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Sometimes, when NFL players are released by their teams, one never hears from them again. This can be especially true when they are released very early in their career, ending it before it even begins. There are other NFL players who have revived their careers after being released and gone on to have success. Here are five such redemption stories.
NFL players who bounced back after being released
#1 - QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner is one of the greatest comeback stories in NFL history. He was an undrafted rookie who was invited to Green Bay Packers training camp, but was released prior to the season. He was away from football altogether for a while before joining the Arena Football League, where he was successful enough to earn another shot in the NFL.
Kurt Warner was signed by the St. Louis Rams and got his opportunity to start, where he would put together a Hall of Fame career. He won two NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl Championship. After his career with the Rams, he later found some success again with the Arizona Cardinals, leading them to the playoffs and being selected to his third Pro Bowl.
#2 - LB James Harrison
James Harrison was released four times by two different teams in his first two years in the NFL. He eventually landed a role with the Pittsburgh Steelers and put together a dominant career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in his first five years as a starter and earned two first-team All-Pro selections. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Super Bowl champion.
#3 - WR Cris Carter
Cris Carter spent his first three years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released because of issues off the field before being signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He put together an incredible career on his way to the NFL Hall of Fame.
At the peak of his NFL career, Carter was selected to eight straight Pro Bowls while also earning two first-team All-Pro selections. He eclipsed 1000 receiving yards in all eight of those seasons and had double-digit touchdowns five years in a row.
#4 - WR Wes Welker
After being released by both the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins early in his career, Wes Welker found success with the New England Patriots. He exceeded 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards five times in six years. He also made five straight Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pros.
Wes Welker helped the Patriots reach two Super Bowls. He would later join the Denver Broncos and appear in the third Super Bowl of his NFL career. He was the most elite slot receiver of his generation.
#5 - WR Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith was cut by two teams in his first three years in the NFL before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as an expansion team. He is one of the best players in the history of their franchise. He eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards nine times in a ten-year span and was selected to five straight Pro Bowls at his peak.
