The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

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) /

2 of 32

17 Jan 1999: Jamal Anderson #32 of the Atlanta Falcons runs during the NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings at the H. H. H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Falcons defeated the Vikings 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport /

Atlanta Falcons: Jamal Anderson takes over for Craig Heyward

In the mid-90s, the Atlanta Falcons saw the late bloom of the playing career of Craig Heyward, who at 5-foot-11, 265 pounds was built more like a brick wall than the modern day running back.

Heyward rushed for over 1,000 yards for the first (and only) time in his NFL career in 1995 with the Falcons, and also set career marks that season with 37 receptions and matched a career high with eight total touchdowns.

In 1996, Jamal Anderson — a third-year player out of Utah — enjoyed a breakout season with over 1,000 rushing yards and 49 receptions, becoming the Falcons’ featured back from then on.

Anderson went on to help lead the Falcons to an NFC title in the 1998 season and is best known for his ‘dirty bird’ touchdown dance. He would run for over 1,000 yards four total times in his NFL career after replacing Heyward with the Falcons.

Home/NFL Hot Takes