Portis played in the National Football League for nine seasons. He played college football at the University of Miami. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft and subsequently won the NFL Rookie of the Year award the same season. Portis is best known for being the starting running back for the Washington Redskins for seven seasons in which he gained an average of 81.2 yards rushing per game, for which a select panel of celebrities included him on a list of the best Redskins in history.

This January 7, 2002 issue of Sports Illustrated was signed in blue by Portis and includes a Great Moments COA.