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One NFL player you wish never played for your favorite team

By Randy Gurzi

22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ
22 Aug 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers standing around talking before the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers defeated the Colts 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squ /
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BALTIMORE – DECEMBER 5: Kyle Boller #7 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass the ball during their game against the Cincinnati Bengals during NFL action at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Boller, QB

In the early 2000s, the Baltimore Ravens couldn’t miss when it came to adding defensive talent. One player after another joined the team and became a superstar including Ray Lewis, Duane Starks, and Chris McCallister who were all part of their Super Bowl win in 2000.

They added Ed Reed in 2002 and he became one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game. Through it all, they were one of the most feared defenses in the NFL year after year.

What they couldn’t figure out was the quarterback position. The year they won it all, they had Tony Banks and Trent Dilfer each start, with Dilfer being under center for the Super Bowl. They then added Elvis Grbac who went down in flames while also turning to Randall Cunningham for a couple of games before trotting out Jeff Blake and Chris Redman in 2002.

Then in 2003, they thought they had their guy. Baltimore used the No. 19 overall pick on Cal quarterback Kyle Boller who started nine games as a rookie. He ended up with more interceptions (9) than touchdowns (7) and the team was just 5-4 with him playing.

Baltimore improved to 9-7 in his second season but then things got worse as he was 6-11 over the next three seasons. He finished with a record of 20-22 while completing just 56.9 percent of his passes with 45 touchdowns and 44 picks. They were hoping to become a dynasty with their defense but the whiff on Boller kept that from coming to fruition.

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