Doak Walker became SMU's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1948, playing a key role in the Mustangs' impressive 9-1-1 season and earning them a 10th-place spot in the final polls. At the time, he was only the second junior ever to receive the prestigious honor.

Following his junior year at SMU, Walker was selected by the Boston Yanks with the third pick of in the 1949 NFL draft, held in December 1948.

Walker's final NFL appearance was in the 1956 Pro Bowl at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 15, 1956.