Top 10 NFL Players Teams Gave Up On Too Soon

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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#3: O.J. Anderson

Unfortunately when an organization is not very good they tend to rely too heavily on one individual player to help them win, which can cause him to get used up rather quickly. It seemed like that was the case for O.J. Anderson. He was the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option on offense for the St. Louis Cardinals. In five of his first six seasons he touched the ball well over 300 times and produced at least 1,600 yards from scrimmage, making two Pro Bowls.

As often happens with running backs though, the Cardinals decided to trade him in 1986 at age 29 to the New York Giants. Though he won the Super Bowl with them, most felt that would be his career swan song. He spent the next two years as a backup but then got a renaissance in ’89 when an injury forced him into the starting lineup. He put up over 1,000 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. The next year he scored 11 more and showed the world he could still get it done when he became Super Bowl MVP while helping the Giants secure their second title.

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