Post by TheShadow on Feb 18, 2009 5:51:02 GMT -5
bleacherreport.com/
By J.D.
Does anyone remember Napoleon Kaufman?
Well I do—very very well!
He was mostly known as a superstar running back for the Oakland Raiders. He came up with good numbers but retired after playing only six seasons in the league (1995-2000).
Here's his story.
Kaufman was born in Kansas City but was raised in California in his childhood. From 1991 to 1995, he played for the Washington Huskies football program.
Kaufman was a critical player in the 1994 game known as the "Whammy In Miami," as the Huskies ended Miami's 58-game home win streak that they had kept since 1985.
Kaufman had a very great career with the Huskies, piling up many records. He had the most rushing yards in a career for his school with 4,106 yards. He set many other records with the team.
After a great career in college, it was time for Kaufman to declare for the NFL Draft.
He was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders. In his six seasons with the league, Kaufman piled up 4,792 yards with an impressive 4.9 yards per carry average.
In 1997 and 1998, Kaufman had 900 to 1,000-yard seasons. He had 1,294 yards in 1997 and 921 yards in 1998. He also had 65 catches combined in those two seasons.
In the later part of his career, Kaufman split time with all-star running back Tyrone Wheatley.
In 2000, Kaufman shocked the NFL when he retired. But he retired for a good cause. He did because he was a Christian.
He became a Christian minister and is now a senior pastor at the Well Christian Community Church.
Kaufman is now married and has three children. He has been married for 10 years now.
Now do you remember Napoleon Kaufman?
Still a superstar, still a Christian minister.
Season Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles
G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost
2000 Oakland Raiders 14 2 93 499 5.4 60 0 13 127 9.8 25 1 1 1
1999 Oakland Raiders 16 5 138 714 5.2 75T 2 18 181 10.1 50 1 3 2
1998 Oakland Raiders 13 13 217 921 4.2 80T 2 25 191 7.6 39 0 2 1
1997 Oakland Raiders 16 16 272 1,294 4.8 83T 6 40 403 10.1 70T 2 7 5
1996 Oakland Raiders 16 9 150 874 5.8 77 1 22 143 6.5 19 1 3 3
1995 Oakland Raiders 16 1 108 490 4.5 28 1 9 62 6.9 18 0 0 0
TOTAL 978 4,792 4.9 83 12 127 1,107 8.7 70 5 16 12