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

James Stewart is the first player on this list who had real success with his first team, spending five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Whether as a starter or part of a running back by committee, he found his way into the end zone a ton. Stewart scored at least eight times in three of his five years with Jacksonville, including a career-high 13 touchdowns in 1999.

His best individual performance with Jacksonville came in 1997, where he scored a franchise-record five rushing touchdowns in a single game. Stewart found his way into the end zone once every three touches in that ball game. He ultimately left the Jaguars to sign a free-agent deal with the Detroit Lions, where his best was yet to come.

The results were immediate, with Stewart taking his game to another level. He played and started all 16 games, carrying the rock a whopping 339 times and rushed for 1,184 yards and 10 touchdowns. Stewart was affected by injuries the following season. He rushed for fewer than 700 yards but did bounce back in 2002, once again getting back over the 1,000-yard threshold.

Unfortunately for Stewart, he was never able to shake off the injuries after age-30. He missed all the 2003 NFL season and opted to retire rather than attempt a late comeback in his career. He seemed to have at least another solid season or two left in him, but Stewart wanted to remain as healthy as possible in the next stage of his life.

He finished with 57 total touchdowns along with nearly 5,000 career rushing yards. Stewart was a good player consistently throughout his career but took a good step after playing with Detroit.