Last updated on: September 23, 2023

The National Football League (NFL) holds a prominent position in the global sports arena, not just within the United States. Regarded as one of the most competitive football leagues worldwide, the NFL showcases a plethora of exceptional talent, making each game an exciting spectacle.

In this article, we will delve into the careers of NFL players who have played for the most teams. We’ve curated a list of the top 10 notable football players who’ve transitioned from one team to another throughout their careers. If you’re intrigued by NFL odds, you’ll find this information particularly insightful.

Interestingly, many players who’ve played for multiple NFL teams often excel more in one team than others. This discrepancy in performance can be attributed not only to the player’s talent but also the coach’s expertise. A skilled coach can leverage their experience to bring out the best in their players.

Top 10 Players with the Most Team Transfers in Their Career

The roster of players with the most team transfers in the NFL is as follows:

1. Peyton Manning. An acclaimed quarterback who kicked off his career with the Indianapolis Colts before transitioning to the Denver Broncos.
2. Brett Favre. A legendary quarterback, Favre began his career with the Green Bay Packers and later played for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.
3. Deion Sanders. This versatile player has been part of various teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and others.
4. Terrell Owens. Owens graced the football field for multiple teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and more.
5. Randy Moss. This renowned player has had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, and New England Patriots, among others.
6. Darrelle Revis. A top-tier cornerback, Revis has played for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs.
7. Charles Woodson. An experienced defensive back, Woodson has showcased his skills for teams like the Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, and others.
8. Drew Brees. Brees started his career with the San Diego Chargers and later played for the New Orleans Saints.
9. Marshawn Lynch. Known as ‘Beast Mode’, this defensive back began his career with the Buffalo Bills before moving to the Seattle Seahawks and making a comeback with the Oakland Raiders.
10. Kurt Warner. This celebrated quarterback played for teams such as the St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals.

Who has Played on the Most Teams in the NFL?

In the NFL, players typically fall into one of two categories based on their tenure with a team. The first category includes franchise players, those who spend a significant part of, if not their entire, career with a single team.

Often, this group is dominated by defensive players, though it is not uncommon to see athletes from various positions demonstrating such loyalty and consistency to one team.

The second group is comprised of journeymen athletes who frequently switch teams. This group can include both successful players, sought after by multiple teams, and those who have struggled to find a stable position in the league.

A quintessential example of a journeyman in the NFL is Josh Johnson. Over the course of his career, Johnson has played at least one snap for 14 different teams, meaning he has been a part of over half of the teams in the NFL.

Determining the success of an athlete can be tricky, particularly when evaluating an individual who never made it to the playoffs in their career. A case in point is a player who was set to replace Brock Purdy in one of the final games, only to be sidelined by an injury.

Which Football Player has Played for the Most Teams: Another Example

Let’s take another example: Josh McCown, a player who had a rather nomadic career. He played for a staggering total of 12 teams, yet, none of his stints brought him significant success. Until he reached 30, McCown never made it out of an off-season game.

However, after hitting 30, he had a few notable performances, predominantly as a backup player. This didn’t deter him from carving out a spot for himself in the NFL Hall of Fame.

While playing with his first team, the Arizona Cardinals, McCown made a significant impact. He denied the Minnesota Vikings and future Hall of Famer Randy Moss an NFC North title and a playoff berth. McCown threw a successful touchdown pass to Nate Poole, leading his team to clinch the title of Green Bay Heroes.

Following his transition, Josh McCown settled into a role as an average starter, lending his talents to teams like the Panthers (where he currently acts as a defensive backs coach), Browns, Bears, