10 greatest NFL players who played for only one team

#4 Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers (then called Los Angeles Chargers)

Not only did Antonio Gates play for the Chargers his entire NFL career, but he also is ranked as one of the best tight ends in the league's history. With the franchise, he also made the move from San Diego to Los Angeles. Gates was an undrafted free agent because he played college basketball and not football.

He went from a third-string tight end on the depth chart to a starter in his rookie NFL campaign in 2003. Gates went on to break several records in his 15-year NFL career. Gates also ended his NFL career with the most touchdowns (116) by a tight end.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

The eight-time pro-bowler and three-time All-Pro retired from the NFL in 2018. He isn't Hall of Fame eligible yet, but he is projected to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

#5 Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

A good reason why Ray Lewis only played for the Baltimore Ravens may be because he essentially helped build the franchise. Drafted in the 1996 NFL Draft with the 26th overall selection, Lewis was the second-ever selection for the Ravens as they were building their first roster for their inaugural season.

Lewis made the Pro Bowl an impressive 13 times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, his first ballot.

#6 Michael Strahan, DE, New York Giants

Michael Strahan was a staple in the New York Giants' defense for 15 seasons. In 2001 he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after his record-setting 22.5 sacks that season, making him the leading single sack leader in history.

The 2006 NFL season turned out to be the icing on the cake in Strahan's storied career, as the New York Giants defeated Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.

#7 John Elway, QB, Denver Broncos

John Elway spent 16 seasons with the Denver Broncos after being drafted out of Stanford.

Elway was a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Broncos, ending his career with 148 wins. He was named Super Bowl MVP as well as the 1986 NFL Most Valuable Player.

After retiring, Elway was named the Executive of Football Operations with the Denver Broncos, with whom he won another Super Bowl title.

#8 Lou Groza, K/OT, Cleveland Browns

Lou Groza played for the Cleveland Browns for 21 seasons, doing so from 1946 to 1967 as a kicker and offensive tackle. That's not something that is seen in the modern-day NFL.

Groza led the NFL in field goals in five different seasons. His impressive kicking set the standard for NFL kickers today. His name is even on an award for the best college kicker, the 'Lou Groza' trophy.

#9 Troy Brown, WR, New England Patriots

Troy Brown won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots during his 15-season NFL career.

In his rookie campaign, Brown was cut by head coach Bill Parcells before he was re-signed a few months later. He retired in 2008 as the all-time leader in receptions in New England Patriots' history.

#10 Bruce Matthews, OL, Houston Oilers (now called Tennessee Titans)

Not only did Bruce Matthews spend his entire NFL career with the same franchise, but he also was a versatile offensive lineman.

Matthews played right and left guard, tackle and center, his versatility making him an asset to his team. He didn't win the Super Bowl, but he was a 14-time ProBowler and was named to the 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

About the author

Bethany Cohen is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda, with a rich prior 15-year experience in the sports writing industry, primarily covering the MLB and MiLB. She majored in Communications from the University of South Florida and has previously worked for top companies such as Examiner.com and Legends on Deck.

Bethany owes her NFL allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers owing to their long-standing tradition and competitiveness. She is a fan of old stalwarts such as Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and would love to watch them in the 1970s if she manages to get her hand on a time machine. She also acknowledges the greatness of modern icons like T.J. Watt for his desire to continuously improve despite being on top. She admires coaches Mike Tomlin and Andy Reid for their longevity and success.

The ace reporter credits her knowledge and love for the sport to be her biggest reporting strengths. Prior fact-checking is a big component of her process and she always scours through additional sources to ensure complete accuracy in her content.

Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers won the the grand prize after Santonio Holmes’ epic catch in the end zone with just seconds left on the clock is etched in Bethany’s memory forever. When she is free of her professional commitments, she likes to attend sports events and music concerts.

Know More

"Caught more bags than touchdowns": NFL fans react to Garrett Wilson's blockbuster $130,000,000 contract extension

Edited by Bhargav