Top 10 Worst NFL Players Ever
The names of the greatest players to ever play in the National Football League are well-known both in North America and among sports fans throughout the world. Thanks to NFL Films, the NFL Network, television specials produced by ESPN, and other media, pro football legends like Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, Tom Brady, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre will continue to live on in football fans' memories.
With that said, the worst NFL players are the ones that find themselves on the bench and eventually cut from the team when things don’t work out. It’s clear that NFL coaches don’t have time for these players and owners aren’t willing to pay them good money to under-perform.
#10. Bob Timberlake
For a placekicker to be listed among the worst players in NFL history, they must be especially awful. Here comes Bob Timberlake, who was chosen by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL Draft in 1965. After making his first field goal of his professional career, Timberlake's fortunes began to deteriorate. He failed on his subsequent 14 - count them, 14 - attempts throughout the season, including two from between 30 and 39 yards. After a disappointing first season, the Giants decided to give up on Timberlake, and he never again participated in an NFL game
#9. Rusty Lisch
If it weren't for the fact that Rusty Lisch arguably never should have been regarded as an NFL player in the first place, he would be higher on this list. A fourth-round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals gave the 1980 NFL Draft fourth-round pick a chance to play, and he took advantage of it by throwing one touchdown pass in four seasons with the team. Among his 115 official NFL throws, Lisch would only toss one touchdown, totaling one score. That equals a 0.9 percent of touchdowns thrown each pass that was recorded, for those who keep track of such statistics.
#8. Justin Blackmon
Before he irreparably wrecks his life, Justin Blackmon may have major issues that need to be addressed. He might simply be a fool who doesn't give a damn about following the NFL's drug policy. In any event, Blackmon certainly seems to be a waste of NFL talent. Because he frequently appears on suspension lists, the Jacksonville Jaguars' fifth-round choice in the 2012 NFL Draft has only participated in 20 games altogether. His days in the NFL appear to be numbered, and all indications from within the league are that the Jaguars have given up on him.
#7. Charles Rogers
Given the players profiled in this article, Charles Rogers may be the athlete on this list who wasted skill the most. The second-overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft showed some early promise of being a top wide receiver, but a broken clavicle ended his rookie season after only five games. That was the start of his NFL career's demise. Over the following two seasons, Rogers would play in just ten games until his failure to abide by the league's drug policy rendered him a lost cause. Rogers was a horrible player who was more than just a flop in the draft.
#6. Cade McNown
When he was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 1999 draft, quarterback Cade McNown refused to participate in rookie training camp. As a result, he was later offered a $15 million contract with a $6 million signing bonus. During his two seasons with the Chicago Bears, McNown provided an average of eight touchdown passes. Unfortunately, he also threw 19 interceptions during that period, matching the total. Even before the Bears gave up on him after two seasons, his NFL career was all but over. Nowadays, he is largely forgotten save for when fans incorrectly call him "McCown" because it is just simpler to say.
#5. Ted Gregory
Upon seeing Ted Gregory's name, Denver Broncos supporters can practically be heard sighing with regret. According to the well-known tale, Denver head coach Dan Reeves exclaimed, "I'm taller than he is!" after seeing his first-round pick. Before the 1988 regular season began, Gregory, who had a damaged knee when he joined the Broncos, was traded to the New Orleans Saints. Before his career came to an end, he only participated in three games. He now serves as a reminder of the reasons why at NFL Combines, coaches measure players more than once.
#4. Akili Smith
When Akili Smith was chosen third overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, nobody mistakenly thought he was Joe Montana. To suggest that Smith's performance on the field let the Cincinnati Bengals down would be a significant understatement. During his time in the NFL, Smith completed five touchdown passes. Not a typo, that. He scored five TDs. Peyton Manning has had a strong Sunday afternoon, reaching the end zone five times. The Cleveland Browns' Tim Couch may be remembered for his subpar performance, but there is little doubt that Smith was much worse
#3. Art Schlichter
In today's NFL Draft, where top-tier college athletes are scrutinized by fans and the media whenever they leave the house, it's unlikely that Art Schlichter would be selected fourth overall. That was not the situation in 1982, when Schlichter's penchant for gambling was hardly a secret. Three years after being selected by the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts in the first round, Schlichter's taste turned into a hunger that engulfed both his professional and personal lives. He eventually quit the league for good. Despite his best efforts, Schlichter was unable to defeat his demons, and as a result, he is in imprisoned for his part in a ticket scheme that defrauded victims out of millions of dollars
#2. Ryan Leaf
Any sane person has to feel bad for Ryan Leaf in some little way. Leaf, the second-overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, lacked the emotional control and maturity necessary to play the position with the most public profile in the NFL. The ratio of 14 touchdown passes to 36 interceptions that Leaf had during his brief NFL career, which was followed by numerous legal difficulties and prison terms, was notable along with his rants at reporters in the locker room. Undoubtedly one of the worst players in NFL history, Leaf is remembered solely for his poor performance and his personal problems.
#1. JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell is likened to a young quarterback who is carrying a little extra weight and who appears to lack the will to be fully committed to the task. Russell's NFL legacy will always be that. The #1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft held out for more money, played in just one game as a rookie, and then bulked up in the worst way possible, in part because of the millions of cash he received after signing his lone substantial NFL contract. This draft pick, which is frequently cited as the worst in NFL history, put the Oakland Raiders back a number of years. Russell's terrible performance on this list earned him the #1 slot. Russell's subpar performance and low work ethic have earned him the top rank on this list.
