From undrafted free agent to a $20 million contract
In short: Most athletes struggle to secure an NFL roster spot, yet Robbie Chosen rose from an undrafted free agent with a tiny signing bonus to a $20 million contract. His journey from Temple University to the league's biggest stages reveals the volatile, high-stakes nature of professional football stardom.
Robbie Chosen, born Robby Anderson in 1993, followed a non-linear path to the NFL. After playing for the Temple Owls, where he set a school record with 239 receiving yards in a single game against SMU, he entered the 2016 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Despite clocking an impressive 4.36-second 40-yard dash, he initially signed a modest three-year, $1.63 million deal with the New York Jets, which included just a $10,000 signing bonus. Before his professional success, he faced academic hurdles that forced him to attend a Florida community college during the 2014 season. His collegiate performance also included a massive 70-catch season in 2015.
His career is defined by periods of immense productivity followed by roster instability. During his time with the Jets, he emerged as a primary target, even leading the team in receiving yards during the 2018 season. This upward trajectory culminated in April 2020, when the Carolina Panthers signed him to a significant two-year, $20 million contract, featuring $12 million in guaranteed money. This move reunited him with his former Temple coach, Matt Rhule. During his tenure with the Jets, he once earned a fine of over $12,000 following a moment of frustration on the field. He also demonstrated remarkable consistency by leading the league in touchdown streaks for five consecutive games.
However, the life of a professional wide receiver is often marked by frequent movement. Following a lucrative deal, Chosen has moved through various rosters, including practice squad roles and releases with the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals. His career illustrates the precarious balance between elite athletic performance and the constant pressure of roster cuts and contract negotiations. His recent years have seen him navigating the fringes of active rosters, including stints on the practice squads of the Dolphins and Commanders. Even after being released by the Cardinals in early 2023, he continued to find opportunities to compete.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Robbie Chosen
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