5 NFL superstars who recovered after terrible rookie seasons

Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants

#3 - Brett Favre

Brett Favre with the Atlanta Falcons
Brett Favre with the Atlanta Falcons

Brett Favre is known for his success with the Green Bay Packers. But after being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, fans wondered if he would make it at all. Favre only attempted four passes during his rookie year in Atlanta, two of which were intercepted. Falcons general manager Jerry Glanville even said it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre in the game.

After being traded to Green Bay, he made 11 Pro Bowls, six All-Pros and three MVP awards. Favre also won a Super Bowl and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He threw for 71,838 yards, 508 touchdowns and 336 interceptions in his career.

#4 - Eli Manning

Eli Manning Announces Retirement
Eli Manning Announces Retirement

New York Giants legend Eli Manning won two Super Bowls, both against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. But following his rookie year, some fans had serious doubts about his ability. Although Manning played nine games and started seven, he could only pass for six touchdowns against nine interceptions. Manning also only managed to win one out of seven starts, but would improve massively thereafter.

He made four Pro Bowls in his career, as well as setting various quarterback records within the Giants franchise, including passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366).

#5 - Steve Young

Quarterback Steve Young
Quarterback Steve Young

Hall of Famer Steve Young had a terrible start to his career. Young spent time in the USFL before entering the NFL. He eventually joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in his rookie season passed for just 935 yards in five games. He recorded just three touchdowns against eight interceptions.

Thankfully for Young, his fortunes would improve when he moved to the San Francisco 49ers. There he would lead the team to one Super Bowl victory and also get another two rings whilst being the backup to Joe Montana. He was also named All-Pro six times and made seven Pro Bowls, as well as leading the NFL in passing touchdowns four times.

In his career he threw for 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns and 107 interceptions.

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