Only The Biggest NFL Fan Will Remember All These 2000s NFL Stars!
- by Dylan Jacob
- – on
- in Sports
The NFL Draft is weeks away, but we're spending today thinking about players who have been retired for nearly a decade. Call it nostalgia or just the feeling which comes with wanting to boot up Madden on the PlayStation 2, either works.
Today, we're going to quiz you on some star NFL players from the 2000s (2000-2009, specifically), but there are some things to note. As with our other quizzes which feature you trying to remember these older NFL stars, just remember that there's no active players on this list; no Tom Brady, no Drew Brees, etc. As for players like Antonio Gates who are free agents as of March 2018 and have not announced their intent to retire, they will not be included so we can play it safe.
Players who played into the 2010s are on this list, but nobody who played in either the 2016 or 2017 regular season. Sorry, Danny Woodhead fans. The majority of players on this list stopped playing after 2013, for what it's worth, but there are a couple who lasted a little bit longer.
Also, there's no punters or kickers on this list not for any other reason other than it would have either been too easy or too hard. Plus, some of the best players at those positions are still going. We love you, Adam Vinetari!
Arguably the greatest tight end of all time
We told you that if you're a true NFL fan, this will be a fairly easy quiz for you. But even casual fans shouldn't have problems answering this so long as they remember this tight end spending part of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The playoff success wasn't all there, leading to a later trade where he at least came close to making the Super Bowl. Eligible for the Hall of Fame next year, we expect him in. Who is this?
Reliable linebacker whose career ended too early
The hard part about the NFL is that unlike other sports, it takes one legitimately serious injury to cause your career to end early. Pitchers can come back from Tommy John surgery and point guards can regain their old form after tearing their ACL, but a linebacker suffering an Achilles or ACL injury means their career is likely over. We saw that happen with this former Washington Redskins star who suffered a major Achilles injury in his prime and never played again. Who was this?
Mr. Third Down Himself
You know why they called this former New York Jet "Mr. Third Down?" It's because 379 of his 580 career receptions were caught on third down and led to first down conversions. That's amazing, but it' also which ended his career early, as he was concussed on a third down conversion back when concussions were nothing. Seriously, Madden and NCAA used to let you reinsert players who suffered concussions back into the game. "Mild concussion" is sports' greatest oxymoron. Who is this?
Underrated Chicago Bears center who could pack a punch
We need to care more about the big uglies in the trenches, guys. Offensive linemen get the job done - and I'm not just saying that from bias because a foot injury ended my own high school career as a starting left guard early. You have Pro Bowlers like this who have to snap the ball with perfect precision and immediately block someone after, two things that aren't quite easy easy. Who was this former Chicago Bears All-Pro offensive lineman?
A legend plays in the Bay Area
For a time, the Oakland Raiders were known for four things: drafting and signing players with speed, bringing in big-name players who wound up wanting out of Oakland as quickly as possible, signing played just based off what they did in the postseason, and firing coaches. We'll see how many of those things return with former Al Davis protege Jon Gruden running things. I'm sure you remember when this Hall of Famer was in Oakland, but you can tell us who this is, right?
Quarterback-turned-commentator who was better than we remember
You'll see this quarterback on TV all the time now - and potentially even moreso as the networks continue their musical chairs of what goes on in the studio - but don't forget how good he was on the field. Two Pro Bowls, 50 more touchdowns than interceptions, we forget all of that because of how many different teams he was on. But his best years came with the Kansas CIty Chiefs, who he's repping in this picture, of course. Who is this?
Legendary Denver Broncos receiver who kept sharp in the 2000s
I'm not sure why we tend to forget about this former Denver Bronco so much, though it may be his career ended when he was putting up his best numbers in his mid 30s and had to retire at 38. We never said the NFL makes sense. But this former undrafted receiver not only made three Pro Bowls, but won two Super Bowls with the Broncos and remains beloved by fans. You shouldn't have any issues getting this one right.
