Top 25 NFL running backs whose careers were derailed too early

Sims arrived in Detroit with much promise, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, Heisman Trophy in hand, out of Oklahoma, and after a stellar but grief career was tragically knocked out of the NFL.

As a rookie, Sims rushed for 1,303 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. The following season, Sims rushed for 13 more scores and a career-high 1,437 yards. Sims was the driving force behind the Lions making the postseason in 1982 and 1983, rushing for a combined 1,679 yards and 11 touchdowns over that span.

Disaster struck for Sims, who was in the midst of a potential Hall of Fame career when he shredded his right knee during a 1984 game against the Minnesota Vikings. After taking a handoff for a two-yard gain, Sims planted awkwardly and wound up tearing multiple ligaments in his knee.

Four years later, in 1988, Sims attempted a comeback, but ultimately never played another down in the NFL.

Barry Sanders wound up wearing Sims’ No. 20 as a tribute when he was chosen by Detroit. But, there’s no telling just how much higher Sims would rank on the all-time rushing list or of Sanders would have ever been a Lion at all had Sims stayed healthy and on the pace that his career began to win.

• 1,131 carries for 5,106 yards and 42 touchdowns, 186 receptions for 2,072 yards and five touchdowns
• 1981 First-team All-Pro
• 1980 Second-team All-Pro
• 1980 NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year
• Three-time Pro Bowler