Ahmad Bradshaw (born March 19, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd. Bradshaw was selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft by the New York Giants. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowls XLII and XLVI as a member of the Giants, defeating the New England Patriots each time. He was the leading rusher in each game, becoming one of eight running backs in NFL history to be the leading rusher in two Super Bowls.
 Bradshaw with the Giants after winning Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 | |||||||||||||||
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born: | March 19, 1986 Bluefield, West Virginia, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 217 lb (98 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | Graham (Bluefield) | ||||||||||||||
| College: | Marshall (2004–2006) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2007 / round: 7 / pick: 250 | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Early life
editAhmad Bradshaw was born in Bluefield, West Virginia to Diana Davis and James Bradshaw, and played high school football, basketball and ran track at Graham High School. He was ranked as the #7 player in Virginia and the #28 cornerback prospect in the country by Rivals.com. He rushed for 2,282 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior and 2,557 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior, totaling 5,265 yards and 92 touchdowns while averaging nearly ten yards a carry for his high school career. He earned All-Virginia honors and was named VHSL AA Player of the Year.
Bradshaw was also on the Graham High track & field team, where he competed as a sprinter and jumper. In sprints, he recorded times of 6.75 seconds in the 55 metres and 11.34 seconds in the 100 meters. In jumping events, he got a personal-best leap of 1.80 meters in the high jump.[1]
Bradshaw originally signed a letter of intent to Virginia and arrived in Charlottesville for football practice, but was kicked off the team by Al Groh before his first season started, after being arrested for underage drinking and running from police.[2] He then enrolled at Marshall University, where his college career would result in his induction into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame.[3]
College career
editFreshman season (2004)
editWith the Thundering Herd, Bradshaw only had 462 yards and three touchdowns in his freshman season in 2004,[4] but also totaled 187 yards receiving on 14 receptions for two touchdowns. He missed two games that season, the Georgia and Miami games, due to an ankle sprain sustained during a stellar fourth quarter performance at Ohio State. He also recorded nine punt returns for 108 yards and 15 kick returns for 322 yards as a freshman. Bradshaw rushed for a then career-high 145 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown run, in just eight first half carries against Western Michigan. His other signature performance of the season came against Kansas State University, when he took a screen pass 75-yards for a score.
Sophomore season (2005)
editBradshaw rushed for 997 yards[5] and totaled 1,382 all-purpose yards en route to becoming a second-team All-Conference USA selection as a sophomore in 2005. He was the team's leading rusher and receiver as well. In the season-opener against William & Mary, Bradshaw rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown with 73 yards and a score receiving. He rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown in the loss to #3 Virginia Tech. He followed it up with a then career-high 133 yards against the University of Texas at El Paso and eclipsed the mark the following week in the Herd's overtime loss to Southern Miss with 150 yards and a score. Bradshaw's best performance came against East Carolina, when he rushed for a season and career-high 187 yards with two touchdowns along with 51 yards on eight receptions. He added a season-long 56-yard run against ECU as well.
Junior season (2006)
editBradshaw's best season of his college career came as a junior in 2006, when he totaled 1,523 yards rushing, for 19 touchdowns, and 129 receiving yards for two scores. He was eighth in the nation in rushing yardage and tied for third in rushing touchdowns. In the Herd's second game of the season against Hofstra, Bradshaw ran for 152 yards and four touchdowns. Against the University of Central Florida, he ran for 181 yards and a score. Bradshaw's first out of two 200-yard games of the season came two weeks later against the University of Alabama-Birmingham, when he rushed for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Against UTEP, he rushed for career-highs of 261 yards and five touchdowns.
College statistics
edit| Rushing | Fumbles | Receiving | ||||||||||||
| Year | Team | G | Att | Yards | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST | Rec | Yards | Y/R | TD | LNG |
| 2004 | Marshall | 8 | 95 | 462 | 4.9 | 77 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 187 | 13.4 | 2 | 75 | |
| 2005 | Marshall | 11 | 214 | 997 | 4.7 | 56 | 9 | 0 | 56 | 381 | 6.8 | 1 | 52 | |
| 2006 | Marshall | 12 | 249 | 1,523 | 6.1 | 67 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 129 | 7.6 | 2 | 26 |
| Total | 31 | 558 | 2,982 | 5.3 | 77 | 31 | 87 | 697 | 8.0 | 5 | 75 | |||
Professional career
edit| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 9+1⁄2 in (1.77 m) |
198 lb (90 kg) |
31+1⁄2 in (0.80 m) |
8+1⁄2 in (0.22 m) |
4.66 s | 1.66 s | 2.75 s | 4.09 s | 6.70 s | 34 in (0.86 m) |
9 ft 4 in (2.84 m) | ||
| All values from NFL Combine[8] | ||||||||||||
New York Giants
edit2007
editBradshaw was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round with the 250th overall pick of the 2007 NFL draft.[9] In his first two games, Bradshaw fumbled twice on kickoff returns. He was fourth in the National Football Conference with a 26.0-yard kickoff return average when the Giants replaced him with veteran Reuben Droughns. Bradshaw returned to returning kickoffs for the November 18 game against the Detroit Lions.
