5 RBs who were the biggest one-season wonders in NFL history
NFL history is loaded with great running backs who were dominant over an extended period of time. There have also been a number of running backs who were simply just a flash in the pan.
Here are five NFL running backs who were excellent for one season before falling off completely, never again returning to an elite level.
One-season wonder running backs from NFL history
#5 - Nick Goings, Carolina Panthers
Nick Goings is more of a half-season wonder than a full one-season wonder. He spent all eight seasons of his career with the Carolina Panthers, but only provided solid production in one of them.
He received an opportunity to become the starting running back during the 2004 NFL season due to injuries to other players, and he made the most of it.
Championship Week 🏆
Who's the most random player that's propelled your team to a #FantasyFootball Title?
I'll Start: Nick Goings (2004)
Goings had as many RSH YDS in 6 WKS as he did in his 8YR Career. 100 + yards rushing in 5/6 WKS WK’s 10-16 AVG 18.5 PTS during FF playoffs https://t.co/ISYUp5Ov5Y
Goings started just eight games that season, but turned his opportunity into a massive performance.
He recorded 1,215 total yards and seven touchdowns that year. He failed to eclipse 300 total yards in any other season and only scored two more total touchdowns in his career.
#4 - Rashaan Salaam, Chicago Bears
After winning the Heisman Trophy in his final season of college football at Colorado, Rashaan Salaam was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 21st overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft.
The Bears believed they were getting a stud running back to build their team around. Unfortunately, his career didn't last long.
Salaam got off to an excellent start by putting together a promising rookie season.
He carried the ball 296 times for 1,074 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. He basically became irrelevant after that, combining for just 175 carries for 610 yards and three touchdowns over the next three years before retiring.