Not every NFL player is an instant success story—some guys bounce around the league before finally landing in the perfect situation. Whether it was the right coach, scheme, or just some good timing, these players went from journeymen to stars when they finally found the right team.
Here are 10 NFL players who traveled the league before thriving in their ideal home.
10. Chris Carter (Philadelphia Eagles → Minnesota Vikings)
Carter started his career with the Eagles, but after struggling with off-field issues, he was literally cut by Buddy Ryan with the famous explanation: “All he does is catch touchdowns.” That turned out to be pretty useful, as he went to Minnesota and became one of the best wide receivers of his generation.
9. Rich Gannon (Minnesota Vikings → Oakland Raiders)
Gannon spent years as a backup and a fill-in starter before finally getting his real shot with the Raiders in his mid-30s. All he did was win an MVP, lead Oakland to a Super Bowl, and prove that sometimes, success comes with patience (and the right coach).
8. Nick Foles (Everywhere → Philadelphia Eagles 2.0)
Foles bounced around the league before landing back in Philly for his second stint, where he went from backup to Super Bowl MVP. His legendary playoff run, capped off by the “Philly Special,” ensured he’ll never have to buy a cheesesteak in that city again.
7. Kurt Warner (Everywhere → St. Louis Rams)
Warner’s journey is straight out of a movie—because it literally became a movie. From grocery store clerk to Arena League star to Super Bowl MVP with the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Warner’s career proves that sometimes, the right opportunity changes everything.
6. Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins → Tennessee Titans)
Tannehill was written off as a first-round bust in Miami, only to get traded to Tennessee and completely revive his career. He went from being a disappointment to leading the Titans to an AFC Championship Game, proving that sometimes, all a guy needs is Derrick Henry running over people.
5. James Harrison (Baltimore Ravens → Pittsburgh Steelers)
Harrison was undrafted and cut multiple times before finally sticking with the Steelers, where he became one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. His 100-yard pick-six in the Super Bowl remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
4. Plaxico Burress (Pittsburgh Steelers → New York Giants)
Burress was solid in Pittsburgh, but he became a game-changer when he joined the Giants. His height, hands, and clutch factor helped the G-Men take down the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
3. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers → New Orleans Saints & Philadelphia Eagles)
Sproles was always electric, but it wasn’t until he got to New Orleans that he became an unstoppable weapon in Sean Payton’s offense. Then, he doubled down and helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl, proving that good things come in small packages.
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2. Wes Welker (Miami Dolphins → New England Patriots)
The Dolphins saw Welker as a decent slot receiver, but when he joined Tom Brady in New England, he became the prototype for modern slot receivers. Catching over 100 passes in multiple seasons, he helped define the Patriots’ dynasty years.
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1. Steve Young (Tampa Bay Buccaneers → San Francisco 49ers)
Young was considered a bust in Tampa Bay, but then he landed behind Joe Montana in San Francisco, learned from the best, and became a Hall of Fame quarterback. Once he finally took over, he won an MVP and a Super Bowl, proving that sometimes, the right team makes all the difference.
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