Stadium News

Breaking News from the Bench to the Bleachers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10 Brutal Times NFL Teams Did Their Players Dirty in Free Agency

Free agency is supposed to be the great equalizer in the NFL. It gives players the right to enter the market and seek out other NFL teams.  They put in the production and outperform contracts year after year. And then, finally, get paid what they’re actually worth. Only… it doesn’t always work that way. Because in a league where the franchise tag exists specifically to trap elite players… where rolling guarantees are the norm and fully guaranteed money is a fight to even get on the table… getting to free agency healthy, happy, and at market value is genuinely hard. And sometimes a team doesn’t just make it hard. They make it personal, and sometimes it gets ugly. Here are 10 times a team completely screwed a player over in free agency. Which NFL players were badly screwed by a team in free agency? Steve Smith Sr., WR, Carolina Panthers (2014)Oct 6, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. speaks during the Hall of Honor ceremony during halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Thirteen years—that’s how long Steve Smith spent building the Carolina Panthers franchise into something worth watching. Every record in their books had his name on it… 12,197 receiving yards, 836 catches, 67 touchdowns.  The man was the Carolina Panthers. And on March 13, 2014, they called him and told him he was done—a move driven by GM Dave Gettleman’s desire to change the team culture and a belief that Smith had lost his top-end speed. Sure, Smith was 34 years old… and salary cap casualties are not uncommon in the NFL, but he was a legend in Charlotte. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Baltimore for three years and $11.5 million. He promised Carolina there would be “blood and guts everywhere” when he came back. And in Week 4 of the 2014 season, he delivered. 139 yards. Two touchdowns. A 38-to-10 Ravens rout of the same franchise that had discarded him. That scoreboard said everything words couldn’t. To be clear about what the Panthers did here… this wasn’t a situation where Smith was in decline. He caught 64 passes for 745 yards in 2013 at age 34. He was still producing—even on a terrible NFL team.  And it was the way that Gettleman went about it that made it all the more disrespectful You don’t cut the all-time franchise leader for cap flexibility and expect him to take it quietly. Steve Smith made absolutely sure of that. Bo Jackson, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1986)Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Oakland Raiders former player Bo Jackson looks on prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports What the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did to Bo Jackson was something different than just regular, old-fashioned market manipulation… They didn’t game the system. They lied to a 23-year-old kid and burned his college baseball eligibility to the ground on purpose. A month before the 1986 NFL Draft, Buccaneers owner Hugh Culverhouse, an Alabama alum, by the way, arranged for a private jet to fly Jackson to Tampa for a physical and a facility visit.  At the time, Jackson was in the middle of his senior baseball season at Auburn and had the good sense to ask about eligibility. He was told explicitly that the trip had been cleared by the NCAA and the SEC. It had not been cleared by anyone. The SEC had a rule that barred athletes from being professionals in one sport while still amateurs in another. The moment Jackson took that jet and those benefits from an NFL franchise, his college baseball eligibility was gone. Just like that. Senior season over. Jackson has said for decades that he believes it was deliberate.  And the consensus is that Culverhouse saw a generational athlete with a legitimate path to a two-sport career and decided the only way to force him into football was to take the other option off the table. His baseball coach at Auburn confirmed that nobody from either camp mentioned the trip to him beforehand. Had he known about the SEC rule, he said, he would have told Jackson immediately. Needless to say, Bo was furious and told the Buccaneers not to bother drafting him because he would not suit up… Of course, Tampa Bay drafted him anyway, first overall, no less. Jackson proceeded to turn down a five-year, $7.6 million contract, the richest rookie deal in league history at the time. He then signed with the Kansas City Royals for $1.07 million over three years. He said in a recent interview that he played baseball for one reason: because he wasn’t going to Tampa. The Raiders drafted him in the seventh round the following year and told him he could play both sports. And the rest is history! He became the most famous two-sport athlete in American history and one of the most iconic figures the sports world has ever seen. Plus, he helps out those in need, too. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-2018)Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell from last January. XXX IMG_XXX_SW_LE_VEON_BELL__1_1_NKN22DFI.JPG The Steelers told Le’Veon Bell straight to his face that they would get his contract done. The day after a divisional playoff loss to Jacksonville, Bell was pulled into an office. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin told him they’d tag him for 2018, but that this time, they’d get the long-term extension figured out.  Bell later said that the conversation was the whole reason he agreed to take another tag without a fight… As we all know now, they did not get the long-term extension figured out. Instead, they came back with five years, $70 million, but only $20.5 million guaranteed in Year 1, with everything else riding on rolling guarantees… For a running back who’d absorbed 321 carries in a single season and was functionally their most important offensive player, that is crazy.  Pittsburgh basically said: we’ll use your body until it breaks and hand you as little security as we can get away with. Bell sat out the entire 2018 season. Left $14.5 million on the table. Cost himself a year of prime production for this NFL team. He signed with the Jets for four years and $52.5 million the following spring. Did the holdout backfire eventually? Sure.  But what Pittsburgh asked him to absorb on the field for what they put on the table in return was never close to fair. And everyone in that building knew it. Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins (2019)Dec 30, 2018; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) and Redskins defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) run onto the field prior to the Redskins’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. The Eagles won 24-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports In 2013, Trent Williams noticed a growth on his head. He told the Redskins’ medical staff about it. They told him it was a cyst… Something minor and nothing to worry about. He kept complaining, and his NFL team told him the same thing over and over again… reportedly for six years. In the 2019 offseason, Washington finally sent him to a specialist and found out he had a rare, aggressive soft-tissue cancer attached to his skull. The surgery to remove it required 350 stitches and 75 staples. The incision was the diameter of a softball. By the time doctors got to it, they told Williams they had caught it within weeks of it metastasizing to his brain. Trust was broken, and Williams held out the entire 2019 season—and the team used a loophole to avoid paying him… Because he failed a physical due to discomfort with his helmet from the surgery and was placed on the non-football injury list, they were able to withhold payment for the rest of the season… and refused to trade him for months on end. Finally, he was mercifully traded to San Francisco in 2020, where he reclaimed his status as one of the best linemen in the game. So, not a clean “free agency” screw over here, but such dirty business that it simply had to be included.  