Undrafted free agents are often overlooked in the NFL draft, but some of the league's most successful players started their careers as undrafted free agents. Here are five undrafted NFL players who ended up being great:
Kurt Warner - Quarterback, St. Louis Rams
Kurt Warner is perhaps the most famous undrafted free agent success story in NFL history. After going undrafted out of college, Warner bounced around various indoor football leagues before finally getting a shot with the St. Louis Rams in 1998. He became the starting quarterback in 1999 and led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory, earning the game's MVP award.
Wes Welker - Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Wes Welker went undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2004 but signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent. He was eventually released and signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he became a standout slot receiver. Welker was traded to the New England Patriots in 2007 and became one of the most productive receivers in NFL history, recording five 100-catch seasons.
James Harrison - Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison went undrafted out of Kent State in 2002 and bounced around several NFL teams before finally finding a home with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. He became a starting linebacker in 2007 and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Harrison was a two-time Pro Bowler and helped lead the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories.
Tony Romo - Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo went undrafted out of Eastern Illinois in 2003 but signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He spent his first three seasons as a backup quarterback before becoming the starter in 2006. Romo went on to become one of the most productive quarterbacks in Cowboys history, recording four 4,000-yard passing seasons.
Adam Vinatieri - Kicker, New England Patriots/Indianapolis Colts
Adam Vinatieri went undrafted out of South Dakota State in 1996 but signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent. He became the team's starting kicker and played a key role in the team's Super Bowl victories in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Vinatieri later signed with the Indianapolis Colts and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2006.
In conclusion, these five players prove that just because a player goes undrafted doesn't mean they can't become great. Teams that are able to identify and develop undrafted talent can often find hidden gems that can help them win championships.
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