Maybe my estimation that Gwen Stefani's career would have the shelf life of a snowflake in July was further off the mark, but I had honestly given up on Rashard Mendenhall.

Mendenhall has in no way reached Stefani's golden career status with just one victory, but the climb merely to where he is today has not been easy.

From the outset of his career, the excitement that the Steelers had drafted a big, strong back as their first pick in 2008 was not shared by all. They had chosen a player for his athleticism instead of opting to fill some glaring voids on their roster.  

Mendenhall's reputation immediately began to erode following a preseason bout of fumble-itis.   

His first career ...

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