Reggie White, DE, Philadelphia Eagles (1993)Sep 30, 1990, Philadelphia, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia Eagles Defensive End #92 REGGIE WHITE in action against the Indianapolis Colts at Veterans Stadium. The Colts defeated the Eagles 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports Before the modern franchise tag, NFL teams used a franchise player designation that functioned the same way—a unilateral veto on a player’s freedom—and the Eagles used it to hold Reggie White in place for years. One of the greatest defensive players in history, sitting at below-market value because the league had designed a system specifically to limit what players could earn. White helped lead the legal fight that cracked the whole thing open. His involvement was central to the 1993 settlement that finally brought real free agency to the NFL. And when the market finally opened? Philadelphia showed up with an offer that didn’t match what he was worth.  It wasn’t long until the Packers came calling, and White signed a four-year, $17 million contract in Green Bay. He won a Super Bowl. He became one of the five greatest players who ever lived. Philadelphia got nothing. The Eagles spent years blocking the man’s freedom, treated the moment his leverage arrived like a formality, and watched him walk to a championship without them. It set the template for every franchise tag dispute that followed. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins (2016-2017)Aug 18, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears won 33-31. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports Washington franchise-tagged Kirk Cousins not once, but twice. The first year, he made $19.9 million. The second year, $23.9 million. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to play consecutive seasons under the franchise tag. Two years of holding a franchise hostage with his own production while Washington kept pretending their offers were serious. Their best long-term offer, by multiple accounts, would have only guaranteed him one more year beyond what the transition tag would have paid automatically. That’s not a contract. That’s just arithmetic. He rescued them from the RGIII disaster and led Washington back to relevant football. And the team came back with half measures every time. Fortunately for Cousins, he was able to escape the grasp of Washington. He walked to Minnesota in 2018 and signed the first fully guaranteed quarterback contract in NFL history. Three years, $84 million, every penny of it guaranteed. Not too shabby! Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks (2018)Oct 20, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise (22) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens free safety Earl Thomas (29) in the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Ravens defeated the Seahawks 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Earl Thomas told the Seahawks exactly what he wanted… an extension. Or a trade. Something that acknowledged the way he played football, which was, by any reasonable measure, at an All-Pro level for eight straight seasons. He published a letter during his 2018 holdout that put it plainly: if you’re risking your body to deliver all of this value, you deserve some assurance that the organization will take care of you if you get hurt. Seattle would not budge. They also reportedly had a chance to trade him to Dallas for a second-round pick and passed because they didn’t want to help the Cowboys before the two NFL teams played in Week 3. Thomas came back from the holdout because missing weekly game checks of $500,000 wasn’t sustainable. In Week 4 against Arizona, he broke his leg on the same limb he’d fractured two years earlier. As the cart took him off the field, he gave the Seahawks sideline the middle finger. It was not a complicated message. He went to Baltimore for four years and $55 million the following spring—a good deal, but a fraction of what he would’ve gotten had he not gotten hurt. Steve McNair, QB, Tennessee Titans (2006)Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is being pulled down by St. Louis Rams linebacker Todd Collins (54) during the second quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV inside the Georgia Dome Jan. 30, 2000. Tennessee Titans Vs St Louis Rams In Super Bowl Xxxiv Football On April 3rd, 2006, Steve McNair showed up at the Tennessee Titans’ facility for offseason workouts. A team trainer told him to leave. Not in a meeting. Not with a discussion about the future. McNair… the franchise’s all-time winningest quarterback, their co-MVP from 2003, the man who had dragged that organization to a Super Bowl appearance and given them the best decade of football in franchise history—was told to leave the building because Tennessee didn’t want to be liable for his $23.46 million cap number if he got hurt on their property. That’s right. They kept asking him to restructure his deal every year to create cap room, inflating his cap figure each time. And when the bill finally came due, they literally locked their franchise quarterback out of the building. McNair filed and won a grievance, as an arbitrator ruled that a player under contract has a right to work out at his team’s facility. The fact that it had to go to arbitration at all says everything about the way the Titans ran their organization at that time. In any case, he was eventually traded to Baltimore, where he led the Ravens to a 13-and-3 record in 2006. Made the Pro Bowl at 33 years old. Drew Brees, QB, San Diego Chargers (2006)Dec 15, 2002; Orchard Park, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees (9) in action against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills defeated the Chargers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports Our younger fans may not remember this, but Drew Brees suffered one of the most devastating shoulder injuries in NFL history in the final game of the 2005 season. A 360-degree labrum tear with a deep partial rotator cuff tear.  Brees later said he wasn’t sure he’d ever put on a football uniform again. So, it wasn’t a huge shock when San Diego’s offer that offseason came in rather low… but it still felt wrong… like dirty business!  It was a four-year, $50 million contract… but with only a couple of million in Year 1 guaranteed money—which was wild. Realistically, it was backup quarterback money for an NFL team dressed up in big headline numbers and buried in the fine print. But to be fair, the skepticism about Brees’ prospects of playing good football again was not isolated in San Diego… Only two other teams even called. Miami had its doctors examine the shoulder for hours, and ran the other direction. New Orleans and Sean Payton, on the other hand, sat with Brees for two hours watching film, talking schemes, never once mentioning the injury. Brees signed six years and $60 million contract with the Saints, where he went on to win a Super Bowl and became one of the NFL’s most decorated passers, while the Chargers continued to toil away in mediocrity. Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons (2024)Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Believe it or not, Kirk Cousins has actually been done dirty twice! Atlanta handed Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024. $100 million fully guaranteed. The largest commitment in franchise history… So it is hard to feel that bad for him… But six weeks later, they used the eighth overall pick in the draft on Michael Penix Jr. Read that again. The Falcons gave a quarterback $100 million in guaranteed money and then, before he threw a single pass in the regular season, told the world they already had his replacement on the way. The optics alone were staggering. The actual football logic was somehow worse. By midseason, the Falcons benched Cousins for Penix — a rookie who wasn’t ready and a situation nobody in that building had thought through properly.  Granted, this NFL team screwed itself over in the process, but needless to say, Cousins was not thrilled either.

