The career length for a running back in the NFL is 2.57 years.
If I were a betting man, I'd wager that number is even lower for RB's who stayed for a 5th year. I'm guessing that NFL teams tend to take a dim view on running backs who have high mileage from their college years.
There will always be some that buck the trend. For example, Ricky Watters was in the NFL for 11 years (missed his rookie season due to a broken foot), but for every one of him, there are at least 50 who didn't even make it to the "average" lifespan.
If a running back can get a favorable draft projection, then it makes perfect sense to leave right away.
Short NFL lifespan
Replies to: "Short NFL lifespan"
- Cd the board start a go fund me page for Price to return next yr.? [NT]
- brian irish - 11:22am 10/5/25
(9) [View All]
- Please dont. He needs to go represent the program on the next level. We cant be selfish [NT] - Karamello - 12:02am 10/6/25
- He gone - D2 - 8:55pm 10/5/25
- Short NFL lifespan - ndunabomber - 10:10pm 10/5/25
- Love makes north of $2 million - AlbanyIRISH - 12:24pm 10/5/25
- LOVE also.... Leonard Moore Also... When can someone announce NFL? after 3 years of HS? [NT]
- KWIRISH - 11:24am 10/5/25
- Correct - ndunabomber - 11:59am 10/5/25
- I believe, Clarett went to Prison for attempted murder + conspiracy...? [NT]
- KWIRISH - 5:03pm 10/5/25
- Robbed a guy, later tried to bribe him to change his story - ndunabomber - 9:56pm 10/5/25
- I believe, Clarett went to Prison for attempted murder + conspiracy...? [NT]
- KWIRISH - 5:03pm 10/5/25
- Yep. Moore not eligible. [NT] - MuskyTommy - 11:33am 10/5/25
- Correct - ndunabomber - 11:59am 10/5/25