It's a Cane thing, baby!
I'd make a joke about how it's all about the U, but I think Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin has turned that whole movement into #thefaU. So until we get to the 2010s and Alfred Morris retires, I don't think we'll be using that hashtag in these quizzes. But we will use #ratpoision. Hiss. This former Miami Hurricane star was a highly successful NFL player and had a long, memorable Super Bowl touchdown while with the Chicago Bears. You know who this is.
Fan favorite in Philadelphia for good reason
Philadelphia fans are dedicated to their team, even if they nearly destroyed their entire city when the Eagles won the Super Bowl earlier this year. Although that would show dedication, wouldn't it? The NFL still makes no sense, by the way. This Eagle did play at other stops in his career, but whenever he came back to Philadelphia in either another uniform or when he'd re-sign with the Green and White, you knew the ovations were coming. Who was this?
One of the more electrifying returners in NFL history
There's things that Devin Hester did that I genuinely don't think another player will do in the kickoff and punt return game, but this ex-Kansas City Chief had moments where he could do it. If you ever used the Chiefs in Madden, you remember just how dangerous and explosive he could be. Hold down X or A for that speed boost, use the spin or juke button, and you all were onto the races. Fun times, unless *you* kicked it to him.
Big, bruising running back for the New York Football Giants
If the Giants wind up with Saquon Barkley in next month's NFL Draft, he could be yet another strong running back who wears blue and white. True, the Giants really haven't had a true star back in a long time, but there were times in the 2000s where they had plenty of good-to-great running backs. This bruising back fits into that mold of good-to-great and he even won a Super Bowl, so he has that going for him too. Who is this?
Another former Miami Hurricanes makes our quizzes
The University of Miami breeds such great athletes, so it's no surprise they continue to make our quizzes and lists. In fact, this former Hurricanes star immediately became a star in Indianapolis and got along great with Peyton Manning, though we wish things ended a bit better. Still, we have the great memories of him breaking ankles, making moves in the playoffs, and playing for a Super Bowl title in his home state. Who was this former All-Pro Colts star?
We all dominated with this fullback in Madden
There's certain players in Madden that were legit cheat codes. Michael Vick? Yep. Brian Finneran? Yes. Michael Vick again? Definitely. Even Ray Lewis was a bit of a cheat code when the hit stick was introduced. But this Pro Bowl fullback, who was pretty solid in real life and starred under Jon Gruden, was unstoppable when given the ball in Madden. Maybe that's why Jon Gruden is so vocal about wanting to "throw it back to 1998." Who is this?
"Beast Mode" before Marshawn Lynch was in Seattle
We tend to think of Marshawn Lynch as the best running back in Seattle Seahawks history, which I don't think is wrong. But this veteran running back and former Madden NFL cover athlete is easily the second best, even if Mike Holmgren ran him into the ground too easily by feeding him the ball too many times. We can only learn so much from the mistake that coaches of Super Bowl teams make, sadly. Who was this former All-Pro running back?
Tony Romo's precursor as the Cowboys' starting quarterback
Before Tony Romo missed a game almost every each season he was the Cowboys' starting quarterback, Dallas had to deal with the fun of musical chairs at the signal-caller position. This veteran and former Super Bowl quarterback provided some stability to the position before Romo became the starter in 2006. It feels like Romo was the starter for so much longer, right? But we're not talking about Romo, just the man he wound p replacing. Who was this former Pro Bowler?
Patriots defensive legend who made plenty of plays
I'm sure you've seen this ex-Patriot around making the waves on TV and dropping hot takes since his retirement close to a decade ago, but don't let his sometimes-controversial statements make you forget how good he was on the field. If not for an injury late in the 2008 season that made him retire early, we might have even seen this former Bill Belichick protege make the Hall of Fame one day. Alas, that's likely not to be. Who was this?