Read more10 Brutal Times NFL Teams Did Their Players Dirty in Free Agency

Buccaneers 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a difficult team to figure out before the 2026 NFL Draft. Tampa’s roster has not changed that much over the past few years. After all, QB Baker Mayfield, RB Bucky Irving, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. are all still on the team. But some of the Buccaneers’ recent loses give […] The post Buccaneers 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreBuccaneers 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

NFL Hasn't Responded To Florida Attorney General On Rooney Rule, But He Has Choice Words For Goodell

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says he still has not received an official response from the NFL after he put the league on notice that the Rooney Rule violates the Florida Civil Rights Act, but he did push back on Commissioner Roger Goodell's suggestion he is trying to change the league's values."I don't think this is about values," Uthmeier told OutKick and Fox News in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. "I think it's about the law. You know, we are not a racist people. I do not believe the NFL is a racist organization. When you look at the composition of the players and the contracts altogether with staff, you have a majority minority organization. So this notion that they need to kneel down and apologize is wrong. They need to follow the law." The NFL's hiring practices, in part guided by the Rooney Rule, which was instituted in 2003 and has been expanded multiple times, came under Uthmeier's scrutiny when he sent a letter to the league outlining why he believes it violates Florida law — thus affecting the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Uthmeier sent a letter to Goodell, which the NFL acknowledged it received. He also sent a copy of that letter to the ownership of the three Florida teams.Goodell's initial response at the NFL annual meeting when asked what the NFL would change as a result was, "One thing that doesn't change is our values."Beyond that sound bite, the league has not responded even as the May 1 deadline Uthmeier set for a response approaches."No official response, no, sir," Uthmeier said, adding that "is a little surprising." And what happens after May 1 if the league decides this matter isn't worthy of an official response or that its Rooney Rule is just fine as written?"We will likely, in short order, I mean, I'm always willing to have conversations. We'll hear arguments," Uthmeier said. "If they can make the case that this doesn't violate Florida law, I'll certainly listen to it. But we feel pretty confident that it does violate the law, and then we will likely soon thereafter file a complaint in Florida state court." The NFL previously told OutKick the Rooney Rule "does not mandate hiring decisions and "those decisions are made by each club." By saying this, the league is highlighting that the Rooney Rule does not violate any hiring practice laws.But are interview practice rules that favor one race over another illegal in Florida?"I do believe it's illegal, but you noticed they focused on the interview angle," Uthmeier said. "They didn't even address the other two parts of the rule that do explicitly have racial hiring quotas for some of the other positions. They didn't address the awarding of draft picks if you check some of these DEI boxes. "You can't provide advantages in the employment space that you're denying to somebody else. So I mean, if you have a situation where, let's say, you want a black coach, you know who you want. You see the candidate and he's the best. There's no rule that says, well, you still got to go interview two white guys. That, to me, is the example that shows how, even in the interview space, this is unlawful. The other two, and I noticed they didn't comment on, you know, the other position. That is a quota."Art Rooney, a surviving namesake of the Rooney Rule, told reporters at the annual meeting that "everybody is in favor of the Rooney Rule" and there was no discussion about getting rid of it.That seemingly sends a message: Uthmeier is in for a legal battle with the NFL."Seems that way," Uthmeier said. "You know, there are still some meetings in time ahead. I assume they're talking to counsel about their legal exposure. And, you know, if they've got lawyers that are reading the law the way we are, I'm sure somebody's telling them it might be wise to apply this differently in Florida or possibly carve out some aspects of the rule. But if they choose not to, again, we believe under Florida's civil rights laws that their employment practice is illegal, and we will bring civil action."The NFL recently altered its Accelerator Program, which originally was designed to put minority head coach and general manager candidates in settings where they could meet NFL owners. Those opportunities to get in front of people doing the hiring were only offered to minorities, but after pausing the program in 2025, the league says it will restart the program this year in a reimagined format. Now white men are allowed to participate after being previously excluded.Uthmeier says that is "progress."But, he adds, there is more work to do, and he doesn't mind ending the Rooney Rule to make an example of the NFL."I think it's come to an end," he said. "We do see a shift in corporate America. We've seen a huge shift to get away from ESG and DEI and things that aren't focused on doing business, that are not focused on profit, but are instead focused on a socialist agenda that people aren't paying for, that shareholders aren't approving. "When people buy stock in a company, they want to see returns. They don't want to see socialist, Marxist ideology … The endgame, for me, would be to have the rule repealed. And this goes beyond the NFL. I mean, is this impacting a huge number of the work force in Florida? 'It's not, but it's the bigger picture that when the NFL is carrying on this very public, racially discriminatory employment practice, it sends a message to everybody in the country, other employers and employees that this is OK, and it's not. It's unconstitutional. We'd like to see it repealed and send a message to other corporations out there that people need to be hired based on merit."

Read moreNFL Hasn't Responded To Florida Attorney General On Rooney Rule, But He Has Choice Words For Goodell

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big Trades, Latest Rumors Shake Up New 4-Round Forecast

See how some blockbuster trades and the latest buzz could impact the early going of the 2026 NFL Draft in this updated four-round projection.

Read more2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big Trades, Latest Rumors Shake Up New 4-Round Forecast

Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Nearly In Tears After Message From Alex Anzalone’s Son

Among the many moves made by the Detroit Lions this offseason following their 9-8 campaign in the 2025 NFL Season was the decision to not retain linebacker Alex Anzalone, who signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 12 after having previously played the last five seasons in the Motor […] The post Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Nearly In Tears After Message From Alex Anzalone’s Son appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreLions’ Aidan Hutchinson Nearly In Tears After Message From Alex Anzalone’s Son

Todd Bowles speaks out on the tension between Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski

The NFC South got a little spicier when the Atlanta Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski in January to be their new head coach. That means Stefanski will be facing his former Cleveland Browns quarterback and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller Baker Mayfield twice a season. The two don’t seem to have each other’s number on speed … The post Todd Bowles speaks out on the tension between Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Read moreTodd Bowles speaks out on the tension between Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski

Buccaneers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look for diamonds in the rough in the draft. And here is the Buccaneers’ 2026 NFL Draft guide to get you ready for the upcoming annual seven-round selection meeting. Ahead of this crucial week, let’s look at the Buccaneers’ picks, their biggest needs, potential targets, and recent history. The draft […] The post Buccaneers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreBuccaneers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more

Buccaneers add Baker Mayfield protection with veteran offensive tackle

Though free agency is almost a month old at this point, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still finding value in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s right, after watching certified franchise legends like Mike Evans and LaVonte David leave the Sunshine State for the greener pastures of San Francisco and retirement, […] The post Buccaneers add Baker Mayfield protection with veteran offensive tackle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreBuccaneers add Baker Mayfield protection with veteran offensive tackle

