10 NFL Running Backs Who Dominated One Year Then Disappeared

We’re tackling a topic that’s equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking: 10 NFL Running Backs Who Burned Out After One Epic Season. You know the type—these guys come out of nowhere, light up the league with monster stats, make fans dream of dynasty runs, and then… poof. Injuries, bad luck, or just the brutal nature of the position send them fading into obscurity. Running back is one of the toughest gigs in football. The average career is short, and the hits add up fast. But these players? They had that one magical year where everything clicked—rushing yards piled up, touchdowns flowed, and they looked unstoppable. We’re talking Pro Bowls, record-breaking games, and even Super Bowl runs. Yet, for whatever reason, they couldn’t sustain it. We’ll count them down from 10 to 1, diving into their breakout seasons, the jaw-dropping numbers, and what went wrong after.  Which running backs burned out after one season in the NFL? 10. Jay AjayiOct 15, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Starting our list is Jay Ajayi, a guy who exploded onto the scene like a freight train but derailed just as quickly. Drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2015, Ajayi spent his rookie year mostly on the bench, scraping together less than 200 rushing yards. But 2016? That was his epic season. After a slow start, he caught fire mid-year, becoming only the fourth player in NFL history to rush for over 200 yards in back-to-back weeks.  Against the Steelers and Bills, he torched defenses for 204 and 206 yards, respectively. By season’s end, Ajayi racked up 1,272 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He added 151 receiving yards for good measure, proving he was a dual-threat beast. Fans were hyped—this looked like the start of something special for Miami. But then, the wheels came off. Midway through 2017, the Dolphins traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he contributed to their Super Bowl win but in a reduced role, with just 408 yards that year. Knee issues that had plagued him since college flared up, limiting his explosiveness. In 2018, he managed only 184 yards in four games before an ACL tear ended his season.  Released by Philly, Ajayi bounced around tryouts but was out of the league by age 27. His 2016 breakout accounted for nearly half his career rushing yards. It’s a classic case of injury woes and team instability turning a star into a what-if story. He’s ventured into e-sports, too. Wild, right? 9. LaMont JordanDecember 9, 2007; Green Bay, WI, USA; Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) carries the football as Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) readies to make the tackle at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Raiders 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Next up, LaMont Jordan, a backup who finally got his shot and made the most of it—until he didn’t. Jordan spent his first four years with the New York Jets, mostly riding the pine behind Curtis Martin, never topping 300 rushing yards in a season.  But in 2005, he signed a big-money deal with the Oakland Raiders and became their feature back. That year was pure magic. In 14 games, Jordan rushed for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.  What set him apart was his receiving prowess—he led all running backs with 70 catches for 563 yards and two more scores. That’s over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage! He was a dynamic, every-down player, punishing defenders and keeping chains moving. Sadly, the heavy workload took its toll. Injuries piled up—back, knee, you name it—and Jordan’s burst vanished. In 2006, he managed just 434 yards, and by 2007, he was splitting carries and dealing with more ailments.  He bounced to the Patriots and Broncos but never eclipsed 600 rushing yards again. Retiring after 2009, Jordan’s career total of 3,734 yards is solid, but over 40% came in that one epic Raiders season. It’s a reminder of how the RB position chews up even the toughest guys. If only he stayed healthy… 8. Spencer WareDec 22, 2019; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (39) rushes the ball against Chicago Bears linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (57) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports At number eight, we’ve got Spencer Ware, a late bloomer who seized his moment with the Chiefs but couldn’t hold on. Drafted in the sixth round by the Seahawks in 2013, Ware barely saw the field early on, bouncing to Kansas City’s practice squad. But in 2016, with Jamaal Charles sidelined, Ware stepped up as the lead back. In 14 games, he rushed for 921 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.  Add in 447 receiving yards and two more scores, and you’ve got nearly 1,400 total yards. He was physical, versatile, and a key part of Andy Reid’s offense, helping the Chiefs make the playoffs. Then, disaster struck. In the 2017 preseason, Ware tore his PCL and LCL, missing the entire year. When he returned in 2018, he was a backup to Kareem Hunt and later Damien Williams, managing just 246 yards. Released after 2019, Ware had a brief stint with the Bears but was done by 2020.  That 2016 season was his only time as a starter, accounting for over half his career production. Injuries are a running back’s worst enemy, and Ware’s story shows how one bad hit can end the dream. 7. Olandis GaryOct 21, 2001; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos running back Olandis Gary (22) in action against San Diego Chargers defenders Rogers Beckett (42) and Rodney Harrison (37) at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK Olandis Gary slides in at seven—a classic Broncos one-year wonder in the Mike Shanahan era. A fourth-round pick in 1999, Gary was thrust into the spotlight when Terrell Davis went down with a season-ending injury in Week 4.  The rookie didn’t miss a beat, starting the next 12 games and rushing for 1,159 yards with seven touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He added 159 receiving yards, totaling over 1,300 scrimmage yards. Gary’s tough running style helped keep Denver competitive, and fans thought they’d found Davis’s heir. Nope. In the first game of 2000, Gary tore his ACL, missing the rest of the year. The running back returned in 2001 but never regained his form, topping out at 384 yards that season. Bouncing between the Broncos and Lions, Gary’s career ended after 2003 with just 1,486 total rushing yards—over 75% from that epic ’99 campaign. Knee injuries are brutal, especially for RBs, and Gary’s is a textbook example of how fragile success can be in the NFL. 6. Ladell BettsOct 1, 2006; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back (46) Ladell Betts carries the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety (20) Donovin Darius and safety (37) Deon Grant attempt to tackle him in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © James Lang Number six is Ladell Betts, who turned injury into opportunity but couldn’t make it last. Drafted by Washington in the second round in 2002, Betts spent his first four years as a backup to Clinton Portis, never exceeding 338 rushing yards. But in 2006, with Portis hurt early, Betts became the starter.  He delivered big time, rushing for 1,154 yards and four touchdowns at 4.7 yards per carry. With 445 receiving yards and a score, that’s over 1,500 total yards in 16 games. It was a career-high everything, proving he could handle the load. After that? Portis returned, and Betts went back to backup duty, managing 335 yards in 2007. A knee injury in 2008 limited him further, and by 2009, he was with the Saints in a minor role before retiring.  That 2006 season made up nearly a third of his career rushing yards. Late bloomers like Betts show how depth charts and health dictate fates in the NFL— one epic fill-in role, then back to the shadows. 5. Justin ForsettSep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Halfway through, at number five: Justin Forsett, the journeyman who peaked late and vanished quickly. A seventh-round pick by the Seahawks in 2008, Forsett bounced around four teams before landing with the Ravens in 2014 at age 29. With Ray Rice suspended and released, Forsett became the starter and balled out.  He rushed for 1,266 yards (nearly double his next-best) and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Adding 263 receiving yards, that’s over 1,500 total, earning him a Pro Bowl nod. It was a feel-good story of perseverance paying off. But 2015 brought a broken arm after 638 yards, and in 2016, he split time before being released mid-season. A brief Lions stint yielded 111 yards, and Forsett retired after that. His epic 2014 made up over half his career production. Age and injuries caught up fast, turning a breakout into a brief flash. He tried his comeback, but fans were not buying. 4. Steve SlatonAugust 16, 2008; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton (20) falls into the end zone for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. The Texans defeated the Saints 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports Steve Slaton checks in at four—a rookie sensation who bulked up and busted. A third-round pick by the Texans in 2008, Slaton led all rookies with 1,282 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He added 377 receiving yards and a score, totaling nearly 1,700 scrimmage yards. It was a dominant debut, hinting at stardom. Then, he added 20 pounds of muscle in 2009, losing his burst as a running back. Fumblitis and a neck injury limited him to 437 yards. Released before his rookie deal ended, Slaton had stints with the Dolphins and the CFL but never recovered. Over 60% of his career yards came in ’08. Sometimes, changing what works backfires spectacularly. 3. Robert EdwardsJune 24, 2006; Hamilton, ON, Canada – Montreal Alouettes running back (47) Robert Edwards breaks off-tackle in the fourth quarter of a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By John Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2006 John Sokolowski Bronze medal goes to Robert Edwards, whose story is tragic. A first-round pick by the Patriots in 1998, Edwards rushed for 1,115 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, adding 331 receiving yards and three scores for over 1,400 total and 12 TDs. He set a record with touchdowns in his first six games. Postseason? A freak knee injury in a Pro Bowl beach flag football game nearly cost him his leg and kept him out until 2002. With the Dolphins, he rushed for 107 yards in a backup role, then played in the CFL. That ’98 season was over 70% of his NFL yards. A cautionary tale of off-field risks. 2. Ickey WoodsJan 8, 1989; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods (30) on the sideline during the 1988 AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills at Riverfront Stadium. The Bengals won 21-10. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Runner-up: Ickey Woods, the shuffle king. As a Bengals rookie in 1988, Woods rushed for 1,066 yards (5.3 YPC, NFL lead) and 15 touchdowns, helping reach the Super Bowl. His “Ickey Shuffle” was iconic. Week 2 of 1989: Torn ACL. He never regained form, rushing for under 500 yards over three more years. Out by 1992, his epic year accounted for over 60% of his career. Knee injuries strike again. 1. Peyton HillisDec. 18, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns running back (40) Peyton Hillis against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Top spot: Peyton Hillis, the Madden curse poster boy. In 2010 with the Browns, Hillis exploded for 1,177 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 477 receiving yards with two scores—over 1,650 total and 13 TDs. Fans voted him Madden ’12 cover. Injuries hit: Hamstring, strep throat, contract drama. Never played 16 games again, topping 587 yards once. Out by 2014. That season was over 50% of his yards were gained. From hero to zero. But he’ll always be the hero for his kids, though.