NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Carolina Panthers

87. . RB. Carolina Panthers. DeShaun Foster . 5. player

Deshaun Foster didn’t have a long NFL career and that often serves to make him easier to forget, even by Carolina Panthers fans. That said the running back had a solid three-year run from 2005 to 2007 when he delivered three-straight seasons of over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. It may be his performance as a rookie though in 2003 that doesn’t get enough praise.

Foster was invisible in the wild card game against Dallas but it was during the next three weeks that he became a pivotal part of the Panthers offense. Against the Rams, he rushed for 95 yards in a double overtime win. The next week in the NFC championship he had 60 yards and scored the critical touchdown that put the game out of reach 14-3.

In the Super Bowl, he had a shining moment when he broke open a 33-yard touchdown against the Patriots to cut into their 21-10 lead. His brilliance almost delivered a championship if not for some late mistakes by the team down the stretch. If all that wasn’t enough, two years later he paced a playoff trouncing of the New York Giants with 157 yards rushing.

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