17 NFL Stars Who Were Late Bloomers

Some NFL stars burst onto the scene straight out of college, lighting up highlight reels from day one. But others took the scenic route—bouncing around practice squads, riding the bench, or just needing a few years to figure it all out.

This list celebrates the players who didn’t peak early but still managed to shine. These late bloomers proved that sometimes greatness needs a little extra time to marinate.

17. Geno Smith

Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) scrambles away from Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) and throws for a touchdown in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Once seen as a draft bust, Geno Smith reinvented himself and turned into a Pro Bowl quarterback in his thirties. He’s the ultimate “don’t write me off” example in recent memory.

16. Fred Jackson

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Fred Jackson (22) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fred Jackson went undrafted, played in Europe, and didn’t become a starter until his late twenties. Once he got his shot with the Bills, he made the most of it for nearly a decade.

15. Rich Gannon

Oct 12, 2003; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) throws in the pocket against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns beat the Raiders 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Gannon bounced around the league for years before finding his groove with the Raiders. He became an MVP at the age of 37, which is relatively young in NFL years.

14. James Harrison

Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots linebacker James Harrison (92) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cut multiple times early in his career, Harrison didn’t become a full-time starter until his late twenties. Once he did, he terrorized quarterbacks and went on to become a Defensive Player of the Year.

13. Priest Holmes

November 11, 2007; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes (31) heads downfield in the third quarter for a gain in the Chiefs 27-11 loss to the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Image

Holmes went undrafted and served as a backup before exploding in Kansas City. By his late twenties, he was one of the most dominant running backs in the league.

12. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Fitzmagic took a while to hit his stride, but once he did, he brought chaos and excitement wherever he played. His journeyman career turned into a cult-favorite legacy.

11. Donald Driver

Nov 14, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) lines up for a play during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Driver was a seventh-round pick who didn’t crack 1,000 yards until his fourth season. He eventually became a go-to guy for Brett Favre and a fan favorite in Green Bay.

10. Arian Foster

Saturday, October 18, 2008 Tennessee running back Arian Foster (27) is pursued by Mississippi State linebacker K.J. Wright on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 34-3, improving to 3-4, 1-3 SEC. Utmissst03 Sy10510
SAUL YOUNG, Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Foster was buried on the Texans’ depth chart before bursting out of nowhere in his second season. Once he got the starting role, he became one of the most consistent backs in the game.

9. Michael Turner

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) warms up prior to the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Stuck behind LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, Turner didn’t start until he joined Atlanta in his late twenties. Then he immediately became one of the league’s top rushers.

8. Wes Welker

Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Wes Welker (19) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Welker was an afterthought in San Diego and Miami before thriving with the Patriots. His breakout came when he became Tom Brady’s favorite weapon well into his career.

7. Terrell Davis

Jan 11, 1998; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis (30) fighting off Pittsburgh Steelers safety Myron Bell (40) during the 1998 AFC Championship Game where Denver defeated Pittsburgh 24-21 at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Davis was a sixth-round pick who initially seemed like a long shot to make the team. Then he became a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most feared backs of the late ’90s.

6. Doug Baldwin

Dec 30, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pose for a photo after the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Arizona 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Baldwin went undrafted and didn’t post a 1,000-yard season until year four. But once he found chemistry with Russell Wilson, he became a key piece of Seattle’s offense.

5. Jared Allen

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Allen was a fourth-round pick who didn’t become a household name until a few seasons in. Once he did, he became one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era.

4. Julian Edelman

Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs with the ball during warmups before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

A college quarterback turned NFL wide receiver, Edelman took years to transition fully. He eventually became a playoff legend and won the Super Bowl MVP award.

3. Kurt Warner

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) looks to pass against the New Orleans Saints during 3rd quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 45-14A
John David Mercer / Imagn Images

No one’s late bloomer story is more Hollywood than Kurt Warner’s. From bagging groceries to Super Bowl MVP, he defines second chances.

Read More: 15 Veteran QBs Still Chasing One Last Shot at Glory

2. Tony Romo

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Romo went undrafted and spent years holding a clipboard in Dallas. Once he got the starting job, he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in franchise history.

Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Need to Prove They’re Still “That Guy” This Year

1. Tom Brady

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a touchdown pass over the Tennessee Titans defense at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 9, 2012. The Titans lost their home and season opener 34-13
George Walker IV / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yes, even the GOAT was a late bloomer. He was a sixth-round pick who rode the bench until an injury changed his life—and the NFL—forever.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Down-to-Earth Quarterbacks of All Time

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