Injuries to teammates Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, and the disappointing play of Droughns, gave Bradshaw his first regular season carries against the Minnesota Vikings. He gained 29 yards on four carries in the game. On December 23, 2007, he scored his first NFL touchdown on an 88-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills. It was the third longest run in Giants history and the longest run of the 2007 season.[10] He finished the game with a career-high 151 yards on 17 carries.[11][12]
Bradshaw was used more frequently as a change of pace back to Jacobs during the Giants 2007 playoff run. He had a great performance in the NFC Championship game in Green Bay, including a 52-yard would-be touchdown run in the fourth quarter that was negated by a holding penalty.[13] He contributed greatly to his team's success in Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots, gaining 45 yards (the most of all running backs) and even recovering a fumble by quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl, defeating the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17−14, and ending their opponent's bid for a perfect 19–0 season.[14]
2008
editBradshaw averaged 6.7 yards per carry as the third running back for the Giants in 2008.[15] He was reduced to third string running back due to a strong performance by Derrick Ward, who finished the season with more than 1,000 rushing yards.[16]
2009
editIn 2009, Bradshaw was second string running back behind Brandon Jacobs with Derrick Ward's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He rushed for a then career-high 778 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.[17] Bradshaw also had a career receiving long play of 55 yards.
2010
editBradshaw was promoted to first-string running back ahead of Brandon Jacobs in 2010, due to Jacobs's disappointing 2009 season. After a two turnover game against the Eagles in Week 9, Bradshaw was demoted to make room for Brandon Jacobs's return. Bradshaw led the league in turnovers (for running backs) for most of the 2010 season.
Despite these obstacles, Bradshaw finished the season with career highs in rushing yards (1,235) and rushing touchdowns (8).[18]
2011
editIn 2011, Bradshaw signed a four-year deal worth $18 million and $9 million guaranteed with a $5 million bonus. In Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, Bradshaw recorded three touchdowns in a 27−24 Giants win.[19] He was benched for the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 due to an alleged curfew violation.[20] Bradshaw rushed for nine touchdowns during the season, a career-high mark.[21]
Bradshaw scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning touchdown with a 6-yard run with 57 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots. The touchdown was unusual in that the Patriots permitted Bradshaw to score unopposed, to prevent the Giants from running out most of the remaining time before winning the game with a field goal. Bradshaw, aware of the Patriots' strategy, attempted to stop himself from crossing the goal line but fell backward into the end zone. The Patriots failed to score, however, and the Giants thus won 21−17.[22]
2012
edit
Although Bradshaw mostly played along rookie David Wilson for the starting role, he had a fairly decent season. Bradshaw missed only two games due to injuries to his knee and foot. Despite having his minutes declining because of Wilson, He played in 14 games, had 221 rushing attempts, 1,015 rushing yards, and six touchdowns.[23] It was the second time in his career that Bradshaw had 1,000+ rushing yards (the first being in 2010).[5] On October 7, during a Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns, Bradshaw carried the ball 30 times for 200 yards, with 1 touchdown, a 4-yard run; he also had 4 receptions for 29 yards, giving him 229 yards of total offense. The Giants would win against the Browns 41−27.[24]
Bradshaw was released by the Giants on February 6, 2013, to clear cap space and after the emergence of the rookie David Wilson.[25]
Indianapolis Colts
edit
On June 11, 2013, Bradshaw signed with the Indianapolis Colts.[26] After an injury sustained in Week 3, Bradshaw was put on injured reserve due to needing neck surgery.[27]
On March 11, 2014, Bradshaw reached a one-year agreement to re-sign with the Colts. Prior to his injury in Week 6, Bradshaw had a career-high six touchdown receptions, leading all NFL running backs, and was on pace to break Marshall Faulk's record of 9.[28][29][30] In the 2014 season, he finished with 90 carries for 425 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go with 38 receptions for 300 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.[31]
On October 14, 2015, Bradshaw agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Colts. On November 30, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a wrist injury.[32] Bradshaw participated in The Spring League in April 2017.[33]
NFL career statistics
edit| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Won the Super Bowl | ||
| Led the league | ||
| Bold | Career high | |
Regular season
edit| General | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Y/G | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
| 2007 | NYG | 12 | 23 | 190 | 8.3 | 15.8 | 88T | 1 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2008 | NYG | 15 | 67 | 355 | 5.3 | 23.7 | 77 | 1 | 5 | 42 | 18T | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2009 | NYG | 15 | 163 | 778 | 4.8 | 51.9 | 38 | 7 | 21 | 207 | 55 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| 2010 | NYG | 16 | 276 | 1,235 | 4.5 | 77.2 | 48T | 8 | 47 | 314 | 18 | 0 | 7 | 6 |
| 2011 | NYG | 12 | 171 | 659 | 3.9 | 54.9 | 37 | 9 | 34 | 267 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 | NYG | 14 | 221 | 1,015 | 4.6 | 72.5 | 37 | 6 | 23 | 245 | 59 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 2013 | IND | 3 | 41 | 186 | 4.5 | 62.0 | 27 | 2 | 7 | 42 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | IND | 10 | 90 | 425 | 4.7 | 42.5 | 29 | 2 | 38 | 300 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 2015 | IND | 4 | 18 | 47 | 2.6 | 11.8 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 8T | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Career [34] | 101 | 1,070 | 4,890 | 4.6 | 48.4 | 88 | 36 | 180 | 1,453 | 59 | 10 | 22 | 15 | |
