You probably forgot these NFL players were on these teams

Mackenzie MeaneyMackenzie Meaney|published: Tue Feb 27 2024 19:53
source: Getty Images

The NFL is pretty good at keeping home-grown stars at home, but even some of the most iconic players end up with teams other than the ones they made their careers with. Even players with two iconic runs have a weird bump in the road every now and then. We all know the Tom Brady stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Brett Favre’s one-off Jets season. Let’s dive into the more obscure – and more cursed – iconic players in unusual places.

Reggie Wayne, New England Patriots

source: AP

Wayne was an offseason addition for the Patriots just before his retirement.

He asked for his release because playing in New England was “too tough” and “not fun.”

Darrelle Revis, Kansas City Chiefs

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Revis hopped around the league, playing two stints for the Jets and one year apiece in Tampa Bay and New England. But Revis won a Super Bowl with the Patriots and made a Pro Bowl as a Buccaneer. His Chiefs stint, however, came in the twilight of Revis Island’s reign. He started just two of his six appearances with Kansas City.

Frank Gore, New York Jets

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The New York Jets: Where end-of-life running backs — LaDanian Tomlinson, anyone? — get one last bag.

Jerry Rice, Seattle Seahawks

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The 42-year-old could still move, hauling in three touchdowns in 11 games for the Seahawks.

Adrian Peterson, Tennessee Titans

source: AP

Peterson’s post-career hop-around put him in a ton of uniforms, but it really flew under the radar that Tennessee rostered the last two 2,000-yard rushers in the same backfield.

Randy Moss, Tennessee Titans

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Moss’s 2010 saw him leave New England, re-join the Minnesota Vikings, and play for the Titans all in the same season.

Cris Carter, Miami Dolphins


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Moss’s former Minnesota teammate played just five games in the AFC East, catching eight passes.

Shaun Alexander, Washington

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Alexander was signed to place backup running back Ladell Betts, but only saw 11 carries in four games.

Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals

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How was a T.O.-Ocho Cinco receiver room not a bigger deal?

Reggie White, Carolina Panthers

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His number was retired by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, as well as his alma mater, Tennessee. He did not receive the same honor with Carolina, where he played his final season after coming out of his first retirement.

Deion Sanders, Washington

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Prime was not afraid to hop around during his career, making three All-Pro seasons apiece with the Falcons and the Cowboys. He even played alright well after his first retirement as a member of the Ravens. His one season in Washington, though, felt out of nowhere.

Ty Law, Denver Broncos

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The Hall of Fame safety will go down as a Patriot, but Law did have some success as a member of the Jets and Chiefs. The three-time Super Bowl champion hung it up after a stint with the Denver Broncos, playing seven games in his age-35 season.

Ed Reed, New York Jets/Houston Texans

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The Ravens legend had a weird end to his career. When he became a free agent in 2013, he signed a three-year deal with the Houston Texans before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his hip. Reed lasted seven games before derogatory comments toward the organization led to his release. He then joined the Jets, reuniting with Rex Ryan, but retired the following May as a Raven.

Richard Sherman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Sherman was a defining member of the Legion of Boom and had a successful secondary run in San Francisco. His one year in Tampa, however, was not as successful. Sherman played seven games with Tampa Bay but was unable to lock in that second ring.