSU football players of all time, celebrating their contributions to the garnet and gold.

Charlie Ward (Quarterback)

No discussion of FSU’s greatest players begins without Charlie Ward, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and a transformative figure in Seminoles history. Ward’s dual-threat ability redefined the quarterback position under head coach Bobby Bowden. In his Heisman-winning season, he threw for 3,032 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 339 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. His poise and versatility led FSU to its first national championship in 1993, defeating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Ward’s legacy extends beyond football—he was also a standout basketball player at FSU and chose a career in the NBA over the NFL after being drafted in both leagues. His decision to forgo professional football doesn’t diminish his status as one of FSU’s all-time greats.

Derrick Brooks (Linebacker)

Derrick Brooks epitomized toughness and intelligence on the defensive side of the ball. A two-time consensus All-American (1993, 1994), Brooks was the heart of FSU’s defense during the early 1990s. His sideline-to-sideline speed and knack for making big plays helped the Seminoles secure their 1993 national title. Over his career, he recorded 274 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and five interceptions, showcasing his versatility. Brooks went on to become an NFL legend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2002 and a Super Bowl ring. At FSU, his leadership and consistency remain a benchmark for future linebackers.

Warrick Dunn (Running Back)

Warrick Dunn’s blend of speed, elusiveness, and durability made him one of FSU’s most prolific running backs. Dunn holds the school record for career rushing yards with 3,959, a testament to his consistency across four seasons. He earned first-team All-ACC honors three times and was a key contributor to FSU’s 1993 national championship team as a freshman. Dunn’s standout moment came in 1996 when he rushed for 1,180 yards and 12 touchdowns, finishing fifth in Heisman voting. Off the field, his resilience in the face of personal tragedy—losing his mother to violence during his college years—endeared him to fans. Dunn’s NFL career with the Buccaneers and Falcons further cemented his legacy as a Seminole great.

Jameis Winston (Quarterback)

Jameis Winston burst onto the scene in 2013, leading FSU to its third national championship and claiming the Heisman Trophy as a redshirt freshman. His 4,057 passing yards and 40 touchdowns that year showcased his cannon arm and fearless playmaking. Winston’s ability to extend plays and deliver under pressure revitalized FSU’s offense, culminating in an undefeated season and a BCS National Championship win over Auburn. Though his college career was marred by off-field controversies, his on-field impact was undeniable. Winston’s 26-1 record as a starter remains one of the best marks in FSU history, and his charisma made him a fan favorite.

Fred Biletnikoff (Wide Receiver)

Before FSU became a national powerhouse, Fred Biletnikoff put the program on the map with his exceptional play at wide receiver. A consensus All-American in 1964, Biletnikoff recorded 1,179 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in a single season—an astonishing feat for that era. His smooth route-running and reliable hands earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. The Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top receiver, bears his name, a lasting tribute to his influence. After FSU, he starred for the Oakland Raiders, winning Super Bowl XI MVP honors. Biletnikoff’s early brilliance laid the groundwork for FSU’s future success.

Terrell Buckley (Cornerback)

Terrell “T-Buck” Buckley was a ball-hawking defensive back who terrorized quarterbacks in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His 21 career interceptions remain an FSU record, and his 501 interception return yards are an NCAA record. Buckley’s defining moment came in 1991 when he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, cementing his status as an All-American. His pick-sixes and game-changing plays helped FSU transition into a defensive juggernaut. Buckley enjoyed a 14-year NFL career, but his dominance in Tallahassee remains a highlight of Seminole lore.

Dalvin Cook (Running Back)

Dalvin Cook’s explosive running style electrified FSU fans during his three-year tenure. Cook holds the school’s single-season rushing record with 1,765 yards in 2016, earning first-team All-American honors. His 4,464 career rushing yards rank second only to Dunn, and his 46 touchdowns underscore his scoring prowess. Cook’s agility and breakaway speed made him a constant threat, as seen in his 225-yard performance against Miami in 2016. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2017, Cook has since become one of the NFL’s premier running backs, but his FSU tenure showcased his rare talent.

Ron Simmons (Nose Guard)

Ron Simmons was a force in the trenches, earning back-to-back consensus All-American honors in 1979 and 1980. As a nose guard, Simmons clogged running lanes and disrupted offenses with his strength and quickness. His 1979 season helped FSU finish 11-1 and earn a No. 6 national ranking—the program’s best at that point. Simmons’ dominance earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, and his No. 50 jersey is one of only nine retired by FSU. Known later as a professional wrestling icon, Simmons’ football legacy at FSU remains towering.

Peter Warrick (Wide Receiver)

Peter Warrick’s dazzling playmaking closed out the 20th century for FSU. A two-time first-team All-American (1998, 1999), Warrick amassed 3,517 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. His versatility as a return specialist—scoring four punt-return touchdowns—added to his legend. Warrick’s signature performance came in the 2000 Sugar Bowl, where he earned MVP honors with 163 receiving yards and three touchdowns, securing FSU’s second national title against Virginia Tech. His electric style made him a fan favorite and a worthy successor to Biletnikoff.

Deion Sanders (Cornerback/Wide Receiver/Return Specialist)

“Prime Time” Deion Sanders brought swagger and unparalleled athleticism to Tallahassee. A two-time consensus All-American (1987, 1988), Sanders was a lockdown cornerback whose speed and instincts made him a nightmare for opposing receivers. Offensively, he contributed as a wide receiver, and his electrifying punt returns—including a school-record 15.2-yard average—often shifted game momentum. Sanders helped FSU win the 1988 Sugar Bowl and laid the foundation for the program’s rise to national prominence. His larger-than-life personality and flair earned him a spot in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a stellar NFL career with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

Honorable Mentions

FSU’s talent pool runs deep, with players like linebacker Marvin Jones, quarterback Chris Weinke (2000 Heisman winner), and safety LeRoy Butler deserving recognition. Each contributed to the program’s 14 ACC titles and three national championships since 1993.

Legacy of Greatness

The best Florida State football players share a common thread: they elevated the program through skill, leadership, and unforgettable moments. From Ward’s dual-sport brilliance to Sanders’ flair, Brooks’ tenacity to Winston’s heroics, these Seminoles built a dynasty that continues to inspire. As FSU football evolves, the legacies of these icons remain etched in garnet and gold history, reminding fans of the standard of excellence they set.