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Kansas Football: The 10 greatest Jayhawks of all-time

By Cade Stout

Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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#6: John Riggins, RB  (1968-70)

LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1978: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs through the tackle of Willie Harper #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game circa 1978 at RFK Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Riggins played for the Redskins from 1976-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1978: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs through the tackle of Willie Harper #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game circa 1978 at RFK Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Riggins played for the Redskins from 1976-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Between 1968 and 1970, John Riggins, nicknamed “The Diesel,” ran for 2,569 yards and 19 touchdowns, rushing for 1,131 yards and 14 total touchdowns in his senior season.

Born in Seneca, Kansas, and graduating from Centralia High School, Riggins was known for his power running style that made him successful. Riggins was named an All-American in 1970 and twice named to the All-Big 8 First Team.

Riggins was the feature back of the 1968 Big 8 champion Orange Bowl Kansas team. He broke Gale Sayers’ career rushing record and is in the Kansas Football Ring of Honor.

Riggins was drafted in 1971 by the New York Jets and was named MVP in Super Bowl XVII with the Washington Redskins.

#5: Aqib Talib, CB/WR (2005-07)

Kansas football
Kansas football alum Aqib Talib is inducted into the Kansas Jayhawks hall of fame. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images) /

Aqib Talib was a key member of KU’s 2007 Orange Bowl team, serving as a star cornerback. He was a consensus All-American in 2007, First Team All-Big 12 cornerback in 2006 and 2007, and a Freshman All-American in 2005.

Over three seasons, Talib recorded 13 interceptions, 162 total tackles, and two pick-sixes in 34 games. He played some as a receiver catching nine balls for 224 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2008, Aqib became KU’s first player to be selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft since Dana Stubblefield in 1993. While going on to have an excellent NFL career, Talib was inducted into Kansas Football’s Ring of Honor.

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