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.

Jim Kelly

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Jim Kelly wanted no part of cold weather. So, he signed with the Houston Gamblers after the Buffalo Bills drafted him in the first round. In two seasons, he threw for more than 9,800 yards. Kelly finally joined the Bills in 1986 after the USFL folded. He helped lead the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and six divisional championships from 1988-95. Buffalo made the playoffs in eight of Kelly’s 11 seasons as their starting quarterback.