One day, you're on top of the world. The next, you're scrounging for whatever scraps someone throws to you.

That is essentially what happened to Todd Gurley, the former superstar running back who was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday and had to settle for a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday morning.

The Rams signed Gurley to a four-year, $57 million contract extension back in 2018 that was getting set to kick in next season. Of that $57 million, $45 million of it was guaranteed. And yet, Los Angeles still cut him, absorbing a massive $20.15 million dead cap hit.

That is how far Gurley, once considered by many to be the best halfback in football not even two years ago, has fallen, and it just goes to show how tough being an NFL running back actually is.

A knee injury that Todd Gurley suffered in Week 15 of 2018 may very well have compromised him for good, and he was just 24 years old at the time.

Think about it: the prime of his career is likely over, and he is only 25.

While that's probably still a little early, it's not too far off from the norm for professional halfbacks. Heck, just look at the guy the Falcons released earlier this week that cleared the way for them to eventually sign Todd Gurley: Devonta Freeman.

Freeman made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016. Since then, he has been a shell of himself, due much in part to injuries. He just turned 28 years old this past week.

Then you have the Carolina Panthers, who appeared to consider trading 23-year-old All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey rather recently. I'm not sure how much the Panthers weighed that option, but they apparently thought about it, and some were actually on board with Carolina trading McCaffrey now while his value is at its highest.

Imagine trading a 23-year-old quarterback because that is when his value was “highest.” Or a 23-year-old pass rusher or cornerback. Actually, let's change sports. Imagine doing that to a 23-year-old averaging 25 points per game in basketball. Or a stud outfielder who just posted a .950 OPS while winning a Gold Glove in baseball.

It just makes you wonder if striving to become a running back in the pros is even worth it.

The shelf life is incredibly short, and you are basically considered an auxiliary piece. Teams can win without great running backs. The Kansas City Chiefs just won with Damien Williams. The New England Patriots won most of their Super Bowls without the benefit of a top-tier rusher.

Todd Gurley might be a bit of an extreme example, because it's rare that players plummet that quickly, regardless of position. But he exemplifies how difficult it is to sustain a successful career as an NFL running back.

Two seasons ago, this kid was a monster. Pro Bowls. All-Pro selections. MVP consideration. He had it all.

But now, in 2020, Gurley has been cast aside as a forgotten man, something that we see all too often with halfbacks in today's game. Not only are their careers short, but they aren't even valued like they once were in a league that prioritizes the deep ball above all else.

To all of the kids out there who are dreaming of playing halfback in the NFL one day: be careful, and use Gurley's story as a cautionary tale.