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15 NFL Stars Who Were Undrafted and Became Fan Favorites

Some NFL stars are first-round picks who were destined for greatness the moment they shook the commissioner’s hand. Others? They didn’t even get a phone call on draft day—just a shot, a chip on their shoulder, and a whole lot to prove.

These 15 players weren’t picked in the NFL Draft, but they still won over fans across the league with their heart, hustle, and highlight reels. From underdog beginnings to unforgettable careers, these guys turned rejection into a reason to root for them.

15. Wes Welker

Nov 21, 2010; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

He was told he was too small, too slow, and too forgettable. Then he became one of the most dependable receivers of his era and Tom Brady’s go-to guy for years.

14. Warren Moon

Nov 2, 1986, Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl (56) sacks Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon (1) during the 1986 season at the Orange Bowl.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Despite winning a Rose Bowl, no NFL team drafted him, so he went to Canada and dominated. By the time he got to the NFL, fans already knew they were watching greatness in action.

13. Priest Holmes

November 11, 2007; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes (31) is tacked by Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams (55) in the third quarter in the Chiefs 27-11 loss to the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Kansas City fans still talk about the way he ran through defenses like they owed him money. Undrafted and overlooked, he became one of the most productive running backs of the early 2000s.

12. Arian Foster

September 23 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Texans defeated the Broncos 31-25.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Once a backup nobody paid attention to, Foster exploded onto the scene with vision, patience, and one of the smoothest running styles in the league. Texans fans adored him—and so did fantasy football managers everywhere.

11. Chris Harris Jr.

Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

He wasn’t a household name when he signed with Denver, but he didn’t need much time to become one. An undrafted corner who shut down top receivers and earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, Harris was a fan favorite with swagger.

10. Rod Smith

Aug 16, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rod Smith (45) carries the ball during the first half against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Before the Broncos had flashy receivers, they had Rod Smith doing the dirty work—and making it look easy. He came from nowhere and became one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

9. James Harrison

December 14, 2008; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) chases the play against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Steelers won 13-9.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

You wouldn’t want to run into him on the field—or probably anywhere, really. Harrison’s story was pure grit, and Pittsburgh fans loved every sack and scowl.

8. Antonio Gates

Dec 13, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

He never even played college football, which makes his rise even more ridiculous. The Chargers found a gem in Gates, who turned into one of the best tight ends the game’s ever seen.

7. Adam Thielen

Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a pass before the game against the San Diego Chargers at TCF Bank Stadium.
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

A hometown kid from Minnesota who made good—fans ate that story up. He worked his way from practice-squad hopeful to Pro Bowl receiver with sure hands and even better route running.

6. Malcolm Butler

Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler (21) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7.
Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images

One play turned him into a legend, but he backed it up with years of solid play. Patriots fans will always remember that interception—and how he went from undrafted to unforgettable.

5. Kurt Warner

Dec. 23, 2007; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) throws a first half pass against the Atlanta Falcons at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He was literally bagging groceries before becoming a Super Bowl MVP. Warner’s journey from undrafted to Hall of Fame was the stuff of football fairytales.

4. Jason Peters

Jan 9, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jason Peters (71) defends against Green Bay Packers linebacker Erik Walden (93) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Originally a tight end, Peters bulked up and became a wall at left tackle. He earned love in Buffalo and legend status in Philly—fans never forgot where he came from.

Read More: 25 Former NFL Stars Who Were Just Built for 2025 Football

3. Cameron Wake

Oct 28, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) celebrates his sack of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) (not pictured) during the first half at MetLIfe Stadium.
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

He had to take the long route through the CFL, but once he got to Miami, he made every snap count. Dolphins fans adored his relentless motor and edge-rushing dominance.

Read More: 10 Undrafted NFL Players Who Became Super Bowl Champions

2. John Randle

Sep 3, 1995; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle John Randle (83) on the sidelines against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

With eye-black that looked like war paint, Randle played with unmatched energy and intensity. Undrafted but undeniable, he gave Vikings fans a show every single week.

Read More: 14 NFL Players Who Went Undrafted—and Got Paid

1. Tony Romo

Oct 25, 2009; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) calls a play against the Atlanta Falcons at Cowboys Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

He may not have delivered a Super Bowl to Dallas, but he gave fans plenty to cheer about on Sundays. Romo went from undrafted afterthought to face of the franchise—and now, one of the best voices in the booth.

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