Second chances in sports are some of the best stories around when they're successful. JaMarcus Russell, once weighing over 310 pounds, has put forth a tremendous effort to get back into playing shape. Recently shedding 27 pounds according to CBS Sports, Russell hopes to become another successful comeback story.
The former No. 1 pick of the Oakland Raiders, Russell's return is being documented by Bleacher Report and while he still has a way to go to get back into game-shape, workouts have been positive for the former NFL starter.
"I'm no longer breathing like a fat man," the 27-year-old told Bleacher Report.
Russell's trainer and former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia sees the potential in Russell.
"The main thing is getting back to better habits. His feet are going to get better in a short period of time," Garcia noted.
With all eyes on Russell and his comeback attempt, here's a list of the Top 5 NFL QB Busts Selected No. 1 Overall.
5. Bobby Garrett (Cleveland Browns, 1954)
While he's probably not a household name, Bobby Garrett was an All-American quarterback at Stanford University. His skill appealed to the Cleveland Browns who selected him in 1954. Never seeing the field with the Browns, Garrett was traded almost immediately to the Green Bay Packers where he would only appear in nine games.
4. David Carr (Houston Texans, 2002)
Following a breakout senior season at Fresno State where he threw for 46 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, David Carr was selected with the first pick in the 2002 draft by the expansion Houston Texans. Success did not follow Carr however from Fresno to Houston. Sacked an NFL- record 76 times in 2002, Carr was never able to give birth to a successful Texans franchise. Carr is currently the back-up to two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning.
3. Tim Couch (Cleveland Browns, 1999)
Selected by the revived Cleveland Browns franchise in the 1999 NFL Draft, Tim Couch was looked upon by Browns fans as the quarterback who could inject some life into a struggling organization. While Couch was able to lead Cleveland to the playoffs in 2002, his career with the Browns ended the following season mostly due to injury and lackluster play.
2. Jeff George (Indianapolis Colts, 1990)
Drafted by his hometown team in 1990, Jeff George was never able to feel at home when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in 1990. The contract given to George at the time was the largest ever signed by a rookie in the NFL. Bouncing around the league for most of his career, George played for six other teams upon departing Indianapolis, including with the Oakland Raiders in 2006, his final season.
1. JaMarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders, 2007)
The first pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2007, Russell fell on hard times with the silver and black following a stellar collegiate career at Louisiana State University. The Mobile, Alabama native posted a record of 21-4 as a starter at LSU but in 25 NFL starts was an abismal 7-18. He was released by the Raiders in 2010. Due to inconsistent play and serious weight issues, Russell was not signed by any team upon his release. As noted earlier Russell is attempting a serious NFL comeback. Getting back into shape and continuing to drop weight could land the QB with an NFL this season and move him out of the top slot on a list no one wants to be on!
Obviously this list can go in many different directions. If you feel anyone was left off the Top 5 list or that someone doesn't deserve to be on this rundown, chime in with your comments.
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