There’s nothing sports media loves more than a good hype story. A breakout moment, a viral clip, or a strong debut—and suddenly someone’s getting labeled “the next big thing” before they’ve even found their locker.
But not all hype trains arrive at their destination. From NFL busts to NBA flameouts and a few MLB and college sports swings-and-misses in between, here are 15 times the sports media hit the gas way too early and crashed straight into reality.
15. Freddy Adu – Soccer
Dubbed “the next Pelé” at 14, Adu was everywhere—from Nike ads to national TV. But his pro career never took off, and he became the poster child for overhype.
14. Johnny Manziel – NFL
Manziel had the swagger, the college highlights, and the media circus. But in the NFL, he was more TMZ than MVP.
13. Jimmer Fredette – NBA
Jimmer-mania was very real during his BYU days, and the NBA world couldn’t wait to see his deep threes translate. They didn’t.
12. Matt Leinart – NFL
Leinart came into the NFL as a golden boy after winning a Heisman and a national title. But once the shoulder pads came on, he looked more backup than superstar.
11. Todd Marinovich – NFL
Sports media loved the narrative: built from birth to be the perfect QB. It turns out, being a lab project isn’t the best path to NFL stardom.
10. Sebastian Telfair – NBA
Telfair skipped college and landed on magazine covers as the next great point guard. But in the pros, he was mostly a backup with occasional flashes.
9. Rick Ankiel (as a pitcher) – MLB
Ankiel was supposed to be the Cardinals’ ace of the future. Then he forgot how to throw strikes—literally—and had to reinvent himself as an outfielder.
8. Brian Bosworth – NFL
The Boz had the look, the attitude, and a massive media presence. Then Bo Jackson trucked him on national TV and the myth evaporated in real time.
7. Darko Miličić – NBA
Taken ahead of Carmelo, Bosh, and Wade in the 2003 draft, Darko was hyped as a Euro unicorn. He became a punchline instead.
6. Josh Rosen – NFL
“Nine mistakes were made ahead of me,” Rosen once said after being picked 10th in the draft. Turns out, the mistake may have been giving him the mic.
5. Jennifer Capriati (early years) – Tennis
Capriati was hyped as a teenage sensation and faced massive pressure early on. She eventually found success—but not before burning out and walking away for years.
4. Isaiah Wilson – NFL
The Titans’ 2020 first-round pick played a grand total of four snaps. Sports talk shows hyped him up as a franchise cornerstone—oops.
3. Zion Williamson – NBA
Yes, he’s incredibly talented when healthy. But the media crowned him too fast, and injuries have made his career feel more like a wait-and-see than a sure thing.
Read More: 15 NFL Stars Who Were Born in the Wrong Era
2. Mitch Trubisky – NFL
Drafted ahead of Mahomes and Watson, Trubisky got the full franchise QB treatment. The media loved the potential—then watched it fizzle for years.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Never As Good As Advertised
1. Ryan Leaf – NFL
If Peyton Manning was 1A, Ryan Leaf was supposed to be 1B. Instead, he became the cautionary tale every draft analyst still brings up two decades later.
Read More: 10 NFL Stars Who Peaked Way Too Early
