Undrafted does not have to equate to failure. These guys still could become not just professional players, but super stars in the NFL. They will have to use their frustration to fuel their motivation to work hard and prove all of the sports pundits, general managers and coaches wrong. For people that will say that you are just an optimist looking for a happy ending, here are a couple of players who proved all of the naysayers wrong and went from being undrafted free agents to pro bowlers.
Kurt Warner, QB – Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers, in 1994, but did not make the team. He played a couple of years in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before his first job on a NFL team with the St. Louis Rams whom he led to a Super Bowl Championship. During his 12-year career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl 4 times and earned Super Bowl MVP.
Warren Moon, QB – Went undrafted in the 1978 NFL Draft. (Many people believe that this was because he was black quarterback and refused to switch to tight end.) Played in the Canadian Football League for 6 years before starting in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. He played 17 seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times. He is enshrined in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the only African-American Quarterback in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Deron Cherry, FS - Signed as an undrafted free agent punter in 1981 with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was released. Returned to the team as a free safety and went on to have an 11-year career. He is third on the Chiefs’ list of most interceptions and tied for the team’s record of fumble recoveries. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 6 times.
Not being drafted is not the end of a player’s dream to play professional football in the NFL. With some perseverance and hard work, they can join this group of NFL players who were not defeated, by not being drafted.
Ciao!
Heels & Helmets