He’s arguably the greatest college football player of all time, but former University of Georgia icon and NFL superstar Herschel Walker says he thinks there’s still enough gas left in the tank to still play again if he so desired.

Even at the ripe age of 55.

Walker, the former Heisman Trophy winner who led the Bulldogs to the 1980 national championship, is renowned for the phenomenal physical condition in which he continues to keep himself and still competes in mixed martial arts competitions.

He led UGA to a sterling 33-3-1 record during his three seasons in Athens, including a national championship, three SEC titles and three Sugar Bowl appearances. Walker, who amassed 5,259 yards and 52 rushing touchdowns en route to setting 41 school records during a brilliant career, claimed the Heisman Trophy as a junior in 1982 after chewing up 1,752 yards and 17 TDs. He had finished as the runner-up for the award in 1981 and came in third place as a freshman in 1980.

He recently spoke with Saturday Down South about the remote possibility of playing again and more.

Q. You had such an amazing career, both at the collegiate and professional level. But what is one of the first things that come to mind when you look back at your football playing days, both in college and in the pros?

Walker: I always tell people about that very special time, my first year at Georgia. We had a great senior class and they really took care of us. We had been on campus for two weeks before classes started, so we all got to spend a lot of time together. Those seniors were like mentors to us. And that was especially important to a young kid from a small town like me who was away from home for the first time.

What I also remember about that year is when Coach (Vince) Dooley addressed the whole team for the first time in a meeting in our first day on campus. He told us, ‘If you guys stay together, eat together and do everything together as a team and you’re all on the same page, you’re going to win a lot of football games.’

It’s a message that I really took to heart and it’s one that we as Americans could all use hearing today. Whenever you’re part of a team or work as one, you’re going to have success.

Q. You’ve always taken great pride in keeping yourself in great physical shape and you’re still fit enough even now to compete in mixed martial arts competitions. Could you still physically play in the NFL right now?

Walker: I know I could still play. I don’t know for how many plays, but I’m still working out regularly and doing the MMA. I think I could do some things.

Q. Would you listen if an NFL team were to show interest?

Walker: I love football. I’ve had a great career playing football. I still keep up with it and regularly watch my nephew playing at Clemson. But if somebody called, it’d be very difficult for me to come out (of retirement) and stop doing what I’m doing and step away from all my business interests.

Q. Who was the hardest hitter you ever played against?

Walker: That had to be Mike Singletary of the Chicago Bears. I was with the Dallas Cowboys the first time we played against each other and he was with the Bears. He left quite the impression on me the first time he hit me.

Q. How satisfying was it for you to be in South Bend recently and watch the Dawgs beat Notre Dame?

Walker: I was so excited for the team. I was excited to see them win a close one away from home. I think that was the kind of win on the road against a great team that can really give them a lift for the rest of the season. I was especially pleased with the play of the defense. It looked like our old Junkyard Dogs are back! Like I said, it was a big win for the team. They know now that they can beat a great football team away from home.

Q. What are your thoughts on Kirby Smart, and is he the guy who can eventually bring another national championship to Athens?

Walker: I think he can. I really like Kirby and I think that anything is possible as long as he continues to keep making the right decisions and recruiting well.

But who knows what can happen this year?

I think this year could be a big statement for this team. It says a lot that they could go on the road and beat a great team like Notre Dame.

It was a total team effort and that’s what it takes to win a national championship.

I know in the SEC that Alabama is the big monster out there. But I’m picking Georgia to win the SEC East and Alabama to win the SEC West. If Georgia gets Alabama in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, who knows what could happen?