If it's possible for someone to both exceed and fall short of expectations in just a few years, then Willis McGahee is the guy who's done it. In just a few short seasons in the NFL, he's already experienced enough ups and downs to fill an entire career.
A bright NFL future seemed like a certainty after McGahee broke all kinds of records at Miami during the 2002 season. But that was before his ugly injury during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl almost destroyed his knee. McGahee surprised some observers by declaring for the NFL Draft anyway, and the Buffalo Bills raised even more eyebrows by drafting him in the first round even though he had virtually no chance of recovering by the start of the season.
McGahee ended up sitting out the entire 2003 season, but he came back with a vengeance the next season. Rushing for over 1100 yards in just 11 starts, he racked up 13 touchdowns and 10 yards of 20-plus yards looking every bit the back he was at Miami. He wasn't quite as explosive in 2005, though his 1247 yards were still none too shabby.
Ever confident, he declared himself the best running back in the NFL but couldn't back it up in 2006. With the Bills souring on both his production and his attitude, the team dealt him to the Baltimore Ravens for three draft picks in March 2007.
Even though collectors have gone cold on McGahee for the second time, he finds himself in the perfect situation to send his roller coaster career back up again. The Ravens are a veteran team missing just a few pieces on offense, and if McGahee can summon up his 2004 or 2005 form, it's no stretch to think he could play a starring role in a Super Bowl run.
McGahee's rookie cards come in many different varieties, but like many of his Miami brethren, he didn't sign too many autographed cards. His Leaf Limited # 140 is his rarest signed rookie, while his Upper Deck Pros and Prospects # 143 is the one with the largest print run.
Willis McGahee 2003 Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 159 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Bowman # 125
- Bowman Chrome # 206
- Bowman's Best # 110 - jersey card
- Donruss Classics # 176 - #'d to 900
- Donruss Elite # 126 - #'d to 500
- Finest # 127 - autographed, #'d to 399
- Flair # 96 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Authentix # 105 - #'d to 1250
- Fleer Avant # 71 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Focus # 132 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Genuine Insider # 103 - #'d to 499
- Fleer Mystique # 105 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Platinum # 260 - #'d to 750
- Fleer Showcase # 108 - #'d to 650
- Fleer Snapshot # 127 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Tradition # 274
- Gridiron Kings # 114
- Hot Prospects # 113 - #'d to 1250
- Leaf Certified Materials # 159 - jersey card #'d to 1250
- Leaf Limited # 140 - autographed card #'d to 150
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 260 - jersey card #'d to 550
- Playoff Contenders # 135 - autographed, #'d to 369
- Playoff Hogg Heaven # 229 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Playoff Honors # 230 - jersey card #'d to 700
- Playoff Prestige # 167
- Score # 287
- SkyBox LE # 113 - #'d to 99
- SP Authentic # 244 - jersey card #'d to 850
- SP Game Used # 111 - #'d to 600
- SP Signature # 112 - #'d to 750
- SPx # 208 - autographed jersey card #'d to 450
- Sweet Spot # 224 - #'d to 100
- Topps # 360
- Topps All American # 139
- Topps Chrome # 215
- Topps Draft Picks and Prospects # 140
- Topps Pristine # 147
- Topps Total # 470
- UD Patch Collection # 137
- Ultimate Collection # 95 - autographed, #'d to 250
- Ultra # 185
- Upper Deck # 251 - SP
- Upper Deck Finite # 211 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck MVP # 357
- Upper Deck Pros and Prospects # 143 - autographed, #'d to 2000