Top 10 Most Useless Jerseys
By Richard Diaz
Love of Sports Correspondent
The NFL Draft is generally covered in a good-natured manner.
Regardless of fan and expert disapproval, it’s all about new beginnings and a whole bunch of what-ifs. No one really knows whether or not Jake Long is the next coming of Orlando Pace, or if he’ll be as successful as Eugene Chung.
Along that same line of thought, draft pundits can talk about Darren McFadden’s draft stock plummeting quicker than PGA ratings without Tiger Woods; but didn’t they say the same thing about Adrian Peterson last year? Aren’t theses the same “experts” who criticized the selection of Marshall Faulk? I mean, they went as far as proclaiming that “that’s why the Colts keep picking No. 2 every year.”
Luckily, McFadden didn’t fall as many said he might. Others weren’t so fortunate.
Simply put, it’s all about ratings, hence the quick ruling that the Rams couldn’t negotiate with Chris Long before they actually drafted him. I mean, without the draft, they’d probably be televising a Spelling Bee or Cup Stacking, so I guess we should all be thankful, right?
So, with all the hoopla and analysis, I couldn’t help but take a stroll down memory lane. Join me as I take a look at the worst draft mistakes of all time – regardless of sport. I’m sure some of you out there still own these jerseys also. Don’t be afraid to admit it. We do too.
TOP 10 WORST JERSEYS TO OWN
10. Maurice Clarett, Denver Broncos
Although he wasn’t an early draft selection, the fact that Denver took him on the first day created enough buzz to convince fans his troubles were in the past. Given the track record of turning average running backs into fantasy football God’s, optimism soon replaced disinterest and disbelief in a running back that had been on top of the world at Ohio State. Needless to say, he was signed in late July and released a month later, thus crushing the hopes of the proud fans that’d purchased his jersey in hopes of being trendsetters.
9. Darko Milicic, Detroit Pistons
Thanks in part to the fact that Detroit has been so good for so long, this horrendous draft blunder tends to be swept under the table. It reminds of a group of kids that are playing outside, break a window and run, thus transforming the incident into something that didn’t really happen. Still, it’s hard to forget they chose him over Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Josh Howard and David West, to name a few. Milicic has already made stops in Orlando and Memphis on his journey to wealth and obscurity, but we’ll always remember him as the Euro-prospect that never was.
8. Browning Nagle, New York Jets
He was the MVP of the 1991 Fiesta Bowl and was selected just a pick after Brett Favre in the second round (No. 34 overall). To put it mildly, the two couldn’t have been more different. Favre’s a two-time NFL MVP, a sure-fire Hall of Famer and played in the league through last season. Nagle, on the other hand, was playing for the Orlando Predators in the Arena League by 1999. You might find a few funny fellows wearing his jersey to Jets games, which will always remind me of the QB that rifled short screen passes and dumpoffs, rather than using some common sense and putting a bit of touch on them.
7. Harold Minor, Miami Heat
Does anyone remember the basketball card with Michael Jordan and Harold Minor on it? Both No. 23s in mid-air … the present meets the future. Wow, the things people will say to create some buzz. The only thing more extraordinary than his dunking ability is his magic. I think even Harry Houdini would be envious of this guy’s disappearing trick since draft day.
6. Charles Rogers/Mike Williams, Detroit Lions
There’s not much I can say here that hasn’t been said. Both of these high profile wide receivers were drafted early and pretty much did nothing, ever. On one end of the spectrum, there was the injury plagued Rogers, who wasn’t able to bounce back from consecutive season-ending collarbone injuries. And, of course, there’s Williams, who been unable to bounce back from eating too much.
5. Yatil Green, Miami Dolphins
Dolphin fans often attack the team for failing to draft Miami Hurricane players. So, when they selected Green with the 15th overall pick, there was modest pandemonium. Dolphin head coach Jimmy Johnson compared him to Michael Irvin, and jersey sales were through the roof down in South Florida. Three years and 10 surgeries later, it ended up being the pick that never was.
4. Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards
If the 2001 NBA Draft class wasn’t so random, he’d definitely be higher on the list. I mean the two best players were selected 28th and 31st, so it really was kind of a crapshoot more than anything else that year. That’s still no excuse, as Brown’s been a total bust for all three teams he’s played for. As bad as he’s been, I guess Lakers fans are thankful for him being a pivotal element of the trade that brought them Pau Gasol, right?
3. Lawrence Phillips, St. Louis Rams
Although he was one of the most talented players of that year, character issues made Phillips the sixth overall selection in the 1996 NFL Draft. He’s most remembered for making coach Dick Vermeil cry like a baby about the player that could’ve been, and he’s also the guy that missed the block that resulted in the sack which ended Steve Young’s career.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
They aren’t referred to as the Cincinnati Bungles without reason. David Klingler, Ki-Jana Carter, Peter Warrick and Akili Smith were all high draft choices who did absolutely nothing. Each came out with high expectations, which obviously translates to successful jersey sales. Sadly, things just didn’t work out for any of them. But at least fans can wear an Ocho-Cinco, T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Carson Palmer jersey with a semblance of pride … for now at least.
1. Ryan Leaf, San Diego Chargers
He tops many lists of NFL Draft busts, and there’s no reason for his jersey to be any different. As the second overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, it was thought that he’d have a successful career. There were even “experts” who proclaimed he’d be way better than Peyton Manning, which bolstered the hopes and dreams for Chargers fans the world over. In the end, we’ll always remember the game against the Chiefs where he completed 1-of-15 passes for four yards and fumbled three times. While already in steep decline, it’s been a cataclysmic fall from grace for Leaf ever since that game. His jersey will live on forever as a sign of what could’ve been and will always be a demonstration of how little can be projected when it comes to a professional sports draft.
HONORABLE MENTION
Some of the jerseys that never were …
Carl Pavano, New York Yankees: If a pitcher is signed and never plays, did the signing really happen?
Mike Piazza, Florida Marlins: He was traded to the Marlins on May 15 and subsequently traded to the Mets on May 22. Man, am I glad I’m not a Marlins fan.
Rasheed Wallace, Atlanta Hawks: This one’s no better than Piazza, as Wallace managed to play just ONE GAME for ATL before being traded to Detroit. Why did they even bother suiting him up for that ONE?
Juwan Howard, Miami Heat: Howard was signed by the Heat on July 15, 1996 to the tune of $101 million. Albeit a high price to pay, Heat fans were ready to welcome the former Fab Five member with open arms. Sadly for them, the contract was voided by the NBA for violating the salary cap rules, and Howard eventually re-signed with the Bullets on August 5.
Brett Favre, Atlanta Falcons: Many still remember Jerry Glanville boldly proclaiming that “it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre into the game.” His career with the Falcons was good for no completions on four attempts, but that was still impressive enough to Packers general manager Ron Wolf, who traded a first-round pick to the Falcons for him. The rest, as they say, is the stuff of legend.
I hope you enjoyed this look at some of the worst professional jerseys of all time. I know there will inevitably be additions and corrections, like the Miami Dolphins jersey of Ricky Williams.
Comments
Gary on 04/27 at 11:51 AM
In regard to the Carl Pavano mentioning, throw in Mike Hampton as well.
Tradi's on 04/27 at 12:32 PM
Carl Pavano doesn’t exist. He is simply a myth like Paul Bunyon or the man with the hook for a hand that terrorizes campers.
JohnG on 04/27 at 06:11 PM
Terrell Owens = Ravens.
Kevin on 04/28 at 06:42 AM
Bo Jackson’s Tampa Bay Bucs jersey.
Doug on 04/28 at 08:09 AM
Uh...I own both a Darko Pistons and Magic Jersey, and they’ve been waiting for this guy to break out for me to wear them. Needless to say, they haven’t seen sunlight in years.
Chris B on 04/28 at 08:35 AM
Ummm hello......Vick, Michael?
Charlie on 04/28 at 09:00 AM
Wolf was an assistant GM with the Jets and would have drafted Favre instead of Nagle if he was still available. The next year Wolf was GM of the Packers and traded for Favre. Imagine, Favre as a Jet.
Joe on 04/28 at 09:25 AM
“Favre’s a two-time NFL MVP”
No, Favre is a THREE-time NFL MVP—1995, 1996, & 1997—the only three-time MVP in league history.
