Leonard Fournette came into the league with high expectations after being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He lasted just seven seasons and was never selected as an All-Pro, which is likely why Emmanuel Acho recently called his career disappointing. Many around the league pushed back on this opinion.
NFL World Defends Leonard Fournette Against Emmanuel Acho’s Criticism
Fournette exceeded 1,000 rushing yards just twice in his seven seasons with three different teams, but he was also a key contributor when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a Super Bowl for the 2020 season. Acho pointed out that he had an underwhelming career considering he was a top-five draft pick, but many around the NFL disagree with this take.
“Fournette was actually a contributor to his teams and won a Super Bowl,” said NFL analyst Jobe Morrison.
Idk. Fournette was actually a contributor to his teams and won a Super Bowl.
Tbf, though, Acho got drafted by….
😂😂😂 https://t.co/TuYPlkB7ug
— Jobe Morrison, M.S. (@Jobeyfootball) March 23, 2026
Several pointed out just how important he was during the playoffs, particularly during the Buccaneers’ championship season. They may not have won that ring without his impressive performance.
“Averaged 95 yards, 1.1 TDs per game in 9 career playoff games. Super Bowl Champion (135 yards and a TD vs. KC),” said fantasy football analyst Ian Hartitz.
Leonard Fournette:
-6,737 total yards and 41 TDs in career
-Averaged 95 yards, 1.1 TDs per game in 9 career playoff games
-Super Bowl Champion (135 yards and a TD vs. KC)Emmanuel Acho:
-33 tackles in 20 career games https://t.co/HftIVe8SWF
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 23, 2026
His postseason career is probably the most notable of his accomplishments, but it doesn’t end there. He proved to be consistently productive as a reliable running back, and his career earnings justify his value.
“If we count Fournette’s playoff games, he actually totaled 7,595 yards and 51 TDs throughout his career. It’s also worth noting that Fournette earned $42,934,159 from his NFL contracts alone. Emmanuel Acho’s career earnings? $2,468,637,” said PFSN’s Alex Kennedy.
If we count Fournette’s playoff games, he actually totaled 7,595 yards and 51 TDs throughout his career. It’s also worth noting that Fournette earned $42,934,159 from his NFL contracts alone. Emmanuel Acho’s career earnings? $2,468,637.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 23, 2026
Kennedy wasn’t the only one to take direct shots at Acho. He mentioned his low career earnings as a player, and others mocked his stats.
“How is that disappointing? You had 22 tackles in 3 years and was out the league,” said social media user Harold Flammin Jr.
Acho….. a RB who won a Super Bowl and scored in every playoff game he played in and made $40M+ in 6 years
How is that disappointing? You had 22 tackles in 3 years and was out the league
Don’t compare the on field stuff dude…. Hydrogen Bomb vs Coughing Baby https://t.co/PrXsjdbNAp
— Harold Flammin Jr. (@FlamGawdGaming) March 23, 2026
Success in the league can be relative, and many players would likely covet what Fournette was able to accomplish. Some pointed out the apparently flawed perspective of analyzing former players and blamed Acho for contributing to the negativity.
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“This is how fans think about players in the league. Because of people like Acho, they think if you’re not a HoF player, you’re not successful,” said NFL analyst Dev Panchwagh.
This dude had the gall to actually call out an accomplished former top 5 pick lol. Wtf are you talking about, you had 20 tackles all time.
This is how fans think about players in the league. Because of people like Acho, they think if you’re not a HoF player you’re not successful https://t.co/8rNNWf4hLS
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) March 23, 2026
Just because Fournette is unlikely to ever be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame doesn’t necessarily mean he was unsuccessful. In addition to his elite postseason numbers, he also finished among the top-20 running backs in PFSN’s Impact Rankings three times.