Saints playmaker and still a fan favorite
It's hard not to be a fan favorite in New Orleans when you give it your all despite the team not being that good. Before Drew Brees arrived in 2006, that was exactly what happened with this playmaker, though he hung on when the future Hall of Fame took over and replaced Aaron Brooks. We'll never put this former Pro Bowler in the same conversations as Randy Moss or Terrell Owens, but his ability to score and pull off great celebrations puts him on here.
Packers star pass rusher
We tend to think of those 2000s Green Bay Packers teams as mediocre to slightly above average in large part because Brett Favre kept throwing interceptions and putting off retirement. So when you actually look at those rosters and find some elite players you likely forgot about, you're going to be surprised when you look at their stats. This Packers pass rusher was a prime example of someone who got attention for his numbers, but was overshadowed by Favre. Who was this?
Dangerous Falcons receiving weapon during Michael Vick's prime
I know what you're thinking: who cares about who Michael Vick could throw to when the guy could run? We don't disagree there, especially as someone who definitely took advantage of Vick's game-breaking abilities in Madden. But Vick had a lot of weapons he could throw to and he took advantage of that, even if his completion percentage wasn't ever spectacular. Let's just say Vick knew he could make things happen with this Pro Bowler and, as you see here, often did for touchdowns.
Not an immediate star, but a quarterback who grew to be dependable
A few months from now, people will start calling guys like Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield busts if they fail to really do much of anything good in their first few starts. There's quarterbacks out there who weren't stars when they debuted, but became pretty good players in their own right - and if you get mad if we use Drew Brees as an example, how about Case Keenum? Well, this Broncos quarterback, in his own way, was like Case Keenum once upon a time.
Far from Darrelle Revis, but still an electric cornerback at times
Putting cornerbacks on the same pedestal as Revis, Champ Bailey, or even Charles Woodson is unfair, we know, but there were plenty of good to great cornerbacks in the 2000s. This former 49er was one of them, even if he didn't get to experience all the fun that came with the Jim Harbaugh era. If you played Madden, you'll know all too well how good this cornerback could be. Yes, we reference Madden again. Who was this Pro Bowl cornerback?
Would Dolphins fans take him over Ryan Tannehill? Maybe!
Let's be honest: there are plenty of Dolphins fans who hate Tannehill - or at least want to see him go - but were beyond angry that Miami signed Brock Osweiler to be the backup. It's been a long time since this quarterback was in Miami, leading the Dolphins to the playoffs in one of the more surprising one season turnarounds you'll ever see a year after the Phins went just 1-15. If you can't get this after that, we don't know how to help you.
Don't hate on this unappreciated Titans linebacker
Why do the Titans of the 2000s never get any love in retrospect? Is it because they never made a Super Bowl after losing to the Rams? There were so many fun players on those teams - Steve McNair, Vince Young, Eddie George, Chris Johnson, Derrick Mason, everyone on the defense - and this linebacker was one of those we forget about. He laid major hits, caused turnovers with ease, and we'd have been afraid to be in his way. Who was this?
One of the most dominant offensive linemen of the modern age
No, it's not Kevin Mawae, who should be in the Hall of Fame sooner rather than later. Stop hurting those who were presidents of the NFLPA! But this offensive lineman who IS in the Hall of Fame was really, really good. If games like Madden or 2K properly gauged how good offensive linemen were, let's just say this guy would never have given up sacks and always would have paved perfect holes for your running backs. Who was this ex-Raven?
Rest in peace to this late receiver
Seriously, rest in peace to this late wide receiver who lost his life in a car crash within the past few years. We're not going to make this light-hearted or say anything to make this too depressing, just it's sad to think that someone who was playing a decade ago is already dead. Life is too short, so hopefully you can get this one right and if not, don't feel bad. We suggest answering this question and moving on before thinking too much.
