Monday, February 16, 2026

NFL Superstars Who Fell Short in 2025

The 2025 NFL season has come to a close and what a season it was! Filled with drama, surprises, and breakout players, it was a rollercoaster ride for fans and players alike. While some players shined and exceeded expectations, there were also those who fell short of their potential. Let’s take a look at some of the NFL superstars who failed to live up to the hype in the 2025 season.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba, the highly-touted wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, was expected to have a breakout season in 2025. With his impressive speed and agility, many believed he would be a top receiver in the league. However, things did not go as planned for Smith-Njigba. Despite his talent, he struggled to find his footing on the field and failed to make a significant impact for the Cowboys. This was a disappointment for both the team and fans who had high hopes for him.

Another player who failed to meet expectations was Drake Maye, the quarterback for the New England Patriots. After an impressive rookie season, Maye was expected to take the league by storm in 2025. However, he struggled with consistency and made costly mistakes on the field. This led to the Patriots missing the playoffs for the first time in years. Maye’s performance was a letdown for the team and fans who were counting on him to lead them to victory.

The 2025 season was also a disappointment for running back, Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a stellar rookie season, Harris was expected to continue his dominance on the field. However, he struggled with injuries and failed to make the impact he did in his rookie year. This was a major setback for the Steelers, who heavily relied on Harris to carry their offense. It was a tough season for Harris and the Steelers, who had high hopes for him.

Another player who fell short in 2025 was cornerback, Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. After a strong start to his career, Surtain was expected to solidify himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. However, he struggled with consistency and was often beaten by opposing receivers. This was a disappointment for the Broncos, who were hoping Surtain would be a key player in their defense. It was a tough season for Surtain, but he has the talent to bounce back in the future.

The 2025 season was also a letdown for defensive end, Kayvon Thibodeaux of the Los Angeles Chargers. After a dominant rookie season, Thibodeaux was expected to continue wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. However, he struggled with injuries and was unable to make the impact he did in his rookie year. This was a disappointment for the Chargers, who were counting on Thibodeaux to be a key player in their defense. It was a tough season for Thibodeaux, but he has the potential to bounce back and become a top player in the league.

In conclusion, the 2025 NFL season had its fair share of disappointments. While some players exceeded expectations and became stars, there were also those who fell short of their potential. Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Drake Maye, Najee Harris, Patrick Surtain II, and Kayvon Thibodeaux were all expected to have stellar seasons, but they failed to live up to the hype. However, this does not mean they are not talented players. They have the potential to bounce back and prove themselves in the future. As for the 2025 season, it will be remembered as a season of both triumphs and setbacks, but one thing is for sure, it was a season filled with excitement and unpredictability.

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