Playoffs
edit| General | Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Lng | TD |
| 2007 | NYG | 4 | 48 | 208 | 4.3 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 9 | 0 |
| 2011 | NYG | 4 | 63 | 272 | 4.3 | 30 | 1 | 16 | 114 | 30 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 111 | 480 | 4.3 | 30 | 2 | 20 | 141 | 30 | 0 | |
Legal troubles
editIn 2004, Bradshaw was dismissed from the football team at the University of Virginia after pleading guilty to underage drinking and resisting arrest. After police attempted to break up a party, he fled the scene in an effort to avoid them. The results were two misdemeanor convictions and a probationary sentence. Bradshaw never played a down for the Virginia Cavaliers.[35]
During his junior year at Marshall University, Bradshaw was sentenced to two years probation for petty larceny. He stole a PlayStation from another student's dormitory room. Two years later in June 2008, he was sentenced to 60 days in Abingdon Regional Jail for violating probation for a sealed juvenile charge.[36] Bradshaw cut a deal in which he was able to serve his time in the off-season. In 2008, he served 29 days and reported to training camp on time. On February 15, 2009, he surrendered himself to Virginia authorities in order to finish the final 31 days of his sentence.[37]
Bradshaw also attended the party where wide receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh. Bradshaw was not aware Burress had a gun.[38]
On June 22, 2015, Bradshaw was suspended for one game by the NFL for violating the league's policy and program of substance abuse. Bradshaw was charged with possession of marijuana.[39]
Other appearances
editBradshaw appeared on Onion SportsDome in 2011.[40]
References
edit- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw | Army QB". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- ^ "The Cavalier Daily". Archived from the original on June 19, 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2007.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw (2017) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame". Marshall University Athletics. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ dallasnews.com | Archives
- ^ a b "Ahmad Bradshaw Stats". Espn.com. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw stats". ahmadbradshaw.org. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2008.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw college stats". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 3, 2008.
- ^ "2007 NFL Draft Scout Ahmad Bradshaw College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs carry the torch from Tiki Barber". Nydailynews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Giants 101 | MVN - a New York Giants blog » Ahmad Bradshaw". Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2007 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "NFC Championship - New York Giants at Green Bay Packers - January 20th, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ Battista, Judy (February 4, 2008). "Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl XLII". The New York Times. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2008 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "2008 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2009 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills at New York Giants - October 16th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ Schwartz, Paul (December 12, 2011). "Ahmad benched by Giants for first half". New York Post. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ Posnanski, Joe (February 6, 2012). "Bradshaw's Reluctant Touchdown puts to rest an unusual Super Bowl". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 9, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Cleveland Browns at New York Giants - October 7th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
- ^ "Giants Release Running Back Ahmad Bradshaw, Defensive Lineman Chris Canty". CBS News - New York. Associated Press. February 6, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
- ^ Wesseling, Chris (June 11, 2013). "Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts strike contract". NFL.com. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- ^ Wilkening, Mike (October 8, 2013). "Ahmad Bradshaw to have season-ending neck surgery". NBCSports.com. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ Wells, Mike (May 23, 2014). "Colts offseason wrap-up". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (March 11, 2014). "Ahmad Bradshaw returns to Indianapolis Colts". NFL.com. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ Keefer, Zak (October 18, 2014). "Colts offense's ace in the hole". indystar.com. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "Indianapolis Colts make roster moves". blogs.colts.com. November 30, 2015. Archived from the original on December 4, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ Weiner, Natalie (May 10, 2017). "In the Shadow of Dak Prescott: Welcome to the NFL's League of Last Chances". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
- ^ "Ahmad Bradshaw: Career Stats". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
- ^ Wood, Skip (June 20, 2008). "Giants' Bradshaw in jail in Virginia for probation violation". USA Today. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
- ^ "Giants' Bradshaw jailed for 30 days in Virginia". NY Newsday. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
- ^ Vacchiano, Ralph (February 17, 2009). "Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw serving second 30-day jail term". Daily News. New York.
- ^ "Burress faces 2 charges, bail set at $100,000 - NFL- nbcsports.MSNBC.com". Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
- ^ "Ex-New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw Facing One-Game Suspension". Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
- ^ "The Onion peels back the curtain on modern media in two promising new shows - KansasCity.com". Archived from the original on February 3, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
External links
edit- Marshall Thundering Herd bio
Media related to Ahmad Bradshaw at Wikimedia Commons
