NFL: 30 running backs who got better after leaving their first team

Speaking of the running game’s evolution, the fullback position in today’s game is nearly extinct. There’s usually just one player in the backfield, except in goal-line situations. But there were plenty of fullbacks who made an impact back in the day, including Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. He was another former first-round draft pick after a stellar college career with Pittsburgh.

He did have a solid career with the New Orleans Saints to start his career, with 13 total touchdowns as their starting fullback. Heyward did the same in a one-year stint with the Chicago Bears but still didn’t get that major opportunity as a pure rusher. That changed the following season with the 1994 Atlanta Falcons.

Heyward switched backfield spots from fullback to running back and it benefitted both sides. He had a career-high seven touchdowns that season to go along with 779 yards on the ground.

His longest individual rush was just 17 yards, so he was more of a bruiser who kept the chains moving on the possession. He was even better in 1995, rushing for 1,083 yards on 236 carries for six touchdowns to earn a Pro Bowl nod.

The Falcons slowly moved on from Heyward the following season before the running back went and played with the then-St. Louis Rams and the Indianapolis Colts to finish out his NFL career. The rusher retired in 1999 but passed sadly away just seven years later after a bout with cancer.

He’s survived by his children, including his son and current Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward. The impact of his father may not have been monumental, but he showed that fullbacks can carry the load as a lead rusher and still contribute positively to the team’s overall running game.