NFL point spread bets are based on the potential of the game's superstars, but no one can accurately predict the possibility of injuries, especially career-ending ones. Superstars such as running back Priest Holmes and quarterback Joe Theismann were cruelly denied the chance to cement themselves in NFL history due to brutal injuries.
Priest Holmes
Running back Priest Holmes played four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, breaking the 1000-yard mark in 1998 and winning a Super Bowl after the 2000 season. However, he became a full-blown superstar in 2001 when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs. Holmes became the first undrafted player to lead the league in rushing (2001) and one of only two players in NFL history to score over 20 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons (2002 and 2003).
Holmes was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2002 and his career was on place for many more accomplishments. Unfortunately, his unlucky streak of injuries for Holmes began in 2004 when a neck injury cut his season short after eight games. In 2005, Holmes played seven games before suffering a season-ending injury to his spinal column. After sitting out the entire 2006 season, Holmes finally returned to the field in the middle of the 2007 season, but only played four games before announcing his retirement.
Holmes finished his career with 86 touchdowns and 8,172 yards. A solid and respectable career, but you can only wonder how things could have played out if the injuries never occurred.
Sterling Sharpe
Sterling Sharpe was undeniably the best wide receiver in the NFL during his seven-year career. He played for the Green Bay Packers his entire career and was named to the franchise’s Hall of Fame in 2002. Sharpe was named to the Pro Bowl five times and set the NFL record for most catches in a season twice, so Sharpe’s pedigree at his position is undeniable.
In 1994, however, Sharpe suffered a terrible neck injury that almost left him paralyzed. Sharpe never returned to the field, robbing the NFL of one of its most explosive wide receivers. The NFL is a place where freak accidents sometimes happen, such as the infamous referee collision during the clash between the Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos.
Michael Irvin
Irvin could have played a few more seasons, but was tackled head-first into the turf during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. He suffered a cervical spine injury and was carted off the field, ending his career. He is now serving as a broadcaster at ESPN and has even appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
Terrell Davis
Terrell Davis only played seven seasons for the Denver Broncos before having to retire due to knee injuries. He won two consecutive Super Bowls, was named Super Bowl XXXII MVP, and ran for over 2000 yards in 1998. Davis was a Broncos fan favorite, credited with starting the infamous “Mile High Salute”. He scored 60 regular season touchdowns and 12 postseason touchdowns during his career and played in three Pro Bowls.
Unfortunately, Davis tore his ACL and MCL while trying to make a tackle on an interception during a game in 1999, prematurely ending his season. In 2000 he only played in five games due to issues with his lower leg. In 2001, Davis only played in eight games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in both knees. He decided to retire prior to the 2002 season.
It speaks volumes that despite his short career, Davis accomplished enough to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Bo Jackson
Averaging 5.4 yards per carry during his four years with the Raiders, there’s no telling how far Bo Jackson could have gone if he hadn’t suffered a dislocated hip during a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals following the 1990 season. He never played another NFL game, although he managed to play a few more seasons of baseball with the Chicago White Sox and California Angels.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
