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"Sleep with a high-profile coach": Jason Whitlock rips Dianna Russini’s “competitive advantage” after Mike Vrabel dating rumors Sportskeeda
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini are at the center of a developing story after the former Tennessee Titans’ head coach and one of the NFL’s most prominent female reporters were photographed together at a secluded Arizona resort, according to exclusive images published Tuesday by Page Six. Vrabel and Russini both responded to the report, with the […] The post Ex-Titans’ Coach Mike Vrabel Responds to Photos With Dianna Russini appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Starting your NFL career as a rookie quarterback comes with enormous pressure and some players shine under the spotlight, while others completely crumble. From record-breaking first games to unforgettable flops, we break down the five best and five worst rookie QB debuts in NFL history. Which NFL rookie QB had the best and worst debuts? Best NFL Rookie Debut: Cam Newton vs. Arizona Cardinals, 2011Sept. 11, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback (1) Cam Newton against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Panthers 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Let’s start things off with one of my personal favorites—and maybe the most jaw-dropping debut in NFL rookie history. Cam Newton was fresh off a Heisman and a national title at Auburn—yet he was still the subject of intense media scrutiny as the number 1 pick in 2011. The takes at the time were rough. Half the media called him “the next big thing.” The other half said, “Nah, his game won’t translate to the pros” in spite of his undeniable talent. So, what did Cam do? He walked into Arizona in Week 1, lined up against Patrick Peterson and company, and casually dropped 422 passing yards—still the most in a QB rookie debut. Add in two touchdowns through the air, a rushing score, and managed to nearly drag a bad Carolina roster to a win. Four hundred yards as a rookie, in your very first NFL game, is not supposed to happen, but Cam came in with the critics breathing down his neck and proved them all wrong and then some. Then, the icing on the cake—he followed it up the next week with another 400-yard performance. Back-to-back—putting egg on the face of the skeptics and haters. Sure, Cam’s career had ups and downs, but that debut was the perfect mic-drop moment for a guy who spent draft season defending himself. Worst: Alex Smith vs. Indianapolis Colts, 2005Dec. 11, 2005; Seattle, Wash, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback #11 Alex Smith passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Qwest Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Mark J. Rebilas Alex Smith, better known as the guy San Francisco took instead of Aaron Rodgers as the number 1 pick in 2005, still came into his QB rookie season with sky-high expectations. Fair or not The 49ers were down, but had a long tradition of quarterbacking excellence, and fans wanted their savior. Instead, they got one of the ugliest first starts you’ll ever see from a top pick. Smith got thrown in during garbage time twice before and looked okay, but it all came crumbling down when he became “the guy” against the Colts in Week 5. Smith looked like he was trying to throw to everyone in the building except his own receivers. He finished 9 of 23 for 74 yards and four interceptions. That’s right, four. And it wasn’t just tipped balls or unlucky breaks. It was as if the Colts’ defense was out there running routes for him. San Francisco lost 28 to 3, and by the end of it, the fanbase was already questioning everything, while Rodgers was somewhere in Green Bay, smirking. Now, to Smith’s credit, he eventually rebuilt himself into a solid starter—heck, even made a Pro Bowl and had a long career. But that debut was brutal. Best: Marcus Mariota vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2015Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) attempts a pass in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports While the rest of his career didn’t exactly pan out like everyone expected, Marcus Mariota had himself one heck of a debut performance in 2015 as a rookie QB against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected Jameis Winston 1 pick ahead of him, first overall, no less! And he walked straight into Raymond James Stadium and embarrassed the Bucs defence and front office. The game was hyped as “the showdown of the top two draft picks.” And Mariota didn’t just win it—he annihilated Winston. Mariota threw just 15 passes and four of them went for touchdowns. Talk about efficiency! That is Madden-level stuff. 