Heisman Winner, Former No.1 Pick Sam Bradford Reflects on Heupel to Tennessee

Josh Heupel has been in or around elite offenses for the better part of two decades. Heupel nearly won a Heisman Trophy as a player at Oklahoma, and he has been around some of the top quarterbacks in the game since. Sam Bradford was the first superstar Heupel was associated with as a coach. Bradford was the No.1 pick in the 2010 draft after winning a Heisman Trophy, and the two have remained close since.

Bradford's professional career never quite got on track, as he suffered several significant injuries, and Heupel lifted him up along the way.

According to an ESPN report in 2015, Heupel helped Bradford stay in the game. The report states: "I just tried to reach out to him and say: 'Hey, I still see this in you as a person and a player. I think the best is yet to come for you. You've got to get yourself healthy and get yourself back on the field and get yourself in the right environment with the right people and the right supporting cast around you, and there's no doubt in my mind you'll achieve the things you're capable of achieving and want to achieve.'"

Heupel added, "Nothing changed for him from a guy who was the No. 1 overall draft pick as far as who or what he is as a person and a competitor, and ultimately that's why there's no doubt in my mind he's going to reach the pinnacle of success."

Earlier today, the University of Tennessee released a statement from Bradford on Heupel, and the former college phenom had high praise for his former position coach.

Bradford said, "Coach Heupel will be a tremendous leader for the University of Tennessee Football team. He is one of the best coaches I have ever been around. His knowledge and ability to teach are second to none. He was absolutely critical in my development as a quarterback. Tennessee players will absolutely love playing for him."

Heupel inherits a quarterback room that consists of Hendon Hooker, Harrison Bailey, Brian Maurer, and Kaidon Salter. The Vols are also in pursuit of Ty Simpson in the 2022 recruiting class.

Feature image via the Oklahoman