From Unknown to Unstoppable: How NFL Stars Were Born in Training Camp

By NFL Nation Reporters | July 31, 2026

What This Article Is About (ELI5 Version)

Imagine you’re trying out for a sports team, but nobody expects you to make it. You’re not the first pick, maybe not even the tenth pick. But then training camp starts—that’s like intense practice before the real season—and you work harder than everyone else. You make amazing plays in practice games (called preseason games), and suddenly the coaches realize: "Wow, this kid is special!"

That’s exactly what happened to the players in this article. They went from "Who?" to "Wow!" because they crushed it during training camp and preseason. Let’s meet them, team by team!

AFC EAST DIVISION

Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor (Quarterback)

• The Situation (2015): Three quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Taylor was the least experienced.
• The Turning Point: Three amazing preseason games:
  • Completed 24 of 31 passes (77%!)
  • Threw for 236 yards
  • Ran 11 times for 108 yards and 1 touchdown
• The Result: Won the starting job, started 43 games over 3 years, helped end Buffalo’s 18-year playoff drought in 2017.

Key Takeaway: Sometimes the "underdog" wins by being the most prepared when the lights turn on.

Miami Dolphins: Zach Thomas (Linebacker)

• The Situation (1996): 5th-round draft pick (picked 154th overall). Not even the first linebacker Miami drafted that year!
• The Turning Point: Had such an incredible training camp that the Dolphins cut their veteran starter (Jack del Rio) to make room for him.
• The Result: 120 solo tackles as a rookie (career high!). Played 13 years, became a Dolphins legend.

New England Patriots: Malcolm Butler (Cornerback)

• The Situation (2014): Played at tiny Division II West Alabama. Worked part-time at Popeyes chicken restaurant. Wasn’t drafted at all.
• The Turning Point: Got a tryout, impressed Coach Bill Belichick so much he created a roster spot for him as the 90th (last) player.
• The Nickname: Teammates called him "Strap" because his coverage in practice was so tight.
• The Result: Made the greatest play in Super Bowl history—a game-saving interception at the 1-yard line with 20 seconds left in Super Bowl XLIX.

Key Takeaway: Where you start doesn’t determine where you finish. Heart and hustle matter more than your college name.

New York Jets: Wayne Chrebet (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (1995): 10th receiver on a 10-man depth chart. Undrafted free agent from Hofstra (Division I-AA).
• The Turning Point: By Week 1 of the regular season, he was in the starting lineup.
• The Result: 580 career catches (2nd in Jets history). Called "The Godfather" of slot receivers by Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. In the Jets’ Ring of Honor.

AFC NORTH DIVISION

Baltimore Ravens: Will Demps (Safety)

• The Situation (2002): Undrafted rookie from San Diego State.
• The Turning Point: Preseason opener—returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown against the Lions.
• The Result: Started 4 years alongside future Hall of Famer Ed Reed. 53 tackles + game-saving INT as a rookie. 7 NFL seasons, 426 tackles, 6 interceptions.

Cincinnati Bengals: Damion Willis (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2019): Undrafted rookie in new coach Zac Taylor’s first year.
• The Turning Point: Big catch in preseason against Pro Bowler Janoris Jenkins.
• The Result: Made the roster, started Week 1 replacing injured star A.J. Green.
• Fun Fact: Now a coach at Georgia Southern, returned to Bengals via Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Cleveland Browns: Joshua Cribbs (Kick Returner)

• The Situation (2005): Undrafted rookie. Was a quarterback at Kent State—never returned kicks before!
• The Turning Point: "Handful of big returns in preseason" convinced coaches to switch him to returner.
• The Result: 1,094 return yards as a rookie (franchise record). 10-year NFL career as one of the most dangerous return men ever.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Donnie Shell (Safety)

• The Situation (1974): Undrafted from South Carolina State (HBCU). Invited by legendary scout Bill Nunn.
• The Turning Point: 6-week player strike gave him extra practice time in camp. Made the most of it!
• The Result: 14-year career, 51 interceptions, 4 Super Bowl wins on the "Steel Curtain" defense. Hall of Famer.

