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These players, listed chronologically, posted 12 of the best NFL rookie seasons ever. They would be among the primary competitors with Panther quarterback Cam Newton for the mythical title of "Best NFL Rookie Season Ever."
|
Player |
Year |
Team |
Superlatives |
|
Dick Lane (CB) |
1952 |
L.A. Rams |
14 interceptions for "Night Train" in 12 games |
|
Gale Sayers (RB) |
1965 |
Chicago |
Scored 22 total TDs (six in one game) |
|
Earl Campbell (RB) |
1978 |
Houston |
1,450 rushing yards led the NFL |
|
Lawrence Taylor (LB) |
1981 |
N.Y. Giants |
Named AP Defensive Player of the Year |
|
Eric Dickerson (RB) |
1983 |
L.A. Rams |
Led NFL in rushing (1, 808 yards) |
|
Dan Marino (QB) |
1983 |
Miami |
20 TDs, 6 interceptions, 7-2 as a starter |
|
Barry Sanders (RB) |
1989 |
Detroit |
1, 470 rushing yards, 14 TDs |
|
Randy Moss (WR) |
1998 |
Minnesota |
17 TDs, 1, 313 receiving yards for 15-1 Vikings |
|
Peyton Manning (QB) |
1998 |
Indianapolis |
26 passing TDs (still a rookie record) |
|
Edgerrin James (RB) |
1999 |
Indianapolis |
"Edge" led NFL in rushing (1, 553 yards) |
|
Jevon Kearse (DE) |
1999 |
Tennessee |
14.5 sacks for team that lost Super Bowl |
|
Ben Roethlisberger (QB) |
2004 |
Pittsburgh |
Went 14-1 as a starter for Steelers |
Note: The first seven players on this list all ended up as Pro Football Hall of Famers, and several among the last five will be contenders once they are retired the requisite five years.
