Larry Centers, a professional football player known for his exceptional skills as a fullback, spent 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). His career began when he was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Centers quickly established himself as a reliable player, particularly noted for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, a skill that set him apart from many of his contemporaries in the fullback position.
Throughout his time with the Cardinals, Centers became a vital part of the team's offense. His ability to catch the ball was unparalleled among fullbacks of his era, and he consistently ranked among the top receivers on his team. In 1995, he achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first running back in NFL history to record 100 receptions in a single season. This feat highlighted his unique role in the Cardinals' offensive scheme and underscored his exceptional receiving abilities.
Centers continued to excel with the Cardinals until 1998, when he joined the Washington Redskins. His tenure with the Redskins further solidified his reputation as one of the best receiving fullbacks in the league. In 1996 and 1997, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, an acknowledgment of his outstanding performance and contribution to the game. During his time with the Redskins, Centers continued to amass impressive receiving statistics, further cementing his legacy as a top-tier fullback.
In 2001, Centers signed with the Buffalo Bills, where he continued to demonstrate his receiving prowess. Even as he aged, his ability to contribute to the passing game remained undiminished. Centers played two seasons with the Bills, maintaining his status as a reliable target for quarterbacks and a leader on the field.
Centers concluded his NFL career with the New England Patriots in 2003. Although his time with the Patriots was brief, he added a Super Bowl ring to his list of achievements when the team won Super Bowl XXXVIII. This victory was a fitting capstone to a career marked by consistent excellence and adaptability.
Over the course of his career, Larry Centers accumulated over 800 receptions, setting a record for the most receptions by a running back in NFL history.
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