13 of 15, 209 yards, four TDs, zero picks, and a perfect 158.3 passer rating in his first NFL game… Something that hadn’t been accomplished in 50 years. Meanwhile, Winston’s first NFL pass was a pick-six—that juxtaposition made Mariota look like a franchise saviour. Titans fans were convinced they’d finally found their guy. Of course, Mariota never really became that star. Injuries, inconsistency, and scheme changes slowed him down. Now, he’s a backup for Jaylen Daniels in Washington. But that first Sunday, man, he was flawless. Worst: Peyton Manning vs. Miami Dolphins, 1998 Yes, believe it or not, Peyton Manning belongs on the “worst debuts” list. In fact, his entire rookie season was a bit of a struggle. There were flashes where you saw the talent, but he did end up setting the rookie record for interceptions in the process of kicking off one of the greatest QB careers ever. But his first NFL game was ugly as it gets it came against Miami in 1998, and the first overall pick went 21 of 37 for 302 yards, one touchdown, and… three interceptions. Now, to be fair, 302 yards is nothing to sneeze at. But those turnovers buried the Colts. Manning forced throws, misread coverages, and basically looked like a rookie getting tossed into the deep end Which to be fair—he was. But that didn’t stop the narrative from starting once the final whistle blew and Indy lost 24 to 15… The critics immediately started asking, “Did the Colts pick the wrong guy? Should they have gone with Ryan Leaf?” Ha—laughable looking back, but that was a real conversation. Of course, Peyton turned out just fine—five MVPs, two Super Bowls—on route to establishing himself as the Sheriff. Leaving his debut in fans’ distant memories, though, it should serve as a reminder—sometimes the ugliest first game means nothing long-term. But if you were an Indy fan that Sunday? You had to be sweating hard. Best: Robert Griffin III vs. New Orleans Saints, 2012Aug 18, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports Few debuts ever matched the electricity of RGIII in New Orleans. Heck, his whole rookie season was the stuff of legends. Especially when you factor in the small fortune that Washington had traded to move up and get him in the draft, he was the Heisman winner, the guy with Olympic speed and a rocket arm. And in his very first game, he looked unstoppable. Full stop. Griffin went 19 of 26 for 320 yards, two touchdowns, no picks, and added 42 rushing yards. He walked into the Superdome, lit up the Saints’ defence, and left with a 40–32 win. His passer rating was an astronomical 139.9, almost perfect. It wasn’t just the athleticism that jumped off the screen either… his passing looked sharp, highlighted by the 88-yard bomb to Pierre Garçon that silenced the crowd. And against the blitz—when rookie QBs usually panic—he went 8 of 9 for 188 yards and two scores. He looked like a ten-year vet. That debut was so impressive that Washington fans started throwing around words a few too many “S” words like “savior” and “Super Bowl.” Sadly, injuries derailed his career way too early. But for one game, RGIII was everything he was hyped to be—and more. But don’t feel too bad for him. He’s been doing extremely well since retiring. Worst: Matthew Stafford vs. New Orleans Saints, 2009Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford warmed up for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers in Detroit, Thursday, November 26, 2009. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press ORG XMIT: 6764733W Sports Fbn Lions Stafford De Well, this was one was a bit of foreshadowing for his challenging days in the Motor City… but—hey, at least he got to Los Angeles to salvage his legacy and win a ring. Yes, folks—we are talking about another former number one overall pick in Matthew Stafford, who had a very challenging start to what will likely be a Hall of Fame career. Stafford was drafted to save the Detroit Lions after their infamous 0-16 season, but his debut against the Saints in 2009 wasn’t exactly the fresh start fans were dreaming of. Stafford went 16 of 37 for 205 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. He did score a rushing touchdown, but it barely mattered in a 45-27 blowout loss. It was rough. Especially for a fanbase that had just suffered through a 0 and 16-season, only to then see its shiny new QB throw three picks in Week 1, that’s the kind of pain only Lions fans truly understand. Best: Frank Tarkenton vs. Chicago Bears, 1961Minnesota Vikings tackle Frank Myers (74) tries to block Green Bay Packers defensive end Ezra Johnson (78) as he chases the quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) on Oct. 22, 1978, at the Metropolitan Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 21-7. Gpg Throwback Packers Vs Vikings 11052022 0021 Alright, let’s take it way back for this one. You can’t talk about rookie QB debuts without tipping your cap to Fran Tarkenton—because the man set the