Every NFL Team’s Best Player Who Somehow Isn’t in the Hall of Fame

As the years pass, amazing talent comes and then goes in the NFL. We get to enjoy watching the next superstar carve out a Hall of Fame career during their time in the league, and NFL fans are shelling out serious dough to see their favorite players enshrined.  Although many have risen to the heights and have been enshrined in Canton, some shone brightly on the field but haven’t heard their names called to Canton. Lets take a look at Every NFL Team’s Best Player Who Somehow Isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Do these guys deserve a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame? Arizona Cardinals: Adrian WilsonNov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Wilson did it all for the Red-Birds. He made five Pro Bowls, had 25.5 sacks, 27 interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns, and helped the team reach Super Bowl XLIII.  Even though many of the Cardinals’ teams Wilson was on weren’t standouts, he was a major bright spot for them on defense.  Atlanta Falcons: Tommy NobisAug 1969; Boston, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Patriots running back Jim Nance (35) carries the ball pursued by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis (60) during a pre-season game at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports Nobis was the first pick for the Falcons when they were established in 1966, making a name for himself with his physical attributes, mental acuity, and excellent work ethic. Though not enshrined in Canton, he won the 1966 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, made five Pro Bowls, and made the NFL 1960s All-Decade team.  Baltimore Ravens: Marshal YandaSep 29, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Marshal Yanda (73) looks on during a football game against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton-USA TODAY Sports Yanda played his entire 13-year career with the Ravens, where he made eight Pro Bowls, helped the team win Super Bowl XLVII, and made the NFL 2010s All-Decade team.  With these accomplishments, Yanda should be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Hopefully, that day will come soon.  Buffalo Bills: Steve Tasker Tasker, regarded as one of the best special teams players in the league, made seven Pro Bowls and helped the Bills reach four straight Super Bowls, thanks to the agility he brought to punt and kickoff returns. However, the Bills lost all of them.  Sadly, Tasker isn’t in the Hall of Fame for his deserving on-field performance. History would do well to remember this bright spot of the 1990s Bills. Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly Dec 15, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) looks back to the ref after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Kuechly terrorized opposing offenses with his elite athleticism, football intelligence, and serious work ethic. He earned the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, played in seven Pro Bowls, had 12.5 sacks, and helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. Kuechly hasn’t been enshrined in the Hall of Fame since retiring at the age of 28, but we hope the fates turn his way soon. Chicago Bears: Jay HilgenbergJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears center Jay Hilgenberg (63) walks off the field during the second half of Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Hilgenberg, regarded as one of the best centers to play in the league, anchored the dominant Bears’ offensive line for most of his career. He helped the team win Super Bowl XX, made seven Pro Bowls, and started in 152 out of 188 games as a pro.  It’s shameful that Hilgenberg isn’t enshrined in Canton, as seven of his teammates from the 1985 team that won the Super Bowl are. We hope to see Hilgenberg become the eighth guy from that legendary team enshrined. Cincinnati Bengals: Ken AndersonOct 27, 1974; Cincinnati, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson (14) in action against the Houston Oilers at Riverfront Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY NETWORK Anderson was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the 1970s and ’80s for his accomplishments in Cincinnati. He helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl XVI, won the 1981 NFL MVP award, won the 1981 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and made four Pro Bowls.  It’s rather unfair that Anderson isn’t enshrined in Canton. Hopefully, this Bengal legend is enshrined in Canton in our lifetime. Cleveland Browns: Clay Matthews Jr.Sep 22, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns former player Clay Matthews Jr. attends the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Matthews Jr. was a fierce linebacker who dominated opposing offenses in the 1980s. Matthews Jr. helped the Browns reach the AFC Championship game three times, made four Pro Bowls, and led the league in combined tackles four times. With all that Matthews Jr. accomplished, it’s painful not to see him enshrined in Canton. He and those 1980s Browns teams deserve more recognition.  Dallas Cowboys: Everson WallsJan 22, 1983; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys defensive back Everson Walls (24) on the field during the 1982 NFC Championship Game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium. The Redskins won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Walls had a very successful NFL career with the Cowboys throughout the 1980s. He played for legendary head coach Tom Landry, made four Pro Bowls, led the league in interceptions in 1981, 1982, and 1985, and helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXV.  Despite all his accomplishments on defense throughout his career, Walls wasn’t enshrined in Canton during his last year of eligibility for modern-era talent. He may soon be enshrined as a senior candidate. Denver Broncos: Tom Nalen Nalen was an outstanding center who played his entire 14 seasons with the Broncos. He helped the team win back-to-back Super Bowls, made five Pro Bowls, and started in 188 out of 194 games as a Pro.  Nalen sadly isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Truth is, centers rarely get in, and other centers with stronger resumes have trumped his inclusion. However, Nalen is enshrined in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. Detroit Lions: Herman MooreOct 25, 1992; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions receiver Herman Moore (84) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK Moore played a significant role for the 1990s Lions, helping the team reach the 1991-92 NFC Championship game. Moore made four Pro Bowls, had four 1,000-receiving yard seasons, led the league in receptions twice, and scored 62 touchdowns in “the Motor City.” Moore isn’t enshrined in Canton. Wide receivers have very high standards for getting in when they’re eligible. Moore is enshrined in the Pride of the Lions. Green Bay Packers: Ahman GreenAugust 5, 2005; Green Bay, WI, USA; Ahman Green #30 of the Green Bay Packers gets tackled from behind by the Buffalo Bills during the scrimmage at at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Jeff Hanisch Green was a force to be reckoned with in the 2000s as he bulldozed his way through opposing defenses. Green made four Pro Bowls, scored 60 rushing touchdowns throughout his career, and helped the Packers reach the playoffs five times. Green isn’t enshrined in Canton. His stats may not be elite enough for consideration, and playing in an era with other running backs like Ladanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, and Edgerrin James may have hurt. Green is enshrined in the Packers’ Hall of Fame. Houston Texans: Arian FosterOct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs during the second half of a ootball game against the Jacksonville Jaguarsat EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Although Foster’s NFL career was short, he made the most of it with the Texans. He made four Pro Bowls, helped the Texans reach the playoffs twice, and led the league in rushing yards in 2010.  Foster isn’t enshrined in Canton due to his short career riddled by injuries, not enough volume on the ground, and those high standards for Hall of Famers. Plus, Foster also fueled some rumors about how the NFL is ‘rigged.’ The Texans should enshrine Foster in their Ring of Honor immediately. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie WayneReggie Wayne Reggie Wayne scored 82 touchdowns during his NFL career.Reggie Wayne Colts Fall Arts Guide The 2000s Colts had it all: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Reggie Wayne, who also dominated opposing defenses. Wayne helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI. He made six Pro Bowls, led the league in receiving yards in 2007, and scored 82 touchdowns.  Wayne hasn’t been enshrined in Canton due to a logjam at wide receiver, which makes it very difficult to make a wideout selection. Potentially, he may have been in Marvin Harrison’s shadow. Wayne is enshrined in the Colts Ring of Honor.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark BrunellSep 3, 2000; Cleveland, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell (8) throws in the pocket against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Jaguars beat the Browns 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Although Brunell was a backup at times, his tenure with the Jaguars is memorable. He made three Pro Bowls with the team, helped the Jags reach the AFC Championship game twice, and led the league in passing yards in 1996. Brunell isn’t in Canton due to a lack of dominance, injuries, and intense competition with other quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Jim Kelly. Brunell is enshrined in the Pride of the Jaguars. Kansas City Chiefs: Otis TaylorOtis Taylor of the Kansas City Chiefs gets some comforting words from the assistant coach on the sidelines during the Super Bowl at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 15, 1967. Taylor is one of the stars of the Chiefs, but the Green Bay Packers won the game 35-10. Otis Taylor Taylor was one of Len Dawson’s favorite passing targets, even saying, “Otis made my job easy. If you got to pass to Otis, you know he’d catch it.” He helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, might’ve been robbed for a Super Bowl MVP in the process, helped them win two AFL Championships, made two Pro Bowls, and led the NFL in receiving yards in 1971.  