Johnny Rodgers, former Heisman Trophy winner, is...

Johnny Rodgers, former Heisman Trophy winner, is seeking to overturn his 1987 assault conviction, claiming the trial judge improperly instructed the jury and limited Rodgers’ questioning of prospective jurors.

Rodgers, who won the Heisman in 1972 as a running back at Nebraska, represented himself at the San Diego trial after dismissing five attorneys.

Rodgers was convicted in January, 1987, of assault on a cable television technician who had gone to Rodgers’ home in suburban Bonita, Calif., to either collect $250 in unpaid bills or disconnect the service.

Rodgers, who brandished a gun and chased the technician off his property, also was found guilty of being an ex-felon in possession of a handgun. The incident occurred on Oct. 5, 1985.

A decision by the appellate court is expected within 90 days.