Jeff on 04/28 at 09:36 AM
How is OJ’s jersey not on this list?
Kevin on 04/28 at 09:39 AM
Another bad one here in Charlotte is Rae Carruth’s Panther jersey. Not very popular indeed.
Jeff V on 04/28 at 10:10 AM
All of these jerseys would be sweet. I would totally rock a Ryan Leaf to the bar.
Also, I’m a Wizards fan and I have nothing against Kwame considering that we were able to trade him for Caron Butler
John on 04/28 at 10:13 AM
Darren Dreifort or Kevin Brown, LA Dodgers. Enough said.
Richard on 04/28 at 10:14 AM
Favre isn’t on the list because he stinks...his Falcons jersey is there because it’s useless; as in lots of younger fans don’t even realize he was a Falcon.
T.O. and Bo are both pretty good ones though.
As for Vick, that’s more along the lines of useless now, which isn’t what I was going for. Same for Carruth and OJ. Those jerseys were popular, with reason, during their given periods of time. I was more or less aiming for ones that were popular due to media hype and just bombed.
Rob on 04/28 at 10:20 AM
Curtis Enis with the Bears (lasted 3 years tops); Shaun King of the Buccaneers (I actually own and still wear this one because I like the style); and Tim Couch of the Browns (I own this one, too).
And to jump on a question earlier in ths comments: Yeah, where is OJ’s jersey?
Mad Love on 04/28 at 10:25 AM
Yeah, I own the Curtis Enis Bears #44. It’s buried deep in the closet, along with the Bears Curtis Conway and Bobby Engram ones as well.
Mad Love on 04/28 at 10:26 AM
Almost forgot two other Panther jerseys that saw my back back in the day - Kerry Collins’ #12 and Kevin Greene’s #91. Both since disgraced the franchise. Collins QUITTING on the team!! Unacceptable. Although, I’d love to be able to find a Fred Lane #32 though. RIP.
Bill Sworski on 04/28 at 10:29 AM
Of all your Bears jerseys, where in your junk pile is the Cade McNown one?
Richard on 04/28 at 10:29 AM
Personal opinions aside, O.J. was one of the greatest running backs of his time. And again, personal opinions aside, I know lots of people that actually wear the Mitchell & Ness throwback, so while I wouldn’t own, wear or sell it; it’s still too popular for this list.
Although, I do believe the readers are giving me one heck of a list to run with...perhaps the all-time criminal jersey’s?
Mark D on 04/28 at 10:40 AM
Let’s throw in a Lance Parish Phillies jersey for good measure.
Kevin on 04/28 at 10:42 AM
No mention of Len Bias’ Celtics jersey?
Jeppe on 04/28 at 10:42 AM
Have to go with Chris B on this one. Mr. Dog Enthusiast, Mike Vick should top this list by a mile.
heyzeus on 04/28 at 10:43 AM
Around ‘94, I came very close to buying a $150 Brett Hull Blues jersey. That’s a purchase I’m glad I did not make.
Ron on 04/28 at 10:50 AM
Where is Quincy Carter - Cowboys?
CanesFan on 04/28 at 10:53 AM
Im going to go 1999 draft. How about Tim “im currently playing from my” Couch and Akili Smith. Just so you get an understanding why, these two QB’s were 1 and 3 overall and were drafted before EJ, Ricky Williams, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey, and Daunte Culpepper. Nuff said.
CanesFan on 04/28 at 11:00 AM
You guys need to read the article. Its about draft busts or stars that were with a team for an extremly short period of time. MICHAEL VICK lived up to all his expectations, not to mention beating the Packers on the “frozen tundra” in the playoffs his first year as a starter. He also had one the best selling jerseys for years that fans everywhere got to wear proudly for many seasons. So say what you want to say about him, truth is he is probably still better then the starting QB on your favorite team right now.
Mad Love on 04/28 at 11:02 AM
Yeah, tough to argue with the Tim Couch one. Could POSSIBLY be considered a bigger bust than Leaf. After all, he IS a No. 1 pick and not a No. 2. Good call sir.
