Rashard Mendenhall, born on June 19, 1987, in Skokie, Illinois, is a former NFL running back who made his debut in the league in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He quickly made a name for himself, winning Super Bowl XLIII with the team on February 1, 2009. However, his time with the Steelers was plagued by injuries that hindered his production, leading him to join the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
Before his NFL career, Mendenhall played college football for the University of Illinois. In his time there, he was a standout player, earning first team All-Big 10 honors in 2007. This success led to his selection as the 23rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
After a promising rookie season, Mendenhall's career truly took off. He showcased his talent by accumulating an impressive 2,381 rushing yards and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns in his second and third seasons in the league. His exceptional performance solidified his reputation as a top running back in the NFL.
One interesting fact about Mendenhall is that he comes from a football family. His brother, Walter Mendenhall, also pursued a career in the NFL as a running back. This connection only further fueled Rashard's passion for the sport and served as motivation to excel in his own career.
During his rookie year, Mendenhall had the opportunity to play alongside quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the Steelers' offense. Roethlisberger's leadership and experience were invaluable to Mendenhall as he navigated his early years in the league.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, Rashard Mendenhall's determination and talent allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the NFL. His journey from college standout to Super Bowl champion is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game he loves.