15 NFL Players Who Deserved a Redemption Arc But Never Got One

Not every NFL story ends in glory. For every comeback king or beloved veteran who rides off into the sunset, there’s someone who never quite got the chance to rewrite their ending.

These are the guys who had talent, hype, or even early success—but the stars never aligned for a second act. Whether it was due to bad timing, tough circumstances, or the brutal nature of the league, these 15 players deserved a redemption arc but never received one.

15. Josh Gordon

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon (10) is helped off of the field during the first half against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium.
Paul Rutherford / Imagn Images

Few players teased greatness the way Josh Gordon did. His off-the-field struggles kept getting in the way of what could’ve been an all-time career.

14. Robert Griffin III

Oct 4, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) shakes hands with teammates on the bench prior to their game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

He lit the league on fire as a rookie and looked like the future. Then injuries and coaching chaos completely derailed his momentum.

13. Johnny Manziel

Hey, look, it's 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel playing for the AAF's Memphis Express
Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

He was electric in college and had the charisma to be a star. But the NFL spotlight proved too much, and he never really got a serious second chance.

12. Blake Bortles

Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Blake Bortles (9) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Say what you want, but Bortles got the Jaguars to an AFC Championship Game. Then, he was treated like a meme and vanished from relevance.

11. Justin Blackmon

Aug 10, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) during warmups prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

He had all the talent in the world and started strong in Jacksonville. Unfortunately, personal issues stopped any chance of a true comeback.

10. Trent Richardson

2012: Trent Richardson, RB from Alabama. Drafted No. 3 by the Browns. Indianapolis Colts Beat The Tennessee Titans 41 17
Sam Riche, MCT, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Drafted high with big expectations, Richardson looked like a can’t-miss back. He bounced around a few teams but never found his footing again.

9. Colin Kaepernick

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park
Kyle Terada / Imagn Images

Whether you agree with him or not, Kaepernick had the skill set to still contribute to the league. But he never got another real shot after his last snap.

8. David Wilson

Wikimedia Commons

Wilson showed flashes of being a game-breaking back for the Giants. A tragic neck injury ended things before he could fully shine.

7. Sam Bradford

Sep 23, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Bradford was constantly hyped as a franchise guy and showed moments of brilliance. But injuries and bad luck kept him from ever completing the arc.

6. Maurice Clarett

Nov 23, 2002;Columbus, Oh, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett (13) runs against Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State beat Michigan 14-9, and beat Miami in the Fiesta Bowl to become National Champions. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

His NFL career had barely begun, but his fall from grace was swift and dramatic. He tried to come back later but never got a real opportunity.

5. Daunte Culpepper

December 13, 2009; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) passes in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore defeated Detroit 48-3. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
James Lang-Imagn Images

He was dominant with the Vikings until injuries began to take a toll. He bounced around, trying to reclaim his spark, but the magic never came back.

4. Vince Young

Green Bay Packers quarterback Vince Young (13) looks to the sidelines during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 30-8.
Denny Medley / Imagn Images

Young had early success and appeared to be on track to become a true dual-threat legend. But between locker room issues and inconsistent play, he never got his redemption run.

3. Jamarcus Russell

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) walks off the field after the Raiders' 20-19 victory over the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field.
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images

Russell was a massive bust, but it still feels like the league gave up on him quickly. You always wonder what a mature version of him could’ve looked like.

Read More: 15 NFL Fanbases That Deserve Some Good Luck in 2025

2. Tim Tebow

Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow (11) walks off the field after a victory against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tebowmania was real, and he won a playoff game—then was never really given another shot. Love him or hate him, he deserved at least one more real try.

Read More: 10 NFL Players Blacklisted From the League

1. Andrew Luck

Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA;Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during the second quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

He retired early to preserve his body and sanity, but fans never stopped hoping he’d come back. A redemption arc for Luck would’ve broken the internet—and probably a few defenses, too.

Read More: ‘Send Their A** Home’:Russell Westbrook’s Explosive Clippers Reaction

Related Articles
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Robert Griffin III on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Commanders’ Robert Griffin III Slams Racist Attack on Angel Reese
Robert Griffin III called out racist imagery targeting Angel Reese after her NBA 2K26 cover appearance,...
Read More
Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against the Dallas Wings during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
WNBA Fans Slam RGIII for “Hate-Baiting” Angel Reese Comments
Robert Griffin III’s comments on Angel Reese spark backlash from WNBA fans who accuse him of clout-chasing...
Read More
Jun 1, 2025; Erin, Wisconsin, USA; Charley Hull tees off during the final round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Prayers Pour In for LPGA Star After Scary Collapse at Evian Championship
LPGA Tour standout Charley Hull collapsed twice at the Evian Championship and was stretchered off the...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.