standard before most of today’s highlight reels were even filmed in color. September 17th, 1961. It’s the very first game in the Minnesota Vikings franchise history. They’re facing George Halas’ Chicago Bears—a team that had been around since the NFL’s stone age. Nobody expected much from an expansion squad with a 21-year-old rookie quarterback… But the rookie came in and dominated, torching the Bears for 250 yards and four touchdowns. Keep in mind, this was against one of the most respected defenses of the era and Minny didn’t squeak by either, they steamrolled Chicago by a final score of 37 to 13. Tarkenton’s passer rating in that game was a perfect 158.3, something almost unheard of at the time Literally because the stat didn’t exist yet! But with a look back, the stat was replicated by a rookie for over 50 years! And to his credit, he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. Tarkenton went on to redefine what quarterback play could look like. He was running around, improvising, playing backyard football before it was the thing to do… By the time he retired, he was the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns—and it all started with that epic showing against Chicago. Worst: Don Gault vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Cleveland Browns helmets on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Don Gault’s one-and-done appearance might be the ultimate “blink and you missed it” career. Except Browns fans who sat through that game probably wish they had missed it… Hofstra legend Gault’s NFL résumé was practically nonexistent heading into 1970. He went undrafted, spent two full years stashed away on Cleveland’s practice squad, and only saw the field because starter Bill Nelsen got hurt. Needless to say, Gault failed to deliver. Gault played just one half of football. In that time, he managed to complete one pass out of 16 attempts. One. For 44 yards. He threw two interceptions, finished with a 0.0 passer rating, and led Cleveland to just three total first downs while he was under center. Fans in the stands must have been wondering if they accidentally wandered into a practice instead of an actual NFL game. To make the matter all the more painful for Gault, he never got another meaningful shot. He hung around as a backup for a few years but never threw another regular-season pass. His entire NFL career is essentially remembered for this single disaster. Best: Will Levis vs. Atlanta Falcons, 2023Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) celebrates on the field after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Every once in a while, a rookie QB comes out of nowhere and drops a performance so outrageous, you can’t even believe what you’re watching… Especially when you look back and compare it to the rest of his career. That was Will Levis in Week 8 of the 2023 season. Four touchdowns in his very first NFL start. He went 19 of 29 for 238 yards, four scores, no picks, and a 130.5 passer rating. Three of his four touchdowns went to Hopkins, and suddenly the Titans’ offense looked like it had life again despite their brutal 2- four start to the season. The guy went out there in his first start and absolutely shredded a good NFL defense like he was waiting his whole life for this exact stage. Too bad he couldn’t keep the act going in the Music City, as he flamed out and the curtains closed on him not too long after. Worst: Brandon Weeden vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 2012Dec 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports It’s tough to imagine a debut going much worse than the one Brandon Weeden put on tape. Cleveland drafted Weeden in the first round of 2012, even though he was just weeks away from turning 29 years old. An older rookie QB. He was literally older than some of the established quarterbacks already in the league. So the scrutiny was high to say the least… Could a guy who spent most of his twenties playing minor league baseball really be the future at quarterback? The answer came fast. Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Weeden looked completely overwhelmed. He went 12 of 35 for 118 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions. That’s a completion percentage barely above 34 percent. His passer rating? 5.1. Not fifty-one… five point one. For comparison, if Weeden had just spiked the ball into the dirt on all 35 attempts, his rating would’ve been higher. To make matters worse, Cleveland actually managed to stay in the game pretty much until the final whistle! All they needed was some half-decent quarterback play, and they would’ve taken it home… but they chose to go with Brandon Weeden. Classic Browns. Needless to say, things didn’t get much better for Weeden in Cleveland or at any of his other stops—and he was chased out of the league in short order.
