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Rocket Ismail
Former Dallas Cowboy Wide Receiver & Notre Dame Standout
Raghib “Rocket” Ismail (born November 18, 1969) is a retired American and Canadian football player, widely regarded as one of the most electrifying wide receivers and kick returners of his era. His football journey began at the University of Notre Dame, where he quickly became a college football sensation. As a Consensus All-American in 1990, Rocket was recognized for his exceptional speed and playmaking ability. He was also honored with the Walter Camp Award in 1990, further solidifying his place as one of the nation’s top players.
Following his illustrious college career, Rocket transitioned to professional football, making his mark in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). In 1991-92, he played in the CFL, where he earned CFL All-Star honors in his rookie season and won the Frank Gibson Award. He also starred in the 79th Grey Cup, earning Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors for his standout performance.
Rocket’s NFL career spanned from 1993 to 2002, where he played for several teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys. During his time in the NFL, Ismail became known for his explosive playmaking ability, recording two 1,000-yard receiving seasons and consistently being one of the league’s top return men.
In recognition of his incredible college career, College Football News ranked him No. 75 on its list of the Top 100 Greatest College Football Players of All-Time in 2004. He was also selected by Sports Illustrated to be part of the prestigious 85-man roster of its All-20th Century College Football Team. Rocket’s impact on the game has been so significant that he’s been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice, a testament to his immense popularity and the lasting legacy of his electrifying career.

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