Football and especially the NFL is so layered. The team you’re drafted by, the other players, the coaches, and even the city.
Think about the players that became more or less depending on their situation. Few players are indomitable. Actually all are part of a system. This isn’t sprinting or golf.
Barry Sanders was held back by his teams. Emmitt Smith became a hall of Famer due to his teams. Don’t get me wrong he was a good NFL running back, but he doesn’t even sniff the top 20 most talented running backs of all time.
Shoot… Russ managed to destroy his career and reputation. He was on his way to the hall, and now there’s zero shot.