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Top 10 NFL Players Teams Gave Up On Too Soon

By Erik Lambert

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks the game winning field goal from the hold of punter Pat McAfee (1) against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks the game winning field goal from the hold of punter Pat McAfee (1) against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings former defensive player Alan Page takes part in the pre-game festivities before the Vikings play the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings former defensive player Alan Page takes part in the pre-game festivities before the Vikings play the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

#8:  Alan Page

Everybody remembers him as one of the lynch pins to the great Minnesota Vikings defenses of the 1960s and 1970s. Alan Page was their man in the middle, a relentless force that won with power, speed and always underrated intelligence. He reached four Super Bowls with them, claimed nine Pro Bowl honors and also was named league MVP in 1971. Twice he was Defensive Player of the Year as well. No surprise he easily made it into the Hall of Fame.

What some people might not remember is his career didn’t end with the Vikings. Midway through the 1978 season he went over to the Chicago Bears. There he would play another three years, helping them to reach the playoffs in 1979 and playing mentor to several key future stars including Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Mike Singletary. Minnesota had two losing seasons in each of those three years he was in Chicago, something that had never happened while he was there.

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