John Avery was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Avery had an okay first season, for a rookie it would be considered good, but for a first-round rookie, the numbers aren't flashy. He ran for 503 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season.
After his rookie season, the Dolphins traded Avery to the Broncos where he would see little time on the field, touching the ball just five times for 21 rushing yards. In training camp the following season, the Broncos cut Avery, so he found himself playing in the XFL that season.
After two years in the XFL, the Minnesota Vikings gave Avery his second chance in the NFL. He was used more as a kickoff returner for the Vikings than as a running back. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in 2003, signaling the end of his NFL career.