Top 25 NFL running backs whose careers were derailed too early

For a stretch, Foster looked like he was on a path to becoming one of the most dominant running backs of his generation.

From 2010 through 2012, Foster’s shifty but explosive running style propelled him to 4,264 yards and 41 touchdowns over that span, including rushing for a career-high 1,616 yards and 16 scores in his second NFL season.

What made Foster’s 2011 season even more impressive was that he sprained his hamstring twice during the preseason that summer but still finished sixth in rushing.

Injuries began to take their toll on Foster, as they do on so many running backs, in his fourth season when he suffered a bulging disk in his back that required surgery in November of 2013. The following season, despite only appearing in 13 games, Foster rushed for 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns.

All told, Foster appeared in fewer than 13 games in four of his eight seasons, but, despite the back and knee issues, Foster still surpassed 1,200 rushing yards four times before a lower-body injury led to his retirement in October of 2016. What might Foster’s career totals look like without those injuries and if he were able to play for at least two or three more seasons?

• Career stats: 1,476 carries for 6,527 yards and 54 touchdowns
• 2010 First-team All-Pro
• 2011 Second-team All-Pro
• Four-time Pro Bowler
• 2010 NFL rushing champion