Richard on 04/28 at 11:04 AM
I went back and forth with Couch, but he did lead a so-so Browns team to the playoffs in 2002 on close to 3,000 yards passing and 18 TD’s. I can’t help but wonder where he’d be if he hadn’t broken his leg in that final game before the playoffs.
And Akili is there with the rest of the Bungles.
OhJay on 04/28 at 11:06 AM
Saw a dude with a Cavs Shaun Kemp jersey the other day. Thought that was pretty classic.
Argus on 04/28 at 11:06 AM
Mike Piazza played five games for the Marlins in between trades, going 5 for 18.
So, you know, that means Rasheed Wallace playing one game for Atlanta really ISN’T better than Piazza.
FAIL.
Roger on 04/28 at 11:13 AM
Heath Schuler’s #5 should be on this list
Corey on 04/28 at 11:17 AM
I owned a Kemp Cavs jersey. I wish I still had it.
Richard on 04/28 at 11:20 AM
If my point is player’s that spent little-to-no time with a team, I’m pretty sure 1 game is less than 5; but hey, I’m just a Writer, not a Mathematician, LOL.
And please don’t come at me with Favre should be before Wallace since he played 2 games with the Falcons, since it’s more than 1. I’d hope that entry could explain itself.
Robb on 04/28 at 11:23 AM
I never got much use out of my Eli Manning Chargers jersey
Sean on 04/28 at 11:33 AM
Eric Lindros - Quebec Nordiques
Tony Mandarich - Packers
Heath Shuler - Redskins
Steve Walsh - Cowboys or Saints
Not exactly on topic, but let me add any Baltimore Browns jersey or items. Shortly after the move from Cleveland was announced, bu before the NFL put the kibosh on the Browns’ name and colors going to Baltimore, I stopped for gas at a rest stop on I95 just outside of Baltimore, and saw a Baltimore Browns t-shirt for sale. I have no idea of it was officially licensed, but I am still kicking myself for not buying it.
Jon on 04/28 at 11:35 AM
Tony Mandarich.
The Incredible Bulk.
Ring a bell?
Jon on 04/28 at 11:37 AM
Browns fans will appreciate this. Yes, Couch is a hot seller on the Clearance racks, but has anyone held onto their Mike “Mad Dog In a Meat Market” Junkin Jersey??
David on 04/28 at 11:38 AM
I’ve actually seen a Neil O’Donnel Bengals jersey when he came there after leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl.
Durwood on 04/28 at 11:43 AM
Andre Rison Browns Jersey - The free agent signing that lead to Modell stealing the team!
Josh on 04/28 at 11:43 AM
I knew a girl in college with a Ryan Leaf jersey, she covered the name with black tape to avoid being made fun of
Jeff on 04/28 at 11:58 AM
Marinovich - Raiders?!?!
Jutsy on 04/28 at 12:04 PM
I would trade my Brian Griese Broncos jersey for a Tony Dorsett or Jerry Rice Broncos jersey in a heartbeat.
Or my whole collection of 8 different Steve DeBerg shirts.
CanesFan on 04/28 at 12:05 PM
Is it too soon to put Matt Ryan on this list??
Jeff on 04/28 at 12:07 PM
Brent Barry - Seattle
Joey on 04/28 at 12:08 PM
Blair Thomas (or is that just too painful)
CanesFan on 04/28 at 12:10 PM
How about a Jason Williams(Duke) Chicago Bulls jersey??
Bill on 04/28 at 12:11 PM
Scott Norwood - Bills?
chrth on 04/28 at 12:12 PM
Oddly enough, they were selling Favre on the Falcons throwback jerseys a couple years ago.
Kevin on 04/28 at 12:20 PM
Bobby Hurley’s Kings jersey.
EJ on 04/28 at 12:22 PM
Joe @ 9:25 “the only three-time MVP in league history”
Jim Brown and Johnny Unitas might disagree with you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_MVP
Chris on 04/28 at 12:32 PM
What, no one owns a John Elway Colts jersey?
Bob Smith on 04/28 at 12:40 PM
What about a Seattle Bosworth jersey, complete with Bo Jackson’s foot print.....
