Each year, countless players aspire to be drafted into the NFL, but many talented athletes slip through the cracks. However, being undrafted doesn’t spell failure. Some rise from obscurity to achieve greatness and some even earn Hall of Fame honors. Here, we celebrate 15 NFL stars who proved their talent surpasses draft status.
Kurt Warner
After going undrafted in 1994, Warner played in the Arena Football League and worked at a grocery store. His big break came with the St. Louis Rams, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1999, earned two NFL MVP awards and a place in history.
Tony Romo
An undrafted gem, this former quarterback rose from backup to the Dallas Cowboys’ starter over 13 seasons. Romo garnered a 97.1 passer rating and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Despite postseason challenges, his legacy shines through team records and a successful career as a CBS Sports analyst.
Warren Moon
Warren Moon faced hurdles beyond the draft, as teams doubted whether a Black quarterback could succeed. Proving them wrong, he became one of the most prolific passers in football history. After a stellar CFL career, Moon dominated the NFL, racking up over 49,325 passing yards and earning nine Pro Bowl selections.
Antonio Gates
Gates didn’t even play college football. Instead, he dazzled on the basketball court before making the bold switch to the NFL. He became one of the greatest tight ends in history and recorded eight Pro Bowl appearances, 116 career touchdowns, as well as 955 receptions and 11,841 receiving yards.
John Randle
Defensive tackle John Randle was a force on the field. Randle tallied 137.5 career sacks with six first-team All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods while tormenting quarterbacks for 14 seasons. An undrafted free agent to the Pro Football Hall of Famer, Randle made a monumental impact in the NFL.
Wes Welker
His small stature made him an overlooked prospect, but Welker was impossible to ignore once he hit the NFL. With five Pro Bowl appearances and three seasons leading the league in receptions, Welker redefined the slot receiver position. His chemistry with Tom Brady created unforgettable moments for Patriots fans.
James Harrison
Undrafted in 2002, Harrison spent time on practice squads before breaking through with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison’s intensity on the field made him a two-time Super Bowl champion. His crowning achievement? An NFL legend was created in Super Bowl XLIII with his 100-yard interception return.
Rod Smith
Smith won two Super Bowl championships with the Denver Broncos and holds the record for most touchdown receptions (68) and receiving yards (11,389) by an undrafted player. Rod Smith racked up eight 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFL with 113 receptions in 2001 in his 14-season career.
Priest Holmes
An afterthought in the 1997 draft, Holmes’ career exploded after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. A three-time All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year in 2002, he led the league in rushing and touchdowns multiple times. Holmes’ remarkable 2002 season saw him set a single-season record for yards from scrimmage.
Adam Vinatieri
When the game was on the line, Adam Vinatieri delivered. He kicked two game-winning Super Bowl field goals with ice in his veins and acquired four titles. As the NFL’s all-time points leader with 2,673 points, his clutch performances and records cement him as an unforgettable undrafted legend.
Chris Harris Jr.
Known for his lockdown coverage, Harris went from undrafted to elite. A key member of the Broncos’ vaunted “No Fly Zone” defense, he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl 50 victory. Harris achieved four Pro Bowl selections and redefined what it means to be an elite slot cornerback.
Arian Foster
Foster burst onto the scene with the Houston Texans, making four Pro Bowl appearances and leading the NFL in touchdowns and running yards in 2010. He was known for his Namaste touchdown celebration and consistency, which made him one of the league’s most dangerous running backs for several seasons.
Cameron Wake
Following his time in the CFL, Wake took the NFL by storm with his relentless pass rush. Cameron obtained five Pro Bowl selections and established a legacy with 100.5 career sacks. Known for his energetic play, he is a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player and a two-time NFL All-Pro.
London Fletcher
A durable linebacker, Fletcher played 16 seasons in the NFL without missing a game. Fletcher made four Pro Bowls and was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV championship team. With an impressive 215 consecutive starts, he is among only five players in NFL history to play over 250 straight games.
Jeff Saturday
Jeff Saturday, a standout center, played 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, earning six Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl XLI. Despite being undrafted, Saturday’s resilience led to a decorated career, including four All-Pro selections. After his final season with the Packers, he became a sports analyst for ESPN.
15 Top NFL Stars Who Beat The Odds Without A Draft Pick