Скачать или смотреть He was the #1 RB in College (What Happened to Montee Ball?)

By the end of his college career, you might have expected Montee Ball to be NFL-ready. Unfortunately, his journey was clouded by personal struggles. During the latter half of his college years, he coped with anxiety and stress through alcoholism. By the time the 2013 NFL Draft came around, these challenges made it difficult for him to leave those damaging habits behind.

The Denver Broncos selected Ball in the second round, 58th overall. He debuted with eight carries for 24 yards in a 49–27 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Despite flashes of promise, including a 117-yard game against the Kansas City Chiefs and a pivotal touchdown against the Tennessee Titans, Ball’s rookie season concluded with 559 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Heading into his second season, Ball was named the Broncos’ starting running back after Knowshon Moreno's departure. However, his 2014 campaign was derailed by a groin injury in Week 5, paving the way for C.J. Anderson to step in. Ball ended the season on injured reserve, finishing with just 172 rushing yards and one touchdown.

In 2015, Ball faced an uphill battle to retain his roster spot. Struggling in the preseason with only 68 yards on 32 carries, the Broncos waived him on September 6. As a former second-round pick, Ball never lived up to expectations, finishing his two-year stint in Denver with 731 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.