MC26 on 04/28 at 12:43 PM
Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams of the ‘80’s Vancouver Canucks. Not only was he a worthless waste of a human who only was in the NHL to ensure that the penalty box staff had something to do each game, but that was the ugliest jersey seen outside of a marching band convention.
RG on 04/28 at 12:49 PM
I own 2 Quincy Carter jerseys and a Troy Hambrick Cowboys jersey. Heir to Emmitt Smith my ass!
Dish on 04/28 at 12:50 PM
Mark Chmura anyone?
chrth on 04/28 at 12:53 PM
Chmura was an all-Pro. I’m sure there are a lot of people who have his jersey, but only wear it to chaperone high school events.
arne on 04/28 at 12:55 PM
what about greg ostertag? he was the most horrible jazzman ever.
Vince on 04/28 at 01:18 PM
Tampa Bay Bucs first round draft pick jersey FAIL:
Keith McCants
Eric Curry
Vinny Testaverde (lost my creamscicle one in college)
JD Maarleveld
Michael Clayton (just saw one for $19)
Dave on 04/28 at 01:39 PM
I was at an AFL Cleveland Gladiator’s game and someone thought it prudent to wear a Bernie Kosar Cowboy’s jersery. Apparently they thought the GM of the new Gladiators would appreciate his glory days with the ‘Boys. Though he did win a ring with them…
Jmac on 04/28 at 01:53 PM
S.F. Giants fans could make a case for Barry Zito right about now.
Erich on 04/28 at 02:02 PM
I have a St. Pete./Tampa Bay (baseball) Giants t-shirt, from their near-move, called by the commish due to “baseball’s long-standing tradition of not moving our teams.”
A Todd Blackledge Chiefs jersey, anyone???
Tim on 04/28 at 02:35 PM
How about an Ahman Green Seahawks jersey?
Hoosier7 on 04/28 at 02:55 PM
As an Indiana fan, Id liked to bring up Ron Artest, who destroyed our title-contending franchise by starting ‘the fight’ that led to the demise of the Pacers. Thanks Ronnie. Thank God for the Colts.
donb on 04/28 at 03:04 PM
funny you mention chmura… i was at packers @ lions on thanksgiving this year and there was a guy near me wearing an old school chmura jersey. dude was in his 50’s and looked like a total child predator. i wish i could post the picture of it here…
Scott on 04/28 at 03:06 PM
0. Rae Carruth, Panthers
joe on 04/28 at 03:24 PM
Brett Favre was MVP three times not two and all of them in a row too.
dank on 04/28 at 03:46 PM
alonzo mourning toronto raptors jersey. also bryant reeves vancouver grizzlies jersey. he’s the reason i spell “big country” without the ‘o’
Richard on 04/28 at 03:49 PM
I’ve got make a late addition to the coversation, as a very wise man pointed out that Sam Bowie is no where to be found on the list. I can’t help but wonder what it’d been like to have that Portland jersey and forever wonder what could’ve been?
Jason on 04/28 at 03:59 PM
How about a J.D. Drew Phillies jersey. Way to waste the number 2 overall pick. Story of our franchise
How do you spell retard? on 04/28 at 04:10 PM
Chris Webber 76ers jersey. Had to pay the guy $40 billion to leave the team.
Solorram on 04/28 at 04:51 PM
Lets not forget being a Rams fan ,,Tony (baby hands) banks#12 the guy fumbled more than he took snaps
Anthony K on 04/28 at 06:21 PM
- Ron Dayne - Giants
- Any Knicks jersey *shakes head in shame*
- Anthony Young, Mel Rojas, Robbie Alomar, G Mota - Mets jersey
- special mention to the Frederic Weis Knick jersey....
AJ on 04/28 at 06:29 PM
How about a Kent Graham Steelers jersey? Won one game as the starter and got benched in favor of KORDELL STEWART.
Travis on 04/28 at 07:22 PM
How about a Philadelphia Eagles Bobby Hoying jersey. He was supposed to be the next big thing in Philly and then fell off the face of the planet.
Stunt on 04/28 at 08:15 PM
Linked in from Deadspin, and I agree with most of the choices. There’s also some great ones in the comments (Heath Shuler ftw!) though anyone saying Vick should french kiss a shotgun. That being said, there’s something about over the hill, formerly great athlete jerseys that warm my heart, especially when seen worn by spectators at Gus Macker tournaments in the greater midwest.
