Star-Studded Performances
In 2018, this Bears quarterback threw six touchdown passes against Tampa Bay, with five coming before halftime.
Mitchell Trubisky
After leaving the Giants in 2024, this player became only the ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season.
Saquon Barkley
With Philadelphia leading Kansas City 14–7 in Super Bowl LVII, this Chiefs linebacker recovered a Jalen Hurts fumble and returned it 36 yards for the game-tying touchdown. A second defensive score by him was later overturned.
Nick Bolton
In this NFL GM's office, New York Giants owner famously was caught saying, "I think I'll lose sleep if Saquon goes to Philly"
Joe Schoen
By winning the award in both 2017 and 2018, this interior lineman joined Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt as the only players to capture AP Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
Aaron Donald
In 2015, this Buccaneers running back rushed for 235 yards on 27 carries against the Eagles but surprisingly never reached the end zone.
Doug Martin
After catching only 161 passes across four seasons in Pittsburgh, this receiver signed with Denver in 2014. He then posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and won Super Bowl 50 alongside Peyton Manning.
Emmanuel Sanders
This Kansas City linebacker made two overlooked special plays in Super Bowl LVIII. He stripped Christian McCaffrey on San Francisco’s opening possession and later blocked Jake Moody’s fourth-quarter extra point.
Leo Chenal
Tampa Bay traded up to select this Florida State kicker in the second round of the 2016 draft. One year later, cameras captured the Buccaneers releasing him after another missed field goal during the preseason.
Roberto Aguayo
After recording 15 sacks during the 2015 season, this Raiders defender accomplished an unusual AP voting feat: he was selected first-team All-Pro at both defensive end and outside linebacker.
Khalil Mack
In 2018, this Jets running back needed only 15 carries to rush for a franchise-record 219 yards against Denver.
Isaiah Crowell
New Orleans watched this former third-round selection leave for Cincinnati in 2021. After recording 13½ sacks during his final Saints season, he produced 14 sacks and helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl in his first year away.
Trey Hendrickson
This undrafted Philadelphia running back entered Super Bowl LII with only 123 receiving yards during the entire regular season. Against New England, he caught four passes for 100 yards and a controversial third-quarter touchdown.
Corey Clement
During Cleveland’s 2018 season, this flamboyant defensive lineman gathered teammates around a whiteboard and explained how investing money with compound interest could eventually double their original amount.
Carl Nassib
Selected by Indianapolis in the second round of the 2018 draft, this linebacker led the entire NFL with 163 tackles as a rookie. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year and was also named first-team All-Pro.
In 2013, this Chiefs running back accumulated 215 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns against Oaklandincluding four receiving scores.
Jamaal Charles
Green Bay allowed this versatile defensive back to reach free agency following the 2016 season. He signed with Buffalo, intercepted five passes during his first Bills season and earned the first of two second-team All-Pro selections.
Micah Hyde
Before Super Bowl XLIX, this Seattle receiver had never caught a pass during an NFL regular-season game. Forced into action because of injuries, he recorded four catches for 109 yards and a touchdown against New England.
Chris Matthews
Cameras captured this rookie defensive end wearing sunglasses, using a water bottle as a microphone and attempting Michael Jackson’s signature dance moves while performing “Billie Jean” at a 2022 team talent show.
Aidan Hutchinson
In 2020, this Panthers rookie returned fumbles for touchdowns on consecutive plays against Minnesota, scoring twice within 10 seconds of game time.
Jeremy Chinn
In 2013, this Buccaneers running back recorded 167 total yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta after beginning the season with Cleveland.
Bobby Rainey
Houston selected this guard in the third round of the 2012 draft but allowed him to sign with Philadelphia four years later. With the Eagles, he earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and started in their Super Bowl LII victory.
Brandon Brooks
Atlanta led New England 28–20 and had reached the Patriots’ 23-yard line late in Super Bowl LI. This defender’s 12-yard sack of Matt Ryan helped knock the Falcons out of field-goal range and opened the door for the historic comeback.
Trey Flowers
Also during Cleveland’s 2018 season, this former first-round receiver confronted Hue Jackson about practicing with the second team and suggested the Browns trade him if they didn’t want him. Cleveland dealt him to Buffalo, which released him before the regular season began.
Corey Coleman
During Kansas City’s 2013 Thursday night victory in Philadelphia, this linebacker recorded 4½ sacks, forced a fumble and recovered another as the Chiefs improved to 3–0.
Justin Houston