Top 25 NFL running backs whose careers were derailed too early

Like so many on this list, Okoye — affectionately known as the Nigerian Nightmare because of his hard-nosed, physical running style — had his promising career cut short by injuries.

In 1989, Okoye more than lived up to his moniker during the most dominant season of his NFL career. Okoye became the first Kansas City Chiefs running back to ever win the rushing crown, producing 1,480 yards while leading the league with 370 attempts on his way to a Pro Bowl berth and AFC Offensive Player of The Year Award.

Drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 1987 NFL Draft, Okoye averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns in his first three seasons prior to suffering a nagging and debilitating knee injury in 1990. By the time 1992 rolled around, Okoye was relegated to being the Chiefs’ goal-line and short-yardage back.

Elected to the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame in 2000, it’s impossible not to wonder what his potential might have been had he stayed healthy. Despite injuries wreaking havoc on the back-end of his career, Okoye produced a pair of 1,000 yard rushing seasons and scored 40 touchdowns in six seasons. What might have been if Okoye could have played three to four more seasons? How high might he have ranked on the all-time rushing list?

• Career stats: 1,246 carries for 4,897 yards and 40 touchdowns, 42 receptions for 294 yards
• Two-time Pro Bowler
• 1989 First-Team All-Pro
• 1991 Second-Team All-Pro
• 1989 AFC Offensive Player of The Year
• 1989 NFL Rushing Leader
• Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer, Ring of Honor member