Known simply as “The Cowboy,” LeShon Johnson became the most decorated running back in NIU history in just two seasons.

In 1993, Johnson set an NIU and Big West rushing record with 1,976 yards and 179.6 yards a game.

That same season, he finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting with no TV coverage, finishing behind Barry Sanders and Marcus Allen. In 22 games, Johnson rushed for 100 yards 15 times and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Johnson was a First-Team All-American in The Associated Press, United Press International, Football News, Kodak, Walter Camp Foundation, The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly.