Early Release, But Long Career

[Halas Hall]

A few players will be placed on waivers as the season approaches. I was trying to think of some players who were initially waived, but went on to long noteworthy careers with other teams. Here are a few:

John Unitas (we all know the story)

Jim Langer (cut by Cleveland, HOF with the Dolphins)

Bill Pellington (cut by Cleveland, over a decade with the Colts)

Pat Leahy (cut by St Louis, over fifteen years with the Jets)

Brent Jones (cut by Pittsburgh - largely due to injuries in a car accident, good career with the 49ers)

Steve Largent (cut by Houston, HOF with the Seahawks)

Who are some others?

Thanks.

[Ken Crippen]

Jack Kemp would probably fall into that category.

[ChrisBabcock]

Gary Anderson - Drafted in the 7th round in 1982 by the Bills but was cut before the season began. Retired after the 2004 season as the all time leading scorer.

[Gary Najman]

Bob Kuechenberg, released by the Eagles (he was drafted by them in 1969), then the following season started a 15-year career for the Dolphins.

[conace21]

Conrad Dobler was waived in the final round of cuts by the Cardinals, but was brought back after Week 2.

[rhickok1109]

It's pretty well known that the Packers cut Kurt Warner during the 1994 pre-season and didn't get back to the NFL until 1998.

[BD Sullivan]

Dwaine Board was stuck behind the Steel Curtain, was cut and the then-terrible 49ers picked him up. He then thrived for years.

[Jay Z]

Timmy Brown made it one game into the 1959 regular season with the Packers, but was cut.

Don Woods didn't have a super long career, but ran for 1,000 yards for the Chargers the same season he was cut by the Packers.

[vikingsfan1963]

Didn't Lombardi say cutting Timmy Brown was his biggest mistake as far as a personnel decision?

[sheajets]

Nick Lowery. Brief cup of coffee with the Pats in 1978 and then 14 years with the Chiefs. Think he had a try out with the Colts in 79 that went nowhere but his tenure with KC didn't start until 80