AFC SOUTH DIVISION

Houston Texans: Arian Foster (Running Back)

• The Situation (2009): Undrafted. Started on practice squad (not even the main roster!).
• The Turning Point: Worked his way up, became the most productive back.
• The Result: Rookie season: 42.8 rushing yards/game (team best). 2010: Led entire NFL with 2,220 scrimmage yards. First-team All-Pro.

Indianapolis Colts: Dominic Rhodes (Running Back)

• The Situation (2001): Undrafted, not expected to play much behind future Hall of Famer Edgerrin James.
• The Turning Point: Preseason flashes earned him the RB2 spot. Then James tore his ACL in Week 6.
• The Result: Started final 10 games, 5 games with 100+ rushing yards, 1,104 total yards. Only Edgerrin James has more 100-yard rookie games in Colts history.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Hurns (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2014): Undrafted. Slowly climbed depth chart in camp.
• The Turning Point: By Week 1, playing as much as 2nd-round picks Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee.
• The Result: Led team in receiving yards (677) and yards per catch (13.3). 6 TD catches (rookie record until 2024).

Tennessee Titans: Marc Mariani (Wide Receiver/Returner)

• The Situation (2010): 7th-round pick, buried at bottom of WR depth chart.
• The Turning Point: Made team as return specialist. Week 4: 98-yard kickoff return TD. Week 11: 87-yard punt return TD.
• The Result: Franchise records: 1,530 kick return yards, 61 returns. 2011 Pro Bowler (326 return yards in Pro Bowl = record).

AFC WEST DIVISION

Denver Broncos: Terrell Davis (Running Back)

• The Situation (1995): 6th-round pick, stuck deep on depth chart.
• The Turning Point: Preseason game in Tokyo—made a "thunderous hit" on kickoff coverage (without the ball!) that woke up coaches.
• The Result: 1,117 rushing yards as rookie. League MVP, Super Bowl MVP, 2× Super Bowl champ. Hall of Famer.

Key Takeaway: Sometimes you get noticed without touching the ball. Effort on every play matters.

Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Waters (Guard)

• The Situation (1999-2000): Undrafted, cut by Cowboys, played in NFL Europe (Berlin Thunder) for a second chance.
• The Turning Point: Earned roster spot in 2000 Chiefs camp.
• The Result: 11 seasons, 149 starts, 2× First-team All-Pro, 6× Pro Bowler. One of greatest Chiefs linemen ever.

Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby (Edge Rusher)

• The Situation (2019): 4th-round pick.
• The Turning Point: "High motor and relentless pursuit" in training camp. Broke hand in preseason opener, missed rest of preseason.
• The Result: Camp performance earned him early playing time. 10 sacks, 47 tackles, 10 starts as rookie. 2nd in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Los Angeles Chargers: Antonio Gates (Tight End)

• The Situation (2003): Never played college football! 4-year basketball player at Kent State. Gave up NBA dream for NFL.
• The Turning Point: Training camp showed "unique feel for manipulating angles"—used basketball skills (boxing out, positioning) to dominate defenders.
• The Result: Made final roster spot. NFL RECORD: 116 career TDs by a tight end. Future Hall of Famer.

NFC EAST DIVISION

Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Aubrey (Kicker)

• The Situation (2023): Professional soccer player! Played 2 years in USFL before joining Cowboys.
• The Turning Point: Started camp just "OK." Then competition (Tristan Vizcaino) was cut—Aubrey seized the moment.
• The Result: Rookie year: 36 of 38 FGs (94.7%), FIRST 35 in a row! First-team All-Pro. Now highest-paid kicker in NFL history.

New York Giants: Victor Cruz (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2010): Undrafted from UMass.
• The Turning Point: First preseason game at MetLife Stadium vs Jets: 6 catches, 145 yards, 3 TDs! Opposing coach Rex Ryan: "I don’t know who No. 3 is, but holy s—!"
• The Result: Spent 2010 on injured reserve. 2011: Breakout star on Super Bowl XLVI championship team.

