What Happened to Devonta Freeman? A Look at the Running Back's Career (2024)

By Oliver Wiener August 16, 2024 23:29

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Devonta Freeman, a former household name in the NFL at his peak, has endured one of the more turbulent career arcs. Freeman was one of the heralded local running backs from high school, but his rise and fall in trying to make it as a professional at this point is part of what makes sports such an eye-opening journey. This piece will cover Freeman's career extensively, from his jump-start into the NFL, major feats of achievement, and factors that have led him spiraling down toward being where he is today.

Early Life & CareerAscension

Born and dugout Devonta Freeman was born on March 15, 1992, in Miami, Florida. He played collegiately at Florida State University (FSU), where he excelled as a running back. Freeman enjoyed an accomplished college career, Fiesta Bowl notwithstanding, highlighted by his standout junior season in 2013 when he ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored a remarkable 14 touchdowns. His efforts helped the Seminoles win a national championship, which did wonders for his draft stock.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Freeman in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 103rd overall pick. His arrival to the NFL was slow as he sat behind veteran runner Steven Jackson. Freeman's window opened in 2015 when he was named the starting running back. He made the most of it, rushing for 1,056 yards and totaling a career-high 11 touchdowns, good enough to get him into his first Pro Bowl.

Main Achievements and Stats

Pro Bowl Selections: Freeman made the Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016, cementing his status as one of the best running backs.

All-Pro homage: His on-the-field impact was recognized in 2015 when he earned second-team All-Pro honors.

Super Bowl Appearance: Back in 2016, Freeman helped carry the Falcons to Super Bowl LI, which most remember for being a historic game that ended with heartbreak for the Falcons.

Career Rushing Yards: 4,725 career rushing yards.

Rushing Touchdowns: He is a gap-based runner with 38 touchdowns during college, but he still knows how to find the end zone.

Pass-catching: Freeman has also been productive as a receiver, catching 298 passes for an additional 2,263 yards and 12 TDs, giving him capability in that area.

Major sustainability challenges

Injuries

We all know he has battled injuries throughout his career. He suffered a concussion in 2016 and knee and foot issues after that. Sadly, these injuries plagued his minutes and playability, making him ineffective on the field.

Changes in Team Dynamics

He has always been productive, except for the offense around him. The Falcons' offensive philosophy changed, so Freeman got less work. Other options, Tevin Coleman, and the transition to a pass-heavy theory on offense with ATL also played a role in limiting Freeman's touches. He was phased out of the Falcons' offense by 2020, and his production only continued to lag further.

Age and Wear

By the time Freeman entered his late 20s, the hits of a running back had started to take their toll. The wear and tear of the position typically leads to a shorter career span, with Freeman's showing exactly why father time catches up relatively quickly to even healthy, skilled players.

Recent Developments

Freeman signed a one-year deal with the Giants in 2020 after being cut by Atlanta. He ran for 172 yards and a fifth score in five games with the Giants before suffering another injury. After the 2020 campaign, Freeman was a free agent and had an unclear path to his NFL future.

Freeman would eventually sign with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, becoming perhaps even more respectable. In 16 games, he ran for just 576 yards and five touchdowns. This performance was good enough to show that he could still be an asset in the NFL, but he was just beside that tier for best backs.

Status And Future Plans

Freeman is still a free agent through 2024. Recent performances have called for his return, but what the future will hold remains an undecided mystery. The market for running backs has gotten even more crowded as younger players have come on, and teams are looking to use their resources to build depth at the spot rather than relying on older options.

It has been quite the rollercoaster for Freeman, with milestones like his record-setting career and major trials and tribulations. He may not be the all-rounder he used to be, but his stickability emulates an athlete who has stared in the face of adversity.

If one wanted to write a story about talent, triumph, and tribulation, Devonta Freeman probably has the most interesting career. Freeman's career from a Pro Bowl running back to battling injuries and shifts in the dynamics of his final team is simply sports at work. As he ventures into the murky waters of free agency, everyone from fans to analysts will presumably be watching with great interest to see ifhe can write a new chapter in his career. Whether he plays again or moves into another role in the game, Freeman will be remembered as an electrifying running back.

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