43 NFL players who spent time in other leagues

Arena, the USFL, CFL and other leagues have been the path to the NFL for some players.

USFL Gary Anderson

Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, but signed to play for the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL in 1983 after a college football career at the University of Arkansas. . In 1985, Anderson signed with the Chargers and was used primarily as a backup running back and kick returner. In 1986, he caught 80 passes for 871 yards and eight touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl. He continued to be a reserve and special teams player for the Chargers until 1988, when he became the starting running back and rushed for 1,119 yards on 225 carries.