10 greatest NFL players who played for only one team

Ben Roethlisberger is one of a few active NFL players who have played for only one team in their careers.
Ben Roethlisberger is one of a few active NFL players who have played for only one team in their careers.

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

Antonio Gates with the LA Chargers
Antonio Gates with the LA 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.

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

Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis

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 with the Denver Broncos
John Elway with the 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.

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