5 undrafted free agents in NFL history ft. Kurt WarnerÂ
At the conclusion of the NFL Draft each year, some college football players who weren't selected get signed by teams as undrafted free agents. These players are speculative adds to their new teams. Many of them fail to make the roster, while some remain on the practice squad.
Every once in a while, an undrafted free agent makes the team and eventually goes on to become a legend of the game. Here are five of the greatest players to do so.
Legendary undrafted free agents from NFL history
#5 - Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates was a highly-recruited football and basketball player when he was in high school. He decided to pursue a basketball career and chose not to play football. At the conclusion of his college playing days, he realized he likely wasn't going to make it to the NBA, so he tried out for the San Diego Chargers, who immediately signed him to the roster.
Antonio Gates calls it a career.
GOAT, period. https://t.co/epugVtD5ep
Gates went on to become one of the greatest tight ends of all-time. At the peak of his career, he was selected to eight consecutive Pro Bowls while also being chosen for five All-Pro teams. He will likely be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.
#4 - James Harrison
James Harrison went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft before being signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. He struggled to make the roster for several years before eventually becoming a starter for the 2007 season.
Harrison immediately became one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league, making four consecutive All-Pro teams and five-straight Pro Bowls. He was also selected as the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year while helping the Steelers win two Super Bowl rings.