When former NFL running back Rashard Mendenhall parted ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2012 season, he did so very much having essentially worn out his welcome, both with the front office and with the team’s fan base.
Drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Mendenhall spent most of his rookie season on injured reserve, but after a few games—and a partial benching—into his second year, he emerged as the starter ahead of Pro Bowler Willie Parker, who was on his last legs.
Mendenhall carved out a few nice seasons for himself and helped the Steelers reached the Super Bowl in 2010, rushing for 13 touchdowns during the regular season and adding another four touchdown runs during the playoff run.