They were the names on the jerseys, billboard faces, and the future of billion-dollar franchises: Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz, and Blake Bortles. Each of them had a short, spectacular, unforgettable moment that made it feel like they were about to change everything.
But as fast as they rose, they fell. Injuries, inconsistency, locker-room drama, or just the cruel pace of the league—whatever the reason, they went from centerpieces to side notes. And now, they’re remembered not for long-term greatness, but for the hype that couldn’t hold.
The Flashpoint of Fame
In the NFL, all it takes is one electric season to become “the guy.” Baker Mayfield had that moment in 2020, leading the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff win in over two decades. He was fearless, outspoken, and looked like he had finally broken the curse that haunted the franchise. The commercials rolled in, and Browns fans dared to believe.
But the shine faded. The swagger became a distraction. Injuries nagged. The front office lost faith. Baker went from hero to afterthought in less than two seasons, shipped out and left to prove himself again.
Carson Wentz’s story is eerily similar. In 2017, he was the presumed MVP of the league—until a torn ACL handed the keys to backup Nick Foles, who won the Super Bowl. Wentz never reclaimed that form. Confidence issues, trade rumors, and poor performances followed. Once “the face,” he became the fall guy.
And then there’s Blake Bortles, who, for a moment in 2017, felt like the most surprising quarterback in the NFL. He led the Jacksonville Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game, backed by a stifling defense and just enough offensive flash. But in the seasons that followed, Bortles’ limitations were exposed. He became the butt of jokes, a symbol of a team that flew too close to the sun.
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From Franchise Cornerstone to Footnote
What makes these stories sting is how real the potential felt. They weren’t just one-hit wonders—each showed something that made fans and executives believe they had found the answer.
- Mayfield had the intangibles—the grit, the leadership, the attitude that Cleveland craved.
- Wentz’s size, arm, and IQ made him look like a long-term star in Philly.
- Bortles had just enough mobility and guts to fuel an improbable playoff run.
These weren’t flukes. They were moments. And in the NFL, moments are powerful currency. But they don’t always buy you longevity.
Sometimes, all it takes is the next young quarterback, draft pick, or new coach with a different vision to hit reset. The same crowd that chanted your name is suddenly asking why you were ever “the guy” to begin with.
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The NFL’s Unforgiving Spotlight
Baker, Carson, and Blake are just three examples in a long list of fleeting NFL stars. They remind us that being the face of a franchise is as much about timing and trust as it is about talent.
There’s a cruel irony in football’s biggest stage: the brighter the spotlight, the more brutal the fall. These players gave fans unforgettable moments, but in the NFL, moments don’t guarantee a legacy.
Still, for those few months, they were the future for that one season. And for a league that thrives on hope, sometimes that’s all it takes.
