In the history of the NFL, few players have stepped onto the field as rookies and changed the game. Earl Campbell would qualify — and Mean Joe. The average NFL career lasts all of four years. That includes the guys on the bottom of the roster and the guys on top. That is, guys who barely survived the cut, and guys who have full-fledged careers. In the latter group, we spend a great deal of time and energy analyzing their downward arc, the painful loss of abilities as age runs its inexorable course. I’m hoping again this year that Father Time sacks Tom Brady, falling on No.
The arc of an NFL career shows why fans should be patient and trust the process