Taylor isn’t enshrined in Canton due to subpar statistics compared to other wide receivers like Paul Warfield, Don Maynard, and Fred Biletnikoff. Taylor is enshrined in the Chiefs Hall of Fame.  Las Vegas Raiders: Lester HayesNov 16, 1986; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders defensive back Lester Hayes (37) in action against the Cleveland Browns at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports Hayes was a dominant cornerback for the Raiders when they were in Oakland and Los Angeles. He helped the “Silver and Black” win two Super Bowls, made five Pro Bowls, led the league in interceptions in 1980, and was the 1980 NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner. Hayes isn’t in the Hall of Fame mainly due to his use of stickum, which was banned by the NFL. After the league banned stickum, Hayes’ interception numbers declined, and he suffered thumb injuries.  Los Angeles Chargers: Leslie O’Neal O’Neal had a very impressive tenure with the Bolts during the 1980s and 1990s. He helped the team reach Super Bowl XXIX, made six Pro Bowls, had 132.5 sacks, and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1986.  As dominant as O’Neal was, he isn’t in Canton due to the lack of team success for the Chargers during that era. O’Neal is enshrined in the Chargers’ Hall of Fame.  Los Angeles Rams: Torry HoltDec. 30, 2007; Glendale, AZ, USA; St Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt (81) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals safety Terrence Holt (42) during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US Presswire It is a crime by the NFL that Holt is not in the Hall of Fame. All he’s done is make seven Pro Bowls, help the team win Super Bowl XXXIV, lead the league in receiving yards twice, and score 74 touchdowns.  The explanation for Holt’s absence from Canton varies, as some fans speculate there’s a crowded wide receiver field, voters believe there are enough Rams’ players from that era already, and the lack of a Super Bowl MVP. The disrespect continued, and even ESPN got Holt’s name wrong in one of their tweets. Get this man to Canton, NFL. Miami Dolphins: Mark ClaytonSep 17, 1989; Foxboro, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins receiver Mark Clayton (83) in action against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports Clayton was a competitive wide receiver for the Dolphins who made things miserable for opposing defenses in the 1980s and early ‘90s. He made five Pro Bowls, helped the Dolphins reach Super Bowl XIX, scored 84 touchdowns, and holds the record for most touchdowns scored for the Dolphins franchise. Voters in the Pro Football Hall of Fame discount Clayton due to being a product of playing with Dan Marino during his Hall of Fame career and a lack of success during the playoffs. It would be very nice to see Clayton get into Canton one day. Minnesota Vikings: Jim MarshallJan 11, 1970; New Orleans, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall (70) on the sideline against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl IV at Tulane Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Vikings 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Marshall made a name for himself in “the Land of 10,000 Lakes” as a member of the “Purple People Eaters” defense. Marshall made two Pro Bowls, helped the Vikings reach Super Bowl IV, and holds the NFL record for most consecutive games played with one team, with 270 games under his belt. Despite his accolades, Marshall isn’t enshrined in Canton due to a lack of First-Team All-Pros and the infamous “Wrong-Way-Run” against the 49ers in 1964. Marshall is enshrined in the Vikings’ Ring of Honor. New England Patriots: Adam VinatieriFeb 3, 2002; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks during Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Vinatieri was a crucial piece in the Patriots’ becoming a dynasty in the 2000s. He kicked two game-winning field goals for the Pats in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII, helped the team win Super Bowl XXXIX, made three Pro Bowls, and holds the record for the most consecutive field goals made in the league with 44. With all of those accolades in the NFL, Vinatieri never got enough votes to get enshrined in Canton, and a potential bias against kickers. Vinatieri is still regarded as one of the best kickers of all time.  New Orleans Saints: Joe HornOct. 29, 2006; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints (87) Joe Horn celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Matt Stamey Horn gave the Saints life in the 2000s, with his touchdown celebration in 2003, his four Pro Bowl nods, and helping the Saints reach the 2007 NFC Championship game.  While Horn was a great wideout in the “Big Easy,” he unfortunately doesn’t have enough accolades to be enshrined in Canton. The Saints have enshrined Horn in their Hall of Fame.  New York Giants: Phil SimmsSep 7, 1980; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets to throw against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports Simms became the face of the Giants in the 1980s and early ‘90s, as he led the team to two Super Bowl wins. Simms also made two Pro Bowls, was the NFL Man of the Year winner in 1993, and holds the highest completion percentage in a Super Bowl with 88 percent in Super Bowl XXI.  Simms isn’t enshrined in Canton, as he was considered to be only an average quarterback due to a lack of standout statistics. Simms is enshrined in the Giants’ Ring of Honor.  New York Jets: Wesley WalkerSep 21, 1986; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets receiver Wesley Walker (85) celebrates with teammates during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Walker was an outstanding wide receiver for the Jets in the 1970s and ‘80s. He made two Pro Bowls, led the NFL in receiving yards in 1978, and scored 71 touchdowns. Walker isn’t enshrined in Canton due to lower peak stats and a lack of individual accolades. Walker is enshrined in the Jets’ Ring of Honor.  Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabbOctober 6, 2002;Jacksonville,FL,USA; #5 Quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. CREDIT: Paul Chapman/ USA TODAY Sports McNabb was the face of the Eagles during the 2000s, as he made six Pro Bowls, led the Eagles to a Super Bowl XXXIX appearance, and four NFC Championship games. McNabb isn’t enshrined in Canton due to a lack of Super Bowl wins and his perceived lack of dominance in his prime years. McNabb is enshrined in the Eagles’ Hall of Fame.  Pittsburgh Steelers: L. C. GreenwoodNov 21, 1976; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle L.C. Greenwood (68) in action against the Houston Oilers at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK Greenwood was a standout defensive end in the 1970s, as he was a part of the Steel Curtain defense, helped the team become a Super Bowl dynasty, made six Pro Bowls, and had 78 sacks. Unfortunately, Greenwood isn’t enshrined in Canton due to a lack of statistics compared to other Hall of Fame defensive ends from his era. Greenwood is enshrined in the Steelers’ Hall of Fame.  San Francisco 49ers: Billy WilsonJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Wilson played in a much different era of football back in the 1950s. Wilson scored 49 touchdowns, made six Pro Bowls, and led the league in receptions three times. Wilson isn’t in Canton due to a lack of a championship from his resume, and he played in the NFL playoffs once, which was during the 1957 Conference Playoff against the Lions.  Seattle Seahawks: Shaun AlexanderJan. 5, 2008; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) rushes the ball against the Washington Redskins during the NFC wild card game at Qwest Field. Seattle defeated Washington 35-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Alexander bulldozed his way through opposing defenses in the early 2000s. Alexander made three Pro Bowls, helped the Seahawks reach Super Bowl XL, and won the 2005 NFL MVP award. Alexander isn’t enshrined in Canton due to his short peak performance and having to deal with other competitive running backs. Alexander is enshrined in the Seahawks Ring of Honor. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike AlstottNov 1, 1998; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike Alstott (40) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Alstott was a bruiser of a fullback, thanks to his powerful running style, which broke tackles. Alstott made six Pro Bowls, helped the Bucs win Super Bowl XXXVII, and scored 58 rushing touchdowns. Alstott is sadly not in Canton due to the position he played and his stats. Alstott is in the Bucs’ Ring of Honor.  Tennessee Titans: Eddie GeorgeTennessee Titans running back Eddie George pumps his fist as he walks off the field after the they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27 to 24 in their home and season opener at the Adelphia Coliseum on Sept. 8, 2002. George was a bruising running back who helped elevate the Titans’ offense in the 1990s and early 2000s. George helped the team reach Super Bowl XXXIV, made four Pro Bowls, and scored 68 rushing touchdowns.  George isn’t enshrined in Canton due to a lack of a Super Bowl and low career yards per carry. George is in the Titans’ Ring of Honor. Washington Commanders: Joe TheismannDec 30, 1984; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann (7) in action against the Chicago Bears during the 1984 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at RFK Stadium. The Bears won 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Theismann made Washington a force to be reckoned with in the early 1980s. He helped the Washington win XVII, made two Pro Bowls, and was the NFL MVP in 1983. Theismann isn’t in Canton due to a short peak and the career-ending injury he suffered in 1985. Nonetheless, his loyalty to the team after retirement has been visible throughout the years. Theismann is enshrined in Washington’s Ring of Fame.

