Top 10 players with greatest rookie seasons in NFL history
Find out the top 10 NFL players with the best rookie season of all time.
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Randy Moss (Image via Pioneer Press)
The NFL and other American sports have adopted the system of drafting young players from different colleges around the country. This gives the opportunity for many players to showcase their talents in one of the biggest leagues in the world.
The bigger the league, the more expectations from the players to perform exceptionally well in their first season, also known as the rookie season. Although, many players don’t get the optimal game time for their rookie seasons to showcase their talents. There have been many players in the NFL who have outshined league veterans in just their rookie season.
The NFL has seen many outstanding rookie seasons over the years, with players making an immediate impact and leaving a lasting impression on the league. These players come from every position in the game and has often went on to have legendary career. Lets take a look at the top 10 players with the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history.
10. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders had an impressive rookie season with the Detroit Lions in 1989. Sanders was drafted third overall by the Lions and was expected to be a key contributor to their offense. He didn’t disappoint, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top running backs.
In his rookie season, Sanders rushed for 1,470 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing yards and earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He also caught 24 passes for 282 yards and another touchdown, showcasing his versatility as a running back.
9. Devin Hester
Devin Hester, known as one of the most electrifying return specialists in NFL history, had a phenomenal rookie season with the Chicago Bears in 2006. Hester was primarily drafted as a cornerback, but his impact was felt most on special teams as a returner.
In his rookie season, Hester returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, setting an NFL record for most returns for touchdowns in a single season. His first return touchdown came in just his second game, where he returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
8. Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase, a wide receiver from LSU, had a promising rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. The fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase had high expectations coming into the season and quickly proved he was ready for the NFL.
Chase caught 70 passes for 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns, setting franchise records for a rookie receiver. Chase’s rookie season was even more impressive considering he opted out of the 2020 college football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite missing a year of game action, Chase quickly adjusted to the speed and physicality of the NFL and became a reliable target for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
7. Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger had a remarkable rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. The Steelers drafted Roethlisberger 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, and he quickly proved to be a key addition to their team.
Roethlisberger started 13 games and led the Steelers to a 15-1 regular season record, the best in the league that year. He completed 66.4% of his passes for 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Roethlisberger’s impact on the Steelers’ offense was immediate. He provided a strong arm and excellent decision-making skills, helping to elevate the team’s passing game.
6. Jevon Kearse
Jevon Kearse, also known as “The Freak,” had an exceptional rookie season with the Tennessee Titans in 1999. The Titans selected Kearse with the 16th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, and he quickly made an impact on their defense.
Kearse’s speed and athleticism were unmatched, making him a dominant force on the field. He was known for his ability to get to the quarterback, and his 14.5 sacks tied the NFL rookie record at the time. Kearse’s performance helped lead the Titans to the top-ranked defense in the league, and he quickly became one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.
5. Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert’s rookie season earned him numerous accolades, including NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a selection to the Pro Bowl. His performance helped the Chargers finish the season with a 7-9 record and provided optimism for the team’s future.
In his rookie year, Herbert set numerous NFL rookie records. He threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns, completing 66.6% of his passes. He also rushed for 234 yards and five touchdowns, displaying his mobility and athleticism.
4. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell‘s rookie season set the stage for a remarkable career that spanned eight seasons. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons and finished his career with 9,407 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns.
In his rookie season, Campbell rushed for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the NFL in both categories. He also caught 10 passes for 118 yards, showcasing his versatility as a player.
3. Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson, the former running back from Southern Methodist University, had a phenomenal rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983. Dickerson was selected with the second overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league.
Dickerson rushed for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns in his rookie season, breaking the NFL rookie rushing record previously held by George Rogers. He also caught 51 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
2. Lawrence Taylor
In his rookie season, Lawrence Taylor recorded 9.5 sacks, 133 tackles, and two forced fumbles. He also intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in a Week 11 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former linebacker from the University of North Carolina, had a phenomenal rookie season with the New York Giants in 1981. Taylor was selected with the second overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league
1. Randy Moss
Randy Moss certainly had the best rookie season in NFL history. In his rookie season, Moss caught 69 passes for 1,313 yards and 17 touchdowns, breaking the NFL rookie record for touchdown receptions. He also set the Vikings‘ single-season record for receiving yards and helped lead the team to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
Moss’s speed, size, and athleticism made him a difficult player for opposing defenses to contain. He quickly became known for his ability to make spectacular catches and his incredible speed on deep passes. His performance in his rookie season earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and his first of six Pro Bowl selections.
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