Top 25 NFL running backs whose careers were derailed too early

The No. 3 overall pick out of Penn State in 1983, Curt Warner’s career can largely be defined by his resiliency after suffering a torn ACL just as his second season began.

Warner was every bit an elite running back in his rookie season, rushing for 1,449 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, matching his total scores three seasons later. However, Warner tore his ACL in Week 1 of his sophomore season, and while he was a productive player post-injury, he only showed flashes of being the same dominant back.

In his return from surgery in 1985, Warner surpassed 1,000 yards, before posting the most productive season of his career in 1986 when he produced 1,481 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Warner’s resilience from returning from reconstructive knee surgery in an era where knee injuries were considered catastrophic is rather remarkable, given that he went on to appear in three Pro Bowls when other backs might have had their careers ended by such an injury.

While Warner still had a productive career, it’s easy to wonder just how much more prolific he might have been had he not blown out his knee in his second professional season

• Career stats: 1,698 carries for 6,844 yards and 56 touchdowns, 193 receptions for 1,467 yards and 7 touchdowns
• Three-time Pro Bowler
• Three-time Second-Team All-Pro
• Two-time AFC Offensive Player of The Year