Larry Centers is a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was born on June 1, 1968, in Augusta, Georgia, and attended Augusta's T.W. Josey High School before playing college football at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Centers was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most versatile and productive fullbacks, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during his career.
Centers was known for his receiving ability out of the backfield, and he set numerous records for receptions by a running back. He finished his career with 827 receptions for 6,797 yards and 28 touchdowns, ranking him among the top 20 all-time in NFL history for receptions and receiving yards.
Centers also had success as a rusher, gaining 2,188 yards and 14 touchdowns on 615 carries. He was a reliable blocker in the running game and in pass protection, and he was often used as a decoy to draw defenders away from other offensive weapons.
Centers played for the Cardinals from 1990 to 1998, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He then played for the Washington Redskins from 1999 to 2000, where he earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection in 1999. He played for the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2002, and he finished his career with the New England Patriots in 2003.
Centers was known for his durability and consistency, playing in 198 consecutive games from 1990 to 2002. He was also a respected leader in the locker room and a mentor to younger players.
After retiring from football, Centers worked as a television analyst and a motivational speaker. He was inducted into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor in 2008, and he was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
Overall, Larry Centers was one of the most productive and versatile fullbacks in NFL history. His receiving ability out of the backfield revolutionized the position, and his consistency and leadership made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
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