CJ Anderson

High School Career

C.J. Anderson played high school football in Vallejo, California. Anderson received numerous honors, including Athlete of the Year in the region. Anderson drew the attention of the Cal Golden Bears in nearby Berkeley, Calif.

College Career

He initially played college football at Laney College in Oakland. Then, he moved to Berkeley for two seasons of Division I college football. During his junior year at Cal, Anderson was the backup RB and only gained 345 yards rushing. Anderson recorded nine TDs, though.

During his senior year, Anderson got more playing time and he gained 790 rushing yards to lead the Golden Bears. However, he only scored five TDs. Because Anderson did not make a big splash during his two years at Cal, he was overlooked by NFL scouts. But, highlights from his career caught the attention of some decision-makers.

2013 NFL Draft

C.J. Anderson was not drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was overlooked because he is 5'8" and his NFL Combine grade was only 52.0.

Anderson's 40 time was not impressive, either. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds and he recorded a 32.0 inch vertical jump. The only category where Anderson was a top performer among running backs was the 20-yard shuttle. Because he did not grade well at the Combine, every team passed on him in the NFL Draft.

2013 Rookie NFL Season

After he went underafted, the Denver Broncos signed Anderson, as an undrafted free agent. After suffering a sports injury in the pre-season, Anderson advanced to the main roster. During his rookie season, Anderson totaled seven carries for 38 yards.

2014 NFL Season

The start of the 2014 season saw an increase in playing time for Anderson. His production increased as well. He rushed 179 times for 849 yards and scored 10 TDs. This is when fantasy football owners and Broncos fans started to take notice. He even made his first NFL Pro Bowl.

2015 NFL Season

Anderson's production declined in 2015 after his Pro Bowl season. He rushed 152 times for 720 yards and only scored 5 TDs. He was surpassed by Ronnie Hillman, who gained more yards and TDs in the Broncos' Super Bowl season.

However, in Super Bowl 50, Anderson recorded 90 yards and an important TD to seal the game. This was the third-highest rushing total for an undrafted RB in Super Bowl history.

2016 NFL Season

Before the start of the season, C.J. Anderson nearly left the Broncos for the Miami Dolphins. Anderson was offered a four-year contract worth $18 million, but the Broncos matched the deal. He is now locked in with the Broncos at a reasonable salary.

Unfortunately, Anderson's 2017 season was cut short by a knee injury. Anderson finished with 110 carries for 437 yards and 4 TDs.

Broncos fans and Fantasy Football owners expected big things from him in 2016, but the Broncos' leading RB will look to bounce back in 2017.

Personal Life

C.J. Anderson is on Twitter @CJAndersonB22. He wears #22 because 22 running backs were drafted before him in the 2013 NFL Draft. His sports jersey can be found in the NFL Shop team store.