A dangerous linebacker we'll likely never see in Canton
Baseball writers talk about the Hall of Very Good for players like Keith Hernandez and the NFL's version would likely feature this journeyman linebacker. There's no denying he was good nearly everywhere he went (a team or two may argue that opinion), but a lack of starpower or potseason success means he won't have his head on a bust for people in Ohio to see. Have yo figured out who this former Bengals linebacker happened to be? No, it's not Vontaze Burfict.
Remember how much fun this tight end could be?
I'm sure Redskins fans are having just as much fun listening to him on the radio as they were when he was younger and balling out for the team before injuries ended his career prematurely, but it is what it is. For what it's worth, it seems like the Redskins organization is having less fun listening to him criticize the team than they did when he was one of their main franchise faces and a perennial Pro Bowler. Who is this?
If you can't get this one, I hope you're not a Dolphins fan
Seriously. Of all the players on this quiz, this should be one of the easiest because his helmet isn't on, his number is fairly unique, and he was a star for the Miami Dolphins. We could put a an anagram of his name in the description right here and it'd still be pretty easy...we'd hope, at least. Please, get this one right. Do you really need anything else? OK, let's try this if you're still reading. If you like the Redskins, you hate him.
Prayers are up for this veteran NFL running back
We say that prayers are up because this former All-Pro running back recently came out and said he is battling CTE, which is affecting his parenting and his retirement. Again, we're not going to be too funny here or even adopt anything other than a serious tone because there's some sad news going on with him. Go look up the story on him from a few months back that discusses his CTE when you're done with this quiz to see how bad things are.
Given he retired recently, you should know this
And this is yet another easy one to offset the sad mood that some of these other questions carry. We tried to make this a bit harder by including a picture of him from Feb. 2007, but you should still be able to get this without any problems. Even if you don't remember him playing in the Super Bowl, the uniform and number should be enough of a clue. Then again, that goes for every other one, so what do we know?
We're not the only ones surprised he's not in the Hall of Fame yet, right?
This former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro offensive lineman has been Hall eligible for a few years now, but has yet to really receive any serious consideration for Canton. Is it just the fact that he's an offensive lineman who never had the spotlight of someone like Walter Jones? A Super Bowl ring and plenty of personal accolades should help him gain momentum with Randy Moss, Brian Dawkins, Terrell Owens, and others finally off the board, but we'll see. Who was this?
Dominant running back still beloved in Buffalo
The Bills definitely had some tough years from 2000-16 when they didn't make the playoffs once and only one winning season after 2004, but there were players like this Pro Bowl running back who gave fans something else to root for. Bills fans are definitely loyal and they showed that in full force with this homegrown running back, even if he didn't finish his career with the Bills and never made the playoffs there. Damn shame, too. Who was this?
Veteran NFL linebacker who Redskins fans enjoyed watching
There's another ex-Redskins linebacker on this list, but we promise this is a different one. This linebacker also spent time in Buffalo with the Bills, but is probably more remembered for his Pro Bowl seasons with the Redskins before retiring just as the Robert Griffin III era seemed to be starting. Yeah, about that. At least Redskins fans can live off memories of this star linebacker as they move on and prepare for a 2018 season which may be extremely tough. Who is this?
You really should get this one right...
I know offensive linemen aren't exactly the most glamorous players for lists like these, but you really shouldn't have any trouble nailing this. Hall of Fame offensive lineman who played for the Saints and Chiefs, never making it to the Super Bowl either place but earning a bust in Canton nonetheless. Strong player, plenty of personal accolades, and paved holes from some great players. If you haven't gotten this one right, consider us surprised - even he's a offensive lineman.
Down the sideline, can they catch him??
We had to include that awesome line from a catch this wide receiver made - and we had to include this picture where the Colts are wearing their normal white uniforms with alternate, throwback white retro pants. We would love to see the Colts bring these pack in the coming years, if only for the fun of giving an older franchise a new look. You should have answered this by now, but if not go answer it instead of wasting time.