Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has put an end to the highly debated topic of who is the biggest bust in NFL draft history. His answer may surprise a few people.
Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show this week, Leaf made a plea to football analysts and aficionados to leave the subject alone this year as he proclaimed himself to be the biggest bust of all-time.
“I am going to put one thing to rest today,” said Leaf. “It’s over. There is no more who is the biggest bust of all time. Let’s just say it’s me.”
Leaf also stated NFL teams “don’t want to draft another Ryan Leaf.” He added that his name comes up every year around the time of the draft and wants some closure on the subject this year.
“Don’t have to have an argument around who is the greatest basketball player of all-time. It is Michael Jordan,” added Leaf to emphasize his point.
Leaf was a Heisman finalist in 1997 after an exceptional season with the Washington State Cougars. On paper, he seamed to have it all and was touted as an elite prospect entering the 1998 draft. Many had Leaf going as the first overall pick and if Tennessee star Peyton Manning wasn’t a part of that draft class, he surely would have.
Drafted as the second overall pick by the San Diego Chargers, Leaf’s NFL career did not get off to the high-flying start many expected. He started 21 games over his first three seasons, finishing with an overall 4-17 records. Over that stretch, he recorded just 14 touchdowns and finished with a whopping 36 interceptions. He lasted just two seasons with the San Diego Chargers and one with the Dallas Cowboys before leaving the game.
Ryan Leaf may be relieved to hear an article from CBS last year ranked him as only the second biggest draft bust in NFL history, behind former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
