Mark Higgs

Few athletes in Kentucky history have made as significant an impact from the high school level to the University of Kentucky as Mark Higgs. A standout at Owensboro High School, Higgs captured statewide attention by rewriting the record books. More than four decades after his graduation, he still holds OHS records for career rushing yards (6,721), rushing yards in a single season (2,858), and career touchdowns (75).

Despite his remarkable high school achievements, many major college programs overlooked him due to his size (5’7”, 199 lbs.). Undeterred, Higgs accepted a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he defied expectations and established himself as one of the most productive running backs in program history.

At the University of Kentucky, Mark Higgs used his elusiveness and low center of gravity to thrive against elite SEC defenses. He proved to be a consistent and dynamic playmaker, finishing his career as the Wildcats’ all-time leading rusher at the time (2,892 yards). Higgs still holds the school record for highest career average yards per carry (5.43), a testament to his explosive running style. His performance earned him All-SEC honors, and he was later inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1997, the school honored his legacy by retiring his jersey. Despite his college accomplishments, concerns about his size once again emerged leading up to the NFL Draft.

Selected in the eighth round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Higgs had to fight for every opportunity. He spent a season with both the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles before landing in Miami, where his career blossomed. Under Coach Don Shula, Higgs earned the starting job and made the most of it—rushing for over 900 yards in both the 1991 and 1992 seasons and becoming one of the most reliable backs in the AFC. He led the Dolphins in rushing for three straight seasons (1991 – 1993), second only to Larry Csonka up until that time. He played a vital role in the Dolphins’ offensive attack alongside Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino for four years.

Released by the Dolphins in November 1994, Higgs signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately, injuries caught up with him in Arizona and he only appeared in seven games over two seasons. He retired from professional football at the end of the 1995 season.

From a small-statured high school standout in Kentucky to leading rusher on a storied NFL franchise—Mark Higgs is a story of perseverance, grit, and the unshakable belief that heart can outweigh size.