Philadelphia Eagles: Vince Papale (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (1976): 30 years old! High school teacher & bartender. Went to open tryout by coach Dick Vermeil.
• The Turning Point: Earned training camp invite, then made the actual team.
• The Result: 3-year NFL career. Story became the movie "Invincible" starring Mark Wahlberg.

Key Takeaway: It’s NEVER too late. Papale was 30, working two jobs, and still made an NFL roster.

Washington Commanders: Joe Jacoby (Offensive Tackle)

• The Situation (1981): Undrafted from Louisville. Last offensive lineman added in camp. Coach Joe Gibbs thought he was a defensive lineman at first!
• The Turning Point: Started 13 games as rookie (8 at left tackle).
• The Result: 148 starts, 3× First-team All-Pro, 4× Pro Bowler. Anchor of the famous "Hogs" offensive line. Team believes he belongs in Hall of Fame.

NFC NORTH DIVISION

Chicago Bears: Mark Anderson (Edge Rusher)

• The Situation (2006): 5th-round pick, low production at Alabama.
• The Turning Point: Carved out role as situational pass rusher in camp/preseason.
• The Result: Led team in sacks during Super Bowl run season. 12 sacks = franchise rookie record (still stands!).

Detroit Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2021): 4th-round pick (112th overall). Used draft slide as motivation.
• The Turning Point: First padded practice—got in scuffle with rookie CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, set the tone.
• The Result: Franchise rookie records: 912 yards, 90 catches. NFL RECORD: 547 catches in first 5 seasons (most ever).

Green Bay Packers: Jayrone Elliott (Edge Rusher)

• The Situation (2014): Undrafted from Toledo. $5,000 signing bonus (tiny!). Packers were only team to bring him for a visit.
• The Turning Point: LED ENTIRE NFL IN PRESEASON SACKS (5), including 3-sack game vs Rams.
• The Result: Made roster, 3 years with Packers, 6-year NFL career.

Minnesota Vikings: Mick Tingelhoff (Center)

• The Situation (1962): Undrafted from Nebraska. 237 lbs—started camp as linebacker! Coach moved him to center because they needed one.
• The Turning Point: Proved "smart and quick enough to make up for size".
• The Result: Started immediately. LEGEND: Never missed a game or practice in 17 seasons! Hall of Famer (2015).

NFC SOUTH DIVISION

Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Schraeder (Offensive Tackle)

• The Situation (2013): Undrafted from Division II Valdosta State.
• The Turning Point: "Very good training camp" cracked starting lineup as rookie.
• The Result: Full-time starter by Year 2. First-team All-Pro Year 3. 73 starts in 6 years. Started Super Bowl LI.

Carolina Panthers: Andrew Norwell (Guard)

• The Situation (2014): Undrafted despite 2× All-Big Ten at Ohio State.
• The Turning Point: Impressed with "mean streak and ability to learn playbook quickly".
• The Result: Starting by Week 8 of rookie year. 9-year NFL career. 2017 First-team All-Pro.

New Orleans Saints: Marques Colston (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2006): 7th-round pick from Hofstra. Struggled with conditioning in rookie minicamp—coaches doubted he’d make team.
• The Turning Point: Crushed training camp—impressed new coach Sean Payton so much he traded veteran Donte Stallworth in August!
• The Result: 10 seasons. Franchise records: 711 catches, 9,759 yards, 72 TDs. Six 1,000-yard seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lavonte David (Linebacker)

• The Situation (2012): 2nd-round pick (higher than most here, but still a "riser").
• The Turning Point: Lining up with starters by JUNE minicamp. Preseason Game 1: 2 tackles, pass deflection, INT vs Dolphins.
• The Result: Beat out veteran for starting job. 14 seasons, 12× captain, 3× All-Pro, Super Bowl LV champion.

