Dominic Rhodes, a running back known for his agility and speed, began his professional football career when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001. Despite not being selected in the NFL Draft, Rhodes quickly demonstrated his potential on the field. During his rookie season, he stepped into the spotlight when starting running back Edgerrin James suffered a season-ending injury. Rhodes seized the opportunity and rushed for over 1,100 yards, setting an NFL record for the most rushing yards by an undrafted rookie.
His performance in 2001 established him as a reliable player in the Colts' backfield. Over the next few years, Rhodes continued to contribute to the team, although his role varied with the return of James and the emergence of other running backs. Despite these changes, Rhodes remained a valuable asset, known for his ability to break through defenses and his knack for finding the end zone.
The pinnacle of Rhodes' career came during the 2006 NFL season. As part of a dynamic backfield duo with rookie Joseph Addai, Rhodes played a crucial role in the Colts' journey to Super Bowl XLI. In the championship game against the Chicago Bears, Rhodes delivered a standout performance, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown. His efforts helped the Colts secure a 29-17 victory, earning him recognition as one of the game's standout performers.
Following the Super Bowl win, Rhodes signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2007. His time with the Raiders was short-lived, as he was released after one season. He returned to the Colts in 2008, providing depth and experience to the team's running game. Rhodes continued to play in the NFL until 2010, with brief stints on the rosters of the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans.
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