The top five shortest debuts in professional sports history

AS kids growing up watching sports, we all dreamed of having our moment in the sun.

That glorious debut where we score the winning goal, make that game-winning shot or pick up 30 touches to showcase just how good we are.

Unfortunately, those dreams and aspirations do not always go according to the script.

Whether it is through injury, a coach’s decision or just your own sheer bad luck, some debuts do not always end up being moments to remember.

We took a look at five of the shortest debuts in sports history. Even though these guys are multi-millionaires, it’s hard not to feel at least a bit sorry for them.

Andrew Bogut breaks his leg just seconds into his Cavaliers debut

After an injury-riddled career, 2017 could have been Aussie big man Andrew Bogut’s final run at an NBA Championship after the former number one draft pick elected to sign alongside LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bogut was meant to offer rim protection, defensive presence and adequate bench play to a team that lacks in all those departments, but the Melbournian’s debut in the wine and yellow lasted less than a minute.

The big man collided with an opponent and immediately clutched his left leg. Bogut’s worst fears were confirmed later that night when scans revealed he had a broken left tibia.

Although the footage is not overtly graphic, LeBron James said in the aftermath he “heard the break”.

The Boogeyman is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Nick Culkin makes shortest ever English Premier League debut

Making your debut in arguably the biggest football league in the world is meant to be a special occasion right?

It does not always go to plan, as Manchester United keeper Nick Culkin found out.

In a 1999 Premier League match, Sir Alex Ferguson put Culkin into the game, replacing Raimond van der Gouw in stoppage time against Arsenal at Highbury.

Culkin was there for less than a minute, but he saved a free kick which ensured his team would win 2-1.

It is to this day the shortest ever debut in EPL history, but definitely a day to remember.

Ben Cousins pings the hamstring on his Richmond debut

Much was made of Ben Cousin’s debut in the black and yellow after a glittering career at West Coast, but few would remember that the former Brownlow Medallist failed to make it through his first ever Richmond game intact.

After getting a hammering welcome back from ruckman Cameron Cloke early in the match, and after an inauspicious debut as a Tiger, Cousins ripped his hamstring late in the quarter to put in motion what would be a wretched year for Richmond.

Cousins only played 31 games for his new club before announcing his retirement in 2010.

Anthony Johnson scores a quickfire KO in Welterweight debut

Not all short sporting debuts need to be injuries or substitutions. Combat sports are a perfect example of this.

The wrecking ball that is Anthony Johnson has finally realised his potential in the UFC and will soon meet Daniel Cormier for the light-heavyweight gold at UFC 210, but the man they call “Rumble” built his early career on potential, rather than results.

His debut in the welterweight debut however, showcased just what he could do inside the octagon. The beast hammered his opponent and finished him in 13 seconds.

It remains one of the fastest finishes in UFC and the greatest debut in the company’s history.

Ryan Sutter plays five seconds for the Carolina Panthers

Score this one for all the guys that wish they could have played pro-sports but never got the chance.

At the tail end of 1998 the Panthers activated practise squad member Ryan Sutter to the big leagues, which the media dubbed as “an average Joe finally getting his chance”.

That “chance” did not last longer however.

Sutter’s NFL career began with the opening kick-off and ended about five seconds later.

Sutter ran down the field but got copped a major shoulder injury after attempting to tackle an opposition player. He was later placed on the injured reserve and never played again.

Do not feel too bad for Ryan however. The man became the first ever Bachelor and has made a truckload of cash from his reality TV exploits.

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