Read moreEvery NFL Team’s Best Player Who Somehow Isn’t in the Hall of Fame

Vikings’ Ex-Role Player Signs With New NFL Team

The Minnesota Vikings have experienced some key losses throughout the last month.The most notable of these losses are WR Jalen Nailor, DL Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, and P Ryan Wright. Though the free agency frenzy has been over, that doesn’t mean the losses are over, however.Minnesota just watched another role player walk to another […] The post Vikings’ Ex-Role Player Signs With New NFL Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreVikings’ Ex-Role Player Signs With New NFL Team

Every NFL Team’s Oldest Starting Quarterback In Their History

Oldest Starting Quarterback: Longevity in the NFL, especially at quarterback, is a rare and remarkable feat. The position demands not only elite talent but also physical durability, mental sharpness, and the ability to adapt as the game evolves. While most quarterbacks fade before their late 30s, a select few have defied time, taking the field well into their 40s and continuing to lead their teams. From Tom Brady’s legendary run with the Buccaneers to Brett Favre’s ironman streak and Vinny Testaverde’s unexpected late-career starts, the league has seen veterans step under center long after most players have retired. Each NFL franchise has its own story of a quarterback who pushed the limits of age and endurance. Here’s a look at every NFL team’s oldest starting quarterback in history — the men who proved that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level. Who are the oldest starting quarterbacks for each NFL team? Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner, 38Nov. 6, 2005; Tempe, AZ, USA; Quarterback (13) Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Mark J. Rebilas At 38, Kurt Warner looked more like a Marvel hero than a retiree-in-waiting. In 2010, he led the lowly Cardinals to a 10-5 record and even shredded the Packers for five touchdowns in a playoff thriller, proving age hadn’t dulled that quick release and brilliant offensive mind for a quarterback. Unfortunately, they were upended soon thereafter by the New Orleans Saints, putting an anticlimactic end to Warner’s movie-like career. Atlanta Falcons: Steve DeBerg, 44 In 1998, the Falcons called a 44-year-old who’d been retired for years. DeBerg dusted off the playbook, started one game as a quarterback, and instantly set the franchise age record.  DeBerg cemented himself as the model -glass-in-case-of-emergency quarterback every coach dreams of by completing 30 of 59 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns to just one interception across his eight appearances. However, it is worth noting that his lone start against the Jets did not go particularly well, with the Falcons losing 28-3. New York is limiting him to nine completions for 117 yards and a pick. Baltimore Ravens: Randall Cunningham, 38 Cunningham started twice for the Ravens in 2001 at age 38, backing up Elvis Grbac. He wasn’t the MVP version anymore, but he still had the same graceful deep ball and the Baltimore Ravens trusted the veteran NFL quarterback to steady a defending champion roster. And with good reason, as the vet led them to two victories in the process. Buffalo Bills: Derek Anderson, 35Oct 29, 2018; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Derek Anderson (3) goes off the field with trainers after getting hurt during the second half against the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports In 2018, the Bills phoned a 35-year-old Anderson after Josh Allen’s injury. The rust showed in a big way with four interceptions in two starts, but he still claims the record as Buffalo’s oldest starter.  Although it does serve as a reminder that sometimes “veteran presence” is just a polite way of saying “we’re out of options.” Carolina Panthers: Vinny Testaverde, 44November 18, 2007; Green Bay, WI, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) throws a pass during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2007 Jeff Hanisch Signed off the couch in 2007, Vinny Testaverde won a game four days later. At 44, he became the oldest to start—and win—for this NFL team as quarterback. Decades in, the arm still worked, and the legend of Vinny Testaverde, Football Nomad, grew another chapter. Chicago Bears: Todd Collins, 39Aug 28, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Todd Collins (10) warms up prior to a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports In 2010, the Chicago Bears turned to 39-year-old Todd Collins. He threw four picks in one of the ugliest wins you’ll ever see, but technically and historically, that mess made him the oldest quarterback ever to start for Chicago. And even if it was ugly as it gets with just 10 completions for 67 yards and five interceptions—a win is a win at that age! Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco, 40 Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) runs off before a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31. Leave it to Joe Flacco to stroll into Cincinnati at 40 years old, fresh off reviving Cleveland the year before, and lead Cincinnati to a couple of good wins. Now he’s the oldest QB ever to start for the Bengals and maybe the first guy to age gracefully while playing for two AFC North rivals. Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, 39Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) walks off the field during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images In case you missed it, a year earlier, Cleveland signed Flacco and everyone laughed after his misfortunes with the Jets… until he started throwing dimes through snowstorms. He turned 39 the next week, but that brief playoff run made him the Browns’ oldest—and arguably most surprising—hero in decades, as he provided a brief respite for a quarterback-starved NFL franchise. Dallas Cowboys: Vinny Testaverde, 41 In 2004, the Cowboys dusted off Vinny Testaverde for another spin. At forty-one, he threw for more than 3,500 yards as well as more interceptions than touchdowns in a bridge year that felt like it lasted five seasons.  Dallas fans didn’t get glory, but they got a gritty showing from Testaverde each week as he was determined to prove that he still had something left in the tank—even if it wasn’t his peak form. Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning, 39Dec 30 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 38-3Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Peyton’s last year in Denver was a far cry from the record-breaking campaigns he put up in the preceding years.The arm was cooked, but the brain was still running at Mach 5.  Manning still managed to lead his team to one more Super Bowl win, relying on a dominant defense and a couple of timely throws to guide them through the season. Credit to one of the greatest to do it—he smiled through the pain and rode off with one more Lombardi. Not a bad final act at all! Detroit Lions: Dave Krieg, 36Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks former quarterback Dave Krieg at the Seattle Seahawks 12Fest fan rally in the Desert at Chase Field prior to Super Bowl XLIX. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports In 1994, 36-year-old Dave Krieg took over after Scott Mitchell’s injury and quietly went 5 and 2 with a 14-to-3 touchdown-to-pick ratio. He was calm, efficient, and suddenly made Detroit look organized—something Lions fans hadn’t seen in years.  The oldest QB ever to start for the franchise, and arguably one of its most underrated. This showing allowed Krieg to cash in on a couple more years of contracts around the NFL as an older quarterback, too, so while it may have hurt his body, I’m sure his bank account thanked him. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, 39Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs for yardage against the New Orleans Saints on October 26, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. The Saints won 44-23. His final start in green and gold came late in 2022, just before the trade drama began. Rodgers was thirty-nine and still whipping lasers through the cold Wisconsin air.  Though he followed the Packers’ sad tradition in which every franchise icon eventually finishes somewhere else, he managed to become their oldest starter ever before leaving town. Houston Texans: Case Keenum, 35Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports When rookie phenom C.J. Stroud missed time in 2023, Keenum—at thirty-five—stepped in and went 1-1. He’s been everywhere, but Houston’s where it all started, and where he set the Texans’ “oldest starter” record. That’s poetic enough for a Hall of Fame-caliber backup’s final dance. Indianapolis Colts: Matt Hasselbeck, 40Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) scrambles with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Hasselbeck looked like an accountant but played like a prizefighter in 2015, going 5-3 as a forty-year-old fill-in. He looked like he could barely move his neck, yet still read opposing defenses with the best of them.  Oldest starter in Colts history—and proof that mental competence can win games. Jacksonville Jaguars: Todd Bouman, 38Jan 2, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Todd Bouman (4) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports In 2010, the Jags called Todd Bouman, who was literally coaching high-schoolers at the time. At thirty-eight, he delivered 222 yards and two scores in an emergency start. Jacksonville didn’t win, but the man hadn’t thrown a pass in years—that’s movie-script stuff for an older NFL quarterback. Kansas City Chiefs: Warren Moon, 44 In 2000, the Chiefs handed the ball to a forty-four-year-old Warren Moon. One start, but that was all he needed for this record.  He was already a Hall of Famer in Canada and on his way to Canton, yet still had juice left for Kansas City. His lone start wasn’t a huge success, as he completed just 44% of his passes for 208 yards, one touchdown, and one pick in a loss… but it was still a solid showing all things considered. Las Vegas Raiders: George Blanda, 43Unknown date, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders kicker George Blanda (16) on the sidelines during the 1974 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports At 43, he was literally older than some teammates’ fathers, and somehow still running two jobs better than most people do one. The NFL legend, famous for kicking, quarterback, and even a little bit of linebacking in his early days, became the oldest Raider starter ever in 1970—and an excellent reference point for any old-timers who want to argue that they don’t build ’em like they used to! Los Angeles Chargers: Doug Flutie, 42 Doug Flutie started a game in ‘04 for the Chargers at 42 and still managed to scramble around like a kid in the CFL snow. He may be five-foot-nothing, but he balled out for then-San Diego, completing 20 passes for 276 yards and one score in the win. An impressive showing for the journeyman of all journeyman NFL quarterbacks. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Chandler, 39 Chris Chandler may have been the oldest quarterback to start for the Rams, but he was far from the most effective. His ill-fated stint as the Rams’ QB1 in 2004 was one of the most depressing periods we’ve seen… He appeared in five games, started two, and completed just 56.5% of his passes for 463 yards and two touchdowns with a whopping eight interceptions. Miami Dolphins: Earl Morrall, 41Dec 31, 1972; Pittsburgh, PA; USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback (15) Earl Morrall looks to throw during the 1972 AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. Miami defeated Pittsburgh 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK Morrall was forty-one when he started as a quarterback in 1975—older than most NFL coaches at the time. He’d already saved the Perfect Season three years earlier, so Miami gave him one last curtain call. Oldest Dolphin starter ever, and in classic Earl Morrall fashion, he delivered, winning his lone start over the Patriots in a 10 to 7 overtime thriller. Just 135 yards and a score, but he completed 14 of 17 and got the job done. Not bad for a season veteran in every sense of the expression. Minnesota Vikings: Brett Favre, 41Dec 20, 2010; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. The Bears defeated the Vikings 40-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Favre turned forty-one and kept playing because, of course, he did. This is Brett Favre we are talking about… But the 2010 season was a big disappointment coming off his NFC Championship run with the Vikes. It was ugly, full of hits and interceptions… 19 to be exact—to just 11 touchdowns. More importantly, it saw the Vikings miss the playoffs entirely, with the team going just 5-8 in his 13 starts. A tough end to an otherwise impressive final act with Minnesota. New England Patriots: Tom Brady, 42New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls an offensive play in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Indianapolis Colts Versus New England Patriots At Gillette Stadium In Foxborough Mass Thursday Oct 4 2018 In 2019, Brady started every game for New England at forty-two, proving avocado ice cream might actually work… in fact… it looked like they might end up rattling off another Super Bowl run, though the team faded out toward the end of the season and it came to an underwhelming finish against the Titans in the first round of the playoffs… But the stat line didn’t lie: putting up over 4000 yards and 24 touchdowns to eight interceptions is still productive on a general NFL scale—not adjusted for age. There is a reason why he is the GOAT! Can he still play in 2025? He sure knows how to tease fans, though. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, 41Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. Drew Brees was forty-one in his final season with New Orleans and seemingly held together by tape and heart, but he still put together a relatively impressive final season, completing over 70% of his passes for 2942 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions. It wasn’t vintage Drew with the explosives and monster stat lines, but 9 and 3 in 12 starts with competent, efficient football was impressive regardless. Please don’t feel too bad for him, though. Brees already had a new job lined up after saying goodbye to the NFL. New York Giants: Eli Manning, 38New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to fans as he leaves the field. The New York Giants lose to the Dallas Cowboys 36-35 on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Dal In late 2019, Eli got one last send-off after his controversial mid-season benching.  The Giants’ legendary quarterback rallied behind an emotional crowd to get one final win and waved walking off the field as the NFL fans cried, saying goodbye to their signal caller of sixteen years and the oldest starter to get under center in franchise history. New York Jets: Vinny Testaverde, 42New York Jets Vinny Testaverde (16) passes against the Broncos during the BroncoÕs defense during the AFC Championship game at Mile High Stadium in Denver Jan 17, 1999. Denver won the game 23-10 In 2005, Vinny returned… again… for another team! And started at forty-two.  He even threw a touchdown on Monday Night Football, reminding everyone that on any given night, he could still dial it up a little bit… though… he wasn’t exactly writing performance records for the Jets, as he went 1 and 3 in his four starts and threw six interceptions to that lone touchdown. Philadelphia Eagles: Jeff Garcia, 36Jan. 13, 2007; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia (7) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the 1st quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Credit: G.M. Andrews-USA TODAY Sports © 2007 G.M. Andrews Garcia’s 2006 stretch run was straight out of a Hallmark movie. The Birds signed the 36-year-old off the scrap heap when the rest of the league thought he was done, and he managed to lead Philly to the playoffs. He danced, he flexed, and he set the age record for Philly QBs. Still beloved for that mini-miracle and his 5 and 1 record that came with a playoff win to boot! Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers, 41Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass while being pressured by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Rodgers is spending 2025 in black and gold, rewriting the Steelers’ age record one Zen presser at a time. At 41 and counting, he’s the oldest quarterback starter they’ve ever had—and still throws a prettier deep ball than half the NFL. Will he retire in 2026? Who knows at this point? San Francisco 49ers: Steve Young, 39Jan 1, 1989; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) on the sideline against the Minnesota Vikings during the 1988 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 34-9. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports His 1999 season ended early after a concussion… and sadly, so did his career—as he didn’t want to risk further long-term health risks…  But at 38, Young was still elite.  And the final start closed the book on an era where mobility met arm talent before it was cool. Oldest Niner starter in history, and he left fans wondering what could’ve been had he not been forced out of the action. Seattle Seahawks: Warren Moon, 42 Moon became the oldest starting quarterback in Seahawks history in 1998 at 42. He was solid… but didn’t quite hit the level he did in ‘97 as a 41-year-old when he made the Pro Bowl. Even with his regression, he was one of the more impressive guys on this list, coming up just short of a .500 record with a 4- 6 record, and threw 11 touchdowns in 10 starts. Plus, he still had all of the swagger that made him famous in his younger days, which has to give him some bonus points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady, 4520. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) – 374.7 points The 2022 Bucs were chaotic, but Brady at forty-five was still breaking records just for fun and managed to get his team into the postseason.  The team came up short of its Super Bowl aspirations, but it is hard to knock the GOAT, given all he accomplished at his advanced age in Tampa. Tennessee Titans: Kerry Collins, 38Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins (5) his set to throws a pass against the Houston Texans at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 20, 2009. The Titans lost their home opener 34-31. In 2010, Collins started for the Titans at thirty-eight, the final chapter of a quietly durable career. He wasn’t flashy, but he was semi-competent—and for Tennessee fans back then, that was basically a miracle. Though… it did appear to come at the cost of their first round pick, Vince Young’s confidence, as his squabbles with then-coach Jeff Fisher seemed to tank his confidence. Washington Commanders: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 38Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Week One of 2021, Fitzmagic took his final NFL snap as a quarterback at thirty-eight before a hip injury ended it. A short ride, a lasting record, and another entry on the league’s favorite passport. Must have been a bummer for Washington fans who were pumped to have the popular, NFL folk-hero break up some of the quarterback monotony that the franchise was trapped in before landing Jayden Daniels.

Read moreEvery NFL Team’s Oldest Starting Quarterback In Their History

Wild but brilliant move Buccaneers must make in 2026 NFL Draft

General Manager Jason Licht has always been a man who thrives on the “no risk, no biscuit” mantra. With that, the current landscape of the NFC South demands that same level of audacity. We have seen the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taste the ultimate glory and then grapple with the grueling reality of missing the playoffs. […] The post Wild but brilliant move Buccaneers must make in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreWild but brilliant move Buccaneers must make in 2026 NFL Draft

First-Round Mock Draft: What If the Raiders DON'T Select Fernando Mendoza First Overall?

If there's one absolute certainty in the 2026 NFL draft, it's that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. This one is in the books, right? He's the perfect quarterback for Klint Kubiak's offense, right? Raiders shot-caller Tom Brady sees ...

Read moreFirst-Round Mock Draft: What If the Raiders DON'T Select Fernando Mendoza First Overall?

Controversial Former Eagles Star Defends QB Jalen Hurts

Philadephia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts found an unlikely defender in controversial former teammate and Super Bowl champion C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The post Controversial Former Eagles Star Defends QB Jalen Hurts appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreControversial Former Eagles Star Defends QB Jalen Hurts