5 NFL players who should still be superstars in 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a third quarter pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

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Oct 18, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley (21) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Former NFL superstar no. 3: Todd Gurley, RB

Would you believe me if I told you that Todd Gurley is still only 27 years old?

It’s truly bizarre how quickly Gurley ascended to NFL stardom and how quickly he fell out of favor.

Gurley played six NFL seasons, which is more than most who even make it to the NFL can say. Not only did he play six seasons in the NFL, but Gurley had 67 regular season touchdowns.

He racked up 8,336 yards from scrimmage and 79 total touchdowns.

He averaged six yards per carry in the playoffs.

Even in his least effective season on a per touch basis with the Falcons in 2020, Gurley still had nine rushing touchdowns in 15 games.

For someone whose primary concerns have been knee issues, Gurley has only missed eight career games.

Only three players in NFL history had more total touchdowns than Gurley did in his first five years in the NFL.

Yes, Todd Gurley was a true superstar at the running back position. Unfortunately, his time as a superstar in the NFL seems to be completely over.

At the age of 27, how is that possible?

He didn’t even play in 2021, and still only Derrick Henry of the Titans has more rushing touchdowns than Gurley since 2017.

Perhaps we haven’t seen the last of him in the NFL just yet, but it’s also possible that the former first-round pick out of Georgia is done and will have played his entire career from the ages of 21-26.

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