He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft, and also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.

When asked what he thought of his player, then Harding coach Thom Mcdaniels replied, "I wouldn’t trade “Boom” for any running back in Ohio.

Later that year, just a week before the team's appearance in their bowl game, it became apparent that Herron, amongst other top Buckeye players, was facing substantial NCAA sanctions.

The other suspended players were quarterback Terrelle Pryor, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams, and defensive end Soloman Thomas.

[5] Despite the six-week suspension, Herron was elected a team captain by his teammates and went on to rush for 675 yards and three touchdowns the remainder of the season.

[12] On November 30, 2014, in a game against the Washington Redskins, Herron recorded his first career rushing touchdown, on a career-long 49-yard run to put Indianapolis up 14-3.

The following week, Herron touched the ball a career-high 31 times (23 carries, eight receptions) and recorded a combined 95 yards and one rushing touchdown to help Indianapolis defeat the Denver Broncos 24–13.