26. Beanie Wells, running back, Ohio State
Injuries were a significant reason Christopher “Beanie” Wells did not have a more impactful career in the NFL. Wells’ career began with being carted off of the field after signing his rookie contract in 2009.
Despite the injury, Wells bounced back and was second in rushing among rookies. The injuries would continue to pile up, however. After running for over 1,000 yards in his second season with the Cardinals, severe turf-toe would derail Wells’ third season.
The Cardinals cut Wells in 2013. After tearing his Achilles’ tendon, Wells decided to retire.
An injury-plagued career does not diminish Wells’ outstanding career at Ohio State, however. Coming out of Akron Garfield High School, Wells was the first five-star running back in Buckeyes’ history. He is also the eighth-best recruit in school history.
Ohio State fans remember how dominant he was against Michigan in his career, never losing to the Wolverines. Wells had 356 yards and three touchdowns as the starter in two games against Michigan.
Though Wells had 56 yards against Michigan, 22 of those yards came on a touchdown run to seal the game. The following season Wells ran for the second most yards ever (222) by a Buckeye against the Wolverines.
Wells was a Parade All-American in 2006 and All-Big Ten First Team in 2007. Wells’ 3,382 rushing yards is sixth in Ohio State history.