NFC WEST DIVISION

Arizona Cardinals: Dennis Gardeck (Linebacker)

• The Situation (2018): Undrafted from Division II Sioux Falls. Knocked for being short, small-school, unknown.
• The Turning Point: "Necessity on special teams" in first training camp.
• The Result: Made roster. By 2019: Pro Bowl alternate. Signed with Jaguars in 2026 after 2.5 sacks, 48 tackles in 2025.

Los Angeles Rams: Greg Zuerlein (Kicker)

• The Situation (2012): 6th-round pick from Missouri Western State (Division II).
• The Turning Point: "Wowed team with his leg" in first training camp.
• The Result: Nicknamed "Greg the Leg". 8 years with Rams. 3 FGs of 60+ yards (career long: 61 yards).

San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Garcia (Quarterback)

• The Situation (1999): 5 years in CFL (Canadian Football League). Battling 1st-round & 4th-round picks for backup job behind Steve Young.
• The Turning Point: "Improvisational skills and relentless attack of playbook" in camp.
• The Result: Won backup job. Became starter by Game 3 after Young’s concussion. 3× Pro Bowler in 5 years with Niners.

Seattle Seahawks: Doug Baldwin (Wide Receiver)

• The Situation (2011): NFL lockout wiped out ALL offseason practices (OTAs, minicamps). Undrafted rookie. No time to learn!
• The Turning Point: Quickly built rapport with QB Tarvaris Jackson in shortened camp. Beat out free agent signings (Sidney Rice, Zach Miller) and incumbents (Golden Tate, Mike Williams).
• The Result: First undrafted rookie since 1970 merger to LEAD TEAM in catches (51) and yards (788).

SUMMARY: What Do All These Stories Have in Common?

The Big Lesson: Training camp isn’t just practice—it’s an audition. The players who treat it like their only chance are the ones who turn that chance into a career.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q1: What’s the difference between "undrafted free agent" and a late-round pick?

A: A late-round pick (rounds 4-7) gets a contract and a roster spot guaranteed for camp. An undrafted free agent (UDFA) wasn’t picked by any team—they have to beg for a tryout, then fight for a contract, then fight for a roster spot. UDFAs have the hardest path.

Q2: Do preseason games actually matter? They don’t count in the standings!

A: YES! For stars, they’re tune-ups. For bubble players, they’re EVERYTHING. Coaches watch: Can he hit? Can he think fast? Does he panic? Preseason stats (like Taylor’s 77% completion, Elliott’s 5 sacks, Cruz’s 3 TDs) are often the only proof a fringe player gets.

Q3: Why do some players switch positions in camp (like Cribbs QB→Returner, Tingelhoff LB→Center)?

A: NFL coaches care about skills, not labels. If you’re fast, tough, and catch well—you’re a returner. If you’re smart, quick, and low—you’re a center. Camp is where hidden talents get discovered because coaches have to find 53 players who can help right now.

Q4: Can a "training camp hero" flame out during the real season?

A: Absolutely. Camp stars sometimes disappear when games get faster, hitters hit harder, and schemes get complex. The players in this article didn’t just shine in August—they kept grinding for years. That’s the difference between a "camp body" and a legend.

Q5: What should I watch for in THIS YEAR’S training camps (2026)?

A: Look for:

• Late-round/UDFA rookies getting 1st-team reps
• Position battles where a veteran struggles and a youngster flashes
• Special teams standouts (often the easiest path to a roster spot)
• Coach quotes like "He’s making plays every day" or "He’s ahead of schedule"
• Preseason box scores—but focus on how they play, not just stats

Final Thought

Next time you watch a preseason game and see a guy wearing #87 or #49 or #62 making a play—pay attention. You might be watching the next Terrell Davis, Malcolm Butler, Victor Cruz, or Antonio Gates.

Greatness doesn’t always arrive with a 1st-round announcement. Sometimes it shows up in a helmet, drenched in sweat, hitting someone on a kickoff in Tokyo—and refusing to be ignored.

Article compiled from ESPN NFL Nation reporters’ divisional breakdowns. All player stats, quotes, and historical details preserved from original source.