NFL.com's Matt Okada pitched a new NFL trade proposal that would send Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown back to the Tennessee Titans. The post ‘Strange Twist’ Emerges in New A.J. Brown-Eagles Trade Pitch appeared first on Heavy Sports.
NFL Draft week is approaching quickly. The draft is the most exciting part of the NFL offseason as teams get a glimpse of the future and hundreds of former college athletes’ lives are changing for the better. Former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is going to be an early first-round pick. Many mock drafts […] The post Jeremiyah Love draws unflattering Bijan Robinson comparison from NFL Insider appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Rueben Bain, Titans draft trend with national and local intel is something that we should have realized sooner A to Z Sports
Playing in the NFL is hard, but there is a serious argument to be made that being a successful head coach in the league is an even steeper challenge. Not only do you have to operate as the CEO of a highly publicized company effectively, but you also have to manage dozens of professional athletes while deploying a successful strategy on offense and defense. To say that it takes a whole lot to get it right is a massive understatement. So, when you find the right guy, it is pivotal to keep him in town no matter what, but NFL owners are impatient. Sometimes they get an itch to make a rogue move, thinking that the team has plateaued and perhaps the grass is greener on the other side—only to realize in short order that they have made a terrible mistake. Let’s take a look back at the 10 WORST Head Coach firings in NFL history that tanked the organizations that let their guy go! Which coaches were unceremoniously fired in the NFL? Bill Belichick, Cleveland Browns/Baltimore RavensJan 1, 1995; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 1994 Wild Card Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Cleveland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports It’s funny how history rewrites itself. Aside from the whole UNC mess… Today, Bill Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history… In the 2000’s he became a six-time Super Bowl champ and a feared mastermind that made opposing coaches overthink every last decision. He was essentially the hooded overlord of football’s modern dynasty, but back in Cleveland in the mid-’90s, he was the guy that the Browns handed a pink slip to. Belichick took over a dysfunctional Browns team in 1991—and while his approach wasn’t warm and fuzzy, it was effective at turning things around. The Browns went 11-5 in 1994 and won a playoff game—their only postseason win since the 1980s. But by 1995, the walls were closing in… Modell announced he was moving the franchise to Baltimore, chaos swallowed the season, and Belichick was a casualty in the process. Who knows—maybe if they brought BB along for the ride, they would have been the 2000s dynasty—not the Pats! George Allen, Washington RedskinsSep 16, 1973; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins head coach George Allen on the sidelines during the 1973 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Malcolm Emmons If you were to make a list of the most innovative minds in NFL history, George Allen would be somewhere near the top; thus, his exit from Washington in 1977 is one of those classic “what were they thinking?” moments. In his seven seasons with the Redskins, he went 67-30-1, made the playoffs five times, never had a losing season, and won the NFC title in 1972. He built the “Over-the-Hill Gang,” a roster of savvy veterans who outsmarted younger teams every Sunday, and he revolutionised how special teams were coached and valued. Allen was obsessed with preparation—film study, substitutions, clock control—all things that are normal now because he made them normal. Allen reportedly turned down a four-year, $1 million contract extension because he didn’t like ownership’s new demands, and the team promptly showed him the door. Imagine firing a guy who had literally never had a losing season and replacing him with one of his favorite players in Jack Pardee… brutal. Washington ended up sinking into a three-year period of pure mediocrity under Pardee with an even .500 record during his tenure, and they never hit the same heights as they did with Allen until years later, when Joe Gibbs was brought into the fold. Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego ChargersSept. 