There are a number of people who make a pretty good living scouting future NFL talent for their teams as well as those Mel Kiper types that we see pontificate annually during the shows leading up to the NFL Draft. The NFL has a history of high draft picks who were busts as well as those who had mediocre careers. There are also the diamonds found in the rough. Such is the case of Jets FB Tony Richardson.
At 38, he is the oldest player on the Jets roster and a 15 year veteran who was undrafted in 1994 from Auburn. In his rookie year, he was signed by Dallas to their practice roster and released several times. He made his NFL debut after signing with Kansas City in 1995. He became a blocker for Hall of Famer Marcus Allen. His skills lead him to Pro Bowl selections in 2003 and 2004.
After signing as a free agent with Minnesota in 2006, he received Pro Bowl honors the following season. He signed with the Jets prior to the 2008 season.
During his career, he has played in 202 regular season games, starting in 133. He has 1,666 yards on the ground with 417 carries and 15 TD's. As a receiver, he has 202 receptions for 1,502 yards and 9 TD's.
I'm sure there are many scouts and personnel people in the league who could give a reason why Richardson was never drafted. He has lasted longer than any back who was at the NFL Scouting Combine back in 1994.
At his age, I hope he gets that one last chance to play in the Super Bowl. He had waited his entire career for this opportunity.
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