NFL

I'll go to my grave saying Tim Couch could've been in the conversation of top 10 QBs in the early 2000s if he wasn't always hurt because the expansion Browns had turnstiles for offensive line and no running game to help either because of it.

Then years later, we had dominant O-lines with no QB. Put Couch behind some of the lines we've had in the past decade and he would've shined imo.

Nick Collins had an objectively successful career: a super bowl and three 2nd team All-Pros. His run was cut short in his prime due to a neck injury. He easily could've been a lot more, and the story of the early 2010s Packers is a lot different if he stays healthy. The only real fuckup of the Thompson/McCarthy Packers (or at least "only" in the sense that it vastly supercedes anything else) was the inability to replace him, and the misappropriation of draft capital intended to replace him. There's no telling what the Packers look like if they aren't throwing back to back firsts and seconds at unimpressive DBs.

I mean I think the one that immediately comes to mind recently is Andrew Luck. Without the injuries and early retirement(and you know, a decent offensive line) he could've really been a top quarterback in the league for years to come.

Chris Borland

Gabe Carimi looked incredible before his knee exploded and he had it surgically replaced with a turnstile

John Ross. 4.22 speed coulda been somethin great

As a Jaguars fan, Justin Blackmon and Matt Jones. I rooted so hard for these guys

Walter Payton.

Sam Huff.

Jerry Rice.

I have two players that I believe in the right hands could have been great. Still that is a big COULD.

This might sound crazy but Chad Kelly. The Broncos needed a QB bad and you could tell he was a week or two away from starting but dude decided to go and break into a person's house while completely drunk during Halloween and ruined his chances. He would have had a pretty good wideout duo in Sanders and DT at the time. If he had a chance, it could have been the start of a long career.

Outside of him, if Tony Sparano's wildcat offense took off, it would have been amazing to see what he could have done with Tebow under center. I believe they might have changed his career, making him a great alternate and really would have worn out the opposing defense.

I would've liked to see what Marcus Lattimore could've done in the NFL especially being that she was drafted to the 49ers. I think RG3 would've had a special career. Andrew Luck was taken too soon

NaVorro Bowman….dude played just as great as Patrick Willis in my opinion, until the injury. Even after coming back he put up decent numbers before retiring. I’ll never forget his pick 6 at the stick

Robert Edwards…if only he’d stayed off that beach

I'm a derek carr fan since day 1 but the endless coaching changes and some other factors is gonna keep him at a very good but not great qb status

Victor Cruz. Who knows what kind of career he could’ve had without his injuries.

Gale Sayers

Chris Henry

Sterling Sharpe

David Wilson had so much promise

Billy Sims also a #20-wearing runningback that got injured left the NFL with an insurance payout and lost everything in failed businesses and had to sell his Heisman trophy

In 5 years in the NFL he has these accomplishments on wikipedia

*.3-Time Pro-Bowl selection *.32nd – NFL All-Time Rushing Yards Per-Carry (4.515) *.75th, along with Calvin Hill & Don Perkins, – NFL All-Time *. Rushing Touchdowns (42) *. 135th – NFL All-Time Rushing Yardage (5,106) *. 1st player to score 3 touchdowns in first NFL game.[24]

Ryan Shazier - LB Pittsburgh Steelers. Was in his 4th year when he had a career ending injury.

Tyler Eifert. Watch his 2015 film, dude had the potential to be the next great tight end in the league, but was derailed by injury. Damn shame, dude was insane in the red zone

Eric Berry would have been an all-timer. His body betrayed him.

Caleb Williams in 10 years