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) /

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Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice takes over for Willis McGahee

Considering the fact that an ACL tear was almost a career-ending injury for some players at the time of Willis McGahee’s devastating injury at Miami, the fact that he was able to put together such a great career after the fact is all the more impressive.

McGahee was a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2003 and didn’t even play a down of football until 2004, but he was an instant hit.

He ran for over 1,000 yards his first two seasons in the league, but after failing to reach 1,000 in his third season with the Bills, he ended up in Baltimore in 2007.

McGahee was phenomenal in his first season with the Ravens, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while working in tandem with rookie Ray Rice.

Rice proved along with McGahee that he was capable of being a full-time back in the NFL as a runner and receiver, and when McGahee struggled through injury in 2009, Rice took his job and didn’t look back.

From 2009-2012, Rice was one of the most productive all-around running backs in the NFL and McGahee was somewhat of an afterthought until he became a free agent in 2011 and consequently a Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos.

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