17, 2006; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports © 2006 Mark J. Rebilas This one still stings, even 18 years later. Marty Schottenheimer went 14-2 with the 2006 Chargers — the best regular-season record in franchise history. LaDainian Tomlinson won MVP, Philip Rivers had taken the baton from Drew Brees—and then some, frankly, the team was loaded across the board. Then came the playoff loss to New England, and within a few weeks, Marty was fired over front office tension with GM A.J. Smith. Think about that. A 14-2 coach was shown the door because of office politics. Yes, the playoff loss was a factor… but even the stated reason was “philosophical differences,” but let’s be real, it was an ego collision. And ownership picked the wrong side. People criticised his 5-13 playoff record, but postseason heartbreak doesn’t make a coach bad, especially not when the team continued to suffer untimely injuries, which makes him unlucky. The Chargers didn’t just fire an NFL coach; they fired a culture that prioritized accountability over flash—and, honestly, fans have ownership to blame for never fully capitalizing on all of that mid-2000s talent and bringing home a Super Bowl like many expected them to. George Seifert, San Francisco 49ersJan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert on the field prior to Super Bowl XXIX against the San Diego Chargers at Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY NETWORK If you want a coaching tenure that basically reads like perfection on paper, Seifert delivers. He turned around the San Francisco 49ers in 1989, posting a remarkable 98-30 regular season record over eight seasons, won two Super Bowls, and had the best winning percentage in the NFL at his departure. But then came 1996, where the 49ers ended up going 12 and 4, but were eliminated in the divisional round again by the Green Bay Packers. Instead of another shot at building on that success, he was quietly ushered out. His “resignation” or firing, depending on how honestly you look at it, came because ownership—led by Eddie DeBartolo Jr.—had unrealistic expectations that went beyond regular-season domination… They needed Super Bowl wins every year. When they didn’t get it, they pulled the plug. This, of course, led to some dark days under Steve Mariucci in the Bay Area… The 49ers maintained Seifert’s standards in year 1, going 13 and 3, but fell off a cliff the following year going 4 and 12—and quickly faded into irrelevance way beneath Bartolo’s standards! Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ersJanuary 7, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; Jim Harbaugh addresses the media during a press conference after being announced the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at the Palace Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The 49ers and Jim Harbaugh were like an elite rock band that was super fun to watch on the come-up, but imploded at its peak. From 2011 to 2014, they went 44-19-1, reached three NFC Championships, and came within five yards of capturing a Lombardi Trophy. Then, after one bumpy 8-8 year, which seemingly unearthed years of growing tension with General Manager, Trent Baalke, they “mutually parted ways.” If you are looking for a clean way to sum it up… Basically… Baalke got his feelings hurt because Harbaugh didn’t treat him with kid gloves, so he rashly decided to fire the guy who turned them from 6-10 to perennial contenders. And, as you might’ve expected, the post-Harbaugh years were a disaster. Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly, both gone within a single season, put up a 7- 25 record, which is simply horrendous. The 49ers didn’t stabilize again until Kyle Shanahan arrived in 2017, which, unsurprisingly, coincided with Baalke’s unceremonious departure from the organization. I understand that Harbaugh’s intensity wore people out, but that’s the cost of greatness. He built that defense’s identity, amplifying the swagger of studs like Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. When the dust settled, it was clear as day that Harbaugh was the straw that stirred the drink out in the Bay Area… and based on the success he had turning around the University of Michigan—and now the Los Angeles Chargers—it’s safe to say Baalke was completely misguided in giving Harbaugh a pink slip. Mike Vrabel, Tennessee TitansNov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports It’s rare for a coach to be proven right this quickly… Though… this was one that everyone saw the writing on the wall for. When the Titans fired Mike Vrabel in January 2024, ownership said the team “needed a new direction.” Well, that new direction has been a nosedive. Brian Callahan went 4-19 before being canned this October, and Tennessee has scored just 83 points through six games. Meanwhile, Vrabel took a year off from head coaching to do some consulting work and has since taken the job in New England with his old team, the Patriots. And, well, so far, so good! Yep, the same team that just went 4-13 last year is sitting at 5-2 partway through the 2025 season and has a hilarious 31-13 thumping of the Titans to its name. It had to feel good for Vrabel to win over his old squad after the way ownership tried to throw him under the bus. What is crazy is that he is bringing a very similar impact to New England that he did when he got to Tennessee. He’s rebuilt the defense, put an unproven quarterback in a position to succeed, and has the whole locker room buying in. What’s wild is how obvious this outcome felt. Vrabel was 54 and 45 in Tennessee with three playoff trips and a 2021 NFL Coach of the Year trophy. Fans were even willing to go to extreme lengths to have him back. The roster regressed because of personnel misses, not coaching. Yet ownership blamed the voice instead of the roster. Now, Vrabel’s thriving in Foxborough while the Titans are back in “interim” mode because they hastily showed one of the best culture-builders in the game the door. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis instructs the defense in the first quarter of a Week 17 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Cincinnati Bengals lead 10-3 at halftime. Cincinnati Bengals At Pittsburgh Steelers 12 30 2018 Syndication Cincinnati Before Marvin Lewis arrived in 2003, the Bengals were the NFL’s punchline, year in and year out. They were known as a franchise allergic to stability and addicted to mediocrity. But Lewis managed to do more than just change the team on the field; their identity evolved under his leadership. Over 16 seasons, Lewis went 131-122-3 and took Cincinnati to the postseason seven times. That’s not small potatoes when you consider the Bengals hadn’t had a winning season in over a decade before he showed up. But after the 2018 campaign, ownership decided it was time to “move on.” Translation: they were tired of losing in the Wild Card round. Sure, Lewis never won a playoff game, but he built a legitimate culture with next to no help from ownership. He had to navigate minimal free-agent spending, a revolving door of coordinators, and a notoriously old-school front office that barely believed in scouting innovation. When Lewis left, the Bengals got exactly what they asked for: a reset. Unfortunately, that reset meant a two-year stretch of absolute irrelevance before Joe Burrow came to town. Mike Shanahan, Washington RedskinsDec 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan walks off the field after a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Redskins 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports If you were making a Mount Rushmore of bad NFL owners, Dan Snyder would be carved right in the middle. Few people in football history have burned through more competent personnel than Snyder, and Mike Shanahan, widely regarded as one of the best coaching minds in NFL history, was one of his biggest casualties. When Shanahan took over in Washington back in 2010, the franchise was already a full-blown fixer-upper. Years of Dan Snyder meddling had left the roster top-heavy, the locker room fractured, and the fan base numb to disappointment. It wasn’t exactly the kind of place that even a two-time Super Bowl champion could walk into and instantly win. But Shanahan wasn’t looking for a quick fix — he was trying to rebuild a culture. But Shanahan quietly did what he always did best: found talent where nobody else was looking. A sixth-round pick named Alfred Morris became a 1,600-yard rusher in 2012, and that same year, Washington drafted Robert Griffin III and went 10- 6, winning the NFC East for the first time in over a decade. It felt like the corner had finally been turned. Then came the injuries… and the interference. RG3’s knee exploded in that playoff loss, and Snyder, instead of letting his coach manage the recovery, turned the situation into a circus. By the end of 2013, the relationship between owner and coach had completely unraveled, forcing Shanahan out of town—and Washington back into the cellar. Jimmy Johnson, Dallas CowboysOct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Jimmy Johnson attends the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports This one is the gold standard of disastrous divorces. Two Super Bowl titles. Back-to-back. A complete franchise turnaround from 1-15 laughingstock to full-blown dynasty — and somehow, it still ended with the head coach walking away because the owner, Jerry Jones, couldn’t share credit. When Jimmy Johnson arrived in Dallas in 1989, the Cowboys were broken. The roster was depleted, culture was nonexistent, and Tom Landry’s long shadow still hung over everything. Johnson tore it all down and rebuilt it through the draft, By 1993, Dallas was a juggernaut. Faster, tougher, and better than anyone else in the league. Then came the ego war. Jerry Jones started taking public credit for the team’s rise, calling himself the architect. Johnson pushed back — and just weeks after winning a second straight Lombardi, the two split. Jones spun it as “mutual,” but it was anything but. Yes, the Cowboys won another Super Bowl the next year under Barry Switzer, but let’s be real—that was still Jimmy’s NFL team. The roster, the culture, and the discipline were all Johnson’s. And after that brief echo of success, the dynasty fizzled, and Dallas hasn’t been the same since. Bum Phillips, Houston OilersOct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Oilers former head coach Bum Phillips attends a game between the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Every franchise dreams of a coach who wins football games and gives them an identity… Phillips did both! Cowboy hat, boots, and all. He was Texas football personified. And from 1975 to 1980, Phillips went 55- 35 with Houston, made two AFC title games, and turned the Oilers from an afterthought into a legitimate contender. Then… they fired him. This wasn’t some long, slow decline either. The Oilers went 11-5 in 1980 and were coming off back-to-back deep NFL playoff runs. Everyone in Houston believed they were this close to breaking through but owner Bud Adams had other ideas and once the Oilers lost in the Wild Card round that last, fateful year, he decided he wanted more control—a classic mistake by an overconfident owner. And with it, he deflated the best era of Oilers football until the Warren Moon run a decade later.
The Philadelphia Eagles are predicted to draft a first round-WR in anticipation of potential A.J. Brown trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are linked to trading veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph as Aaron Rodgers' decision looms and is expected soon. The post Steelers Connected to Trading Veteran QB as Aaron Rodgers Decision Looms appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Speed doesn't always equal NFL success, but some of the fastest at the NFL Draft Combine have made quite a mark.
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.
The New York Giants have already improved a lot during the 2026 offseason. New York hired John Harbaugh at head coach, which instantly changed the team’s outlook on the future. But an escape from New York could be in the cards for one veteran defensive player. Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade […] The post 3 best Dexter Lawrence destinations after Giants trade request appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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.
As Joe Brady takes over as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, he’s hopeful wide receiver Keon Coleman can be a key cog in the offense. However, Coleman has yet to live up to his second-round pedigree. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently crafted a hypothetical article in which every NFL franchise trades their first-round pick in […] The post NFL rumors: ESPN sends Keon Coleman packing to Titans despite Joe Brady comments appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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 ...
Out-of-the-box thinking and roster building has never been more paramount to finding success in the NFL. Recent examples include the Jacksonville Jaguars taking a two-way player second overall in last year’s draft, the Seattle Seahawks handing the keys of their offense to a former draft bust, and the Los Angeles Rams avoiding owning first-round picks […] The post Out-of-the-box 2026 NFL Draft move that all 32 teams must make appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The New York Jets could strike a trade with the Tennessee Titans to acquire quarterback Will Levis this offseason. The post Jets Could Strike Another Trade With Titans to Land QB: Insider appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Titans front office and fans must be wary of where the consensus draft board is making it’s biggest mistake atozsports.com
ESPN’s Mina Kimes shares inconvenient reality of Titans fans’ favorite justification for drafting Jeremiyah Love 4th overall A to Z Sports
If the Dallas Cowboys want to draft Sonny Styles, they'll have to get aggressive. Trading up with the Tennessee Titans might be the Cowboys best bet.
A to Z Sports' First Round Mock for the 2026 NFL Draft: Titans get a massive boost, 49ers solve the Trent Williams dilemma, and more A to Z Sports
Titans' draft could shock fans if thinnest positions on GM Mike Borgonzi's roster are any indication of what he prioritizes A to Z Sports
PFSN’s mock draft predicts the Tennessee Titans to select Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers to give Cam Ward another reliable weapon.
Titans have good reason to add most athletic wildcard draft prospect in recent history for Robert Saleh to try to develop into a home run A to Z Sports
