The history of the NFL is riddled with stories of incredible talent and triumph, but it also bears witness to the careers that have ended in scandal and controversy.
This listicle explores ten NFL players who found themselves blacklisted from the league, detailing the incidents that led to their abrupt departures and the subsequent impact on their lives and legacies.
10. Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick, former 49ers quarterback, hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016 after kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Despite maintaining his skills and expressing interest in returning, no team has signed him. Kaepernick settled a collusion grievance against the NFL in 2019 but remains unsigned in 2025.
9. Stanley Wilson Jr.
Stanley Wilson Jr., a former Detroit Lions cornerback, was banned from the NFL in 2023 after multiple arrests for burglary. His career, spanning from 2005 to 2007, ended abruptly due to injuries. Wilson’s father, Stanley Wilson Sr., was also infamously banned from the NFL for cocaine use before Super Bowl XXIII.
8. Rolando McClain
Rolando McClain, a former first-round pick, faced multiple suspensions for substance abuse violations. After a promising start with the Raiders and Cowboys, he was indefinitely suspended in 2016. Despite being reinstated in 2023 at age 34, McClain’s repeated infractions effectively ended his NFL career prematurely.
7. LaRon Landry
LaRon Landry, a former Pro Bowl safety, saw his NFL career end abruptly due to multiple PED violations. After serving a 10-game suspension in 2014, he was suspended indefinitely in 2015. Despite his talent, Landry’s repeated drug policy infractions effectively blacklisted him from the league, ending his career at age 30.
6. Justin Blackmon
Justin Blackmon, a promising wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was indefinitely suspended in 2013 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Despite his talent, including a 236-yard game as a rookie, Blackmon never played again after multiple suspensions. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
5. Merle Hapes
Merle Hapes, a fullback for the New York Giants, was indefinitely suspended in 1946 for his alleged involvement in a gambling scandal to fix the NFL Championship Game. Though he maintained his innocence, Hapes never played in the NFL again. He later continued his football career in Canada, winning the Grey Cup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1953.
4. Frank Filchock
Frank Filchock, a quarterback for the New York Giants, was accused of taking bribes to throw the 1946 NFL Championship Game. Despite denying involvement, he was suspended indefinitely. Filchock played in Canada before being reinstated in 1950, but his NFL career was effectively over. He later became a successful coach in the Canadian Football League.
3. Rae Carruth
Rae Carruth, a former Carolina Panthers wide receiver, was blacklisted from the NFL after being convicted of conspiracy to murder his pregnant girlfriend in 1999. He served 18 years in prison and was released in 2018. The Panthers released Carruth and the NFL suspended him indefinitely following his arrest.
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2. Ray Rice
Ray Rice’s NFL career ended abruptly after a domestic violence incident in 2014. Initially suspended for two games, Rice was indefinitely suspended and released by the Ravens when video of the assault surfaced. Despite being reinstated in 2014, no team signed him, effectively blacklisting the former Pro Bowl running back from the league.
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1. Art Schlichter
Art Schlichter, a former quarterback for the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, was banned from the NFL in 1983 due to his gambling addiction. Despite reinstatement in 1984, he was released in 1985 amid rumors of continued gambling. Schlichter’s NFL career ended after just 13 games, and he faced legal troubles for decades after.