Patrick Ewing - Supersonics
Patrick Ewing - Magic
Hakeem Olajuwon - Toronto
Warren Moon - Seahawks
Robert Parish - Bulls
Brian on 04/28 at 08:23 PM
How about these:
-Franco Harris Seahawks jersey
-Jim McMahon and Steve McMichael Packers jersey
-Joe Namath LA Rams jersey
-Johnny Unitas Steelers jersey or Chargers jersey
-Timmy Smith Redskins jersey
-Rick Mirer Bears jersey
Andy on 04/28 at 08:24 PM
How about a Sam Bowie jersey...drafted AHEAD of MJ?? Or a Steve Emtman?? And help me out with the kid from the Yankees....Brien Taylor or something like that??
Jason on 04/28 at 09:40 PM
How about a list of Bears jerseys: Cade McNown, Curtis Enis, Rashaan Salam, Cedric Benson...we will end it after those. brutal brutal jersey’s. How about a Mark Prior cubs jersey
B on 04/28 at 09:50 PM
A former co-worker had a Darko jersey - from his high school team! I couldn’t even believe such a thing existed.
Nick on 04/29 at 12:06 AM
As a joke, my brother got me a Shawn Bradley rookie jersey , #76 for the 76ers (and Bradley’s 7’6). I’m nowhere near that tall, but still is there any worse jersey to wear to a pick-up game if you don’t want to get dunked on, haha.
pacman1277 on 04/29 at 03:11 AM
Brian Bosworth...nough said
Danish on 04/29 at 04:49 AM
T.O - Ravens jersey
Eli Manning - SD Chargers
Paul Walsh on 04/29 at 05:07 AM
An Alexander Daigle Ottawa Senators sweater (in hockey they are sweaters - not jerseys) Or, a Vince Ferragamo Montreal Alouettes uniform (he left the LA Rams for Montreal - along with Billy “White Shoes” Johnson).
Shiv Ram on 04/29 at 06:13 AM
What about John Elway’s Colts Jersey? How come Elway’s name never comes up when discussing prima-donna crybabies?
James on 04/29 at 06:21 AM
Dan McGwire--Seahawks #10 drafted in 1991 1st before Marinovich and Favre. He made Marinovich look like Joe Montana
Mike Stellmacher on 04/29 at 09:42 AM
Chris Carter - Miami Dolphins Jersey
Mark Prior - Chicago Cubs...I think so
Martin Gramatica and Gus Frerotte Jerseys would be pretty embarassing. Two of more notable self-inflicted injuried in sports history. That’s why you never head butt a wall if you’re a QB, or try to make athletic jumps if you’re a kicker.
Fonzy on 04/29 at 01:10 PM
I think everyone missed Jamir Jagar of the Washington Capitals.
Steve on 04/29 at 02:19 PM
Bill Gramatica is the one who hurt himself celebrating I believe, not good ol’ Martin.
What about a Joe Montana Chiefs or Emmit Smith Cardinals jersey? talk about irrelevance.
Agree though that a Frerrote ‘skins jersey would be quite a sight
Brett on 04/29 at 07:14 PM
Uh, I have an Orlando Rage XFL jersey.
Adam on 04/29 at 07:46 PM
If you had a He Hate Me, Las Vegas XFL jersey, I would be more impressed.
Rob on 04/30 at 09:02 AM
I wolud have probably said
Peter Forsberg Nashville Predators jersey
James on 04/30 at 12:58 PM
I would be impressed with anyone who has a lime-green Orlando Thunder jersey, from the World League of American Football.
Steve on 05/01 at 12:07 AM
No Rick Mirer?
You’ll still see this one rocked in Seattle before a game. It’s a classic.
MrUcantDenyIt on 05/01 at 06:35 PM
Richard had a Yatil Green jersey
AJ on 05/01 at 10:30 PM
What about all those sad, pathetic, freaks who had a Juan Gonzalez Detroit Tigers jersey...on second thought, im not all that sad.
Jon on 05/03 at 11:11 AM
Pete Rose Expos Jersey
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