Denver Broncos rookie running back Phillip Lindsay made a statement in Week 1 as part of the team’s triumph over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Denver Broncos‘ have found a gem in their undrafted rookie running back Phillip Lindsay. The Colorado homegrown athlete was nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week after an outstanding debut, recording 102 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown.
The other nominees were all first round picks: Giants’ Saquon Barkley, Jets’ Sam Darnold, Browns’ Denzel Ward and Vikings’ Mike Hughes. That’s an elite list for the undrafted runner to be a part of.
As a senior at Denver South High School, Lindsay tore his ACL in the season opener, though they believed it to be a sprain. The misdiagnosed injury allowed him to keep playing — and for the superstar to rush for 299 yards and two touchdowns despite the ACL tear.
He finished as South’s all-time leading rusher, even with only playing two games his senior year. His stat line is impressive: 545 attempts for 4,587 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. Lindsay also totaled 57 touchdowns. He was a coveted collegiate recruit regardless of the injury, deemed the top running back prospect in Colorado.
He declared for the University of Colorado at Boulder, redshirting in 2013. Eventually, Lindsay played in all 51 games he was eligible for, and his high school injury did not impact his outrageous athletic ability.
Lindsay became the first Colorado rusher to have back to back 1,000-yard seasons and holds the all-time record for all-purpose yards with 5,760. He was a prominent kick returner as well, earning his prestige in different elements of the game.
At 5-8 and 190 pounds, the stout running back may not be turning heads on the streets in downtown Denver. But his résumé speaks for itself. This exciting prospect has the opportunity to become a household name playing for his hometown team.
Lindsay’s new quarterback, Case Keenum, should be able to take some pressure off the Broncos running backs as a whole. However, that won’t diminish the impact of Lindsay, who earned the nickname “Tasmanian Devil” because of the serious energy he brings to the team.
The Broncos’ backfield is deep with talent and experience. But count on the rookie being a difference-maker for seasons to come.