Fansided
Fansided

The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 32
Next
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 13: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs evades safety Lamont Thompson #28 of the Tennessee Titans during the game at The Coliseum on December 13, 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 49-38. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 13: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs evades safety Lamont Thompson #28 of the Tennessee Titans during the game at The Coliseum on December 13, 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 49-38. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs: Larry Johnson takes over for Priest Holmes

Few teams were better at running the football in the mid-2000s than the Kansas City Chiefs. This was thanks both to their loaded offensive line but also their uncanny ability to secure great running backs. It started with Priest Holmes. From 2001 to 2003, he topped at least 1,400 yards rushing and scored a ridiculous 56 touchdowns.

He looked like a man destined for the Hall of Fame. Then in 2004, he injured his neck. While missing eight games, former 1st round pick Larry Johnson racked up 591 yards and nine touchdowns on just 120 carries. This was enough to earn him the starting job moving forward. He went to the Pro Bowl over the next two years and scored 37 touchdowns. Holmes never got fully healthy again.

Home/NFL Hot Takes