Top 10 Illinois Fighting Illini football players of all time
10. Rashard Mendenhall , RB (2005-07)
From 2005-2007, Mendenhall was an elite weapon in Illinois’ offense. His 2007 season was a key reason for Illinois reaching the Rose Bowl game. His 2005 season was quiet, as he only had 48 rushing attempts for 218 yards, and averaged 4.5 yards an attempt. Mendenhall also had 13 receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
However, next season Mendenhall would start to stuff the stat sheet when he was on the field. In 2006, Mendenhall had 78 rushing attempts for 640 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt. He also had five rushing touchdowns. Mendenhall would add 12 receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown as well.
In 2007, Mendenhall had 262 rushing attempts for 1,681 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Mendenhall also had 34 receptions for 318 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
HBD, @R_Mendenhall! 🎂🎁🎈
Here's the @IlliniFootball great's 3 TDs from the win over No. 5 Wisconsin to celebrate his 3⃣5⃣th. pic.twitter.com/keYzE6acAb
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) June 19, 2022
From Illinois, Mendenhall would go onto the NFL where he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mendenhall played for the Steelers for five years where he appeared in two Super Bowls with the organization, winning one in 2008 against the Arizona Cardinals. Coincidentally, Arizona is where Mendenhall would play his last season in 2013 before retiring at the age of 26 to pursue other avenues in life.
• Happy 35th Birthday on Sunday to @IlliniFootball alum Rashard Mendenhall. In six NFL season with the @steelers , @R_Mendenhall rushed for 4,236 yards and 37 touchdowns. @nileswestnews @WolvesD219 @w_mendenhall pic.twitter.com/n8RylS4tSy
— Mike Pearson (@illinilegends) June 18, 2022
