perhaps the biggest flop in NFL
history, Ryan Leaf was the #
2 overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in 1998. the only
player picked in front of Leaf was Payton Manning, and the Colts (who selected Manning) considered taking Leaf until just before draft day. needless to say, the Colts were wise to take Payton.
Leaf was highly touted, coming out of Washington State U, and was expected to lead
San Diego to glory. However, in is rookie year, he had 2 touchdowns, 15 picks, and a bad attitude. he nearly fought an angry
fan, often screamed at reporters, and faked an injury to leave practice to
golf. he missed the '99 season with a shoulder injury, and after poor performance, and injury, and a run in w/ police (a bar fight), he was released after 2000.
Leaf was signed and released by tampa Bay before the 2001 season, and finally ended up playing as a back up in Dallas that year. He lost all 4 games that he started.
He signed with
Seattle as a back up prior to 2002, but retired due to long standing injuries.