15 NFL Holdouts That Spectacularly Blew Up in Players' Faces

In the high-stakes world of professional football, contract holdouts have been a recurring theme as players seek to secure better deals, more recognition, or re-establish their value to their teams. These holdouts can often lead to significant consequences, impacting not only the players’ careers but also the dynamics within their teams.

This article delves into some of the most notable NFL contract holdouts, exploring the reasons behind them and their lasting effects on both the players and the franchises involved.

15. Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers (2009)

Michael Crabtree’s 71-day holdout in 2009 cost him valuable playing time and development. The 10th overall pick missed all of training camp and five regular-season games, signing a six-year, $32 million contract. While he had a solid career, the holdout likely impacted his early development and rapport with teammates.

14. Jamal Adams – New York Jets (2020)

Jamal Adams’ contract dispute with the Jets led to a trade to the Seahawks. Despite his All-Pro status, Adams didn’t receive an immediate extension from Seattle. The saga resulted in Adams missing valuable time with his new team and potentially impacting his long-term earning potential.

13. Tony Mandarich – Green Bay Packers (1989)

Tony Mandarich, the second overall pick in 1989, held out for 45 days before signing a $4.4 million contract with the Packers. His holdout and subsequent poor performance earned him the label “The NFL’s Incredible Bust.” Mandarich played only three seasons for Green Bay before being released, failing to live up to his pre-draft hype.

12. Duane Thomas – Dallas Cowboys (1971)

Duane Thomas, a star running back for the Cowboys, held out for a new contract after his rookie season. The holdout led to a trade, which was later voided. Thomas returned to Dallas but refused to speak to teammates, coaches, or media. Despite the silence, he helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI, rushing for 95 yards and a touchdown.

11. Earl Thomas – Seattle Seahawks (2018)

Earl Thomas held out for a contract extension, missing training camp and preseason. He returned without a new deal, playing the first four games before suffering a season-ending leg fracture. Thomas famously gave the Seahawks sideline the middle finger while being carted off, ending his tenure with the team on a sour note.

10. Eric Dickerson – Los Angeles Rams (1985)

Eric Dickerson’s 47-day holdout in 1985 initially seemed successful, as he secured a $4 million disability insurance policy and contract negotiations. However, it cost him $47,000 in fines and two regular-season games. Despite this setback, Dickerson still managed to rush for over 1,200 yards that season.

9. Darrelle Revis – New York Jets (2010)

Revis’ 35-day holdout resulted in a four-year, $46 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. While he secured a lucrative deal, the holdout strained his relationship with the team and fans. Revis later referred to it as a “band-aid” contract, highlighting the temporary nature of the resolution.

8. Terrell Owens – Philadelphia Eagles (2005)

Terrell Owens held out for a new contract just one year into his seven-year, $49 million deal with the Eagles. His actions led to a four-game suspension, deactivation for the rest of the season, and eventual release. The holdout damaged Owens’ reputation and ended his tenure with a Super Bowl contender prematurely.

7. Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans (2011)

Chris Johnson’s 2011 holdout with the Titans lasted 35 days before he signed a four-year, $53.5 million extension. However, his performance declined significantly after the holdout, never again reaching his previous 2,000-yard rushing season heights. Johnson’s production dropped, and he was released by the Titans in 2014.

6. Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers (2018)

Le’Veon Bell sat out the entire 2018 season after failing to reach a long-term deal with the Steelers. This decision cost him $14.5 million in salary and marked the end of his tenure in Pittsburgh. Bell’s holdout ultimately backfired, as he signed with the Jets for less guaranteed money in 2019.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)

Jones-Drew’s 38-day holdout in 2012 failed to secure a new contract. He returned without a pay raise, forfeiting $1.2 million in fines. The league’s leading rusher in 2011 missed training camp and preseason, ultimately losing his starting role to Rashad Jennings for Week 1. His production declined significantly that season.

4. Joey Galloway – Seattle Seahawks (1999)

Joey Galloway’s 101-day holdout in 1999 cost him $1.047 million in lost salary and fines. The Seahawks withdrew their $35 million offer, and Galloway missed half the season. He returned to play under his existing contract, ultimately losing leverage in future negotiations and damaging his relationship with the team.

3. Emmitt Smith – Dallas Cowboys (1993)

Emmitt Smith’s 1993 holdout initially backfired as the Cowboys lost their first two games without him. However, Smith quickly returned, signing a 4-year, $13.6 million contract. He went on to lead the league in rushing and win both NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP that season, proving his value to the team.

2. Kelly Stouffer – St. Louis Cardinals (1987)

Stouffer, drafted 6th overall, sat out his entire rookie season due to a contract dispute with the Cardinals. The holdout backfired spectacularly, as he was traded to Seattle the following year. Stouffer’s NFL career was brief and unimpressive, throwing just 7 touchdowns and 19 interceptions over four seasons.

1. JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders (2007)

Russell’s 47-day holdout resulted in a record-breaking $61 million contract with $29 million guaranteed. However, his NFL career was short-lived and disastrous. He played only three seasons, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, before being released in 2010. The Raiders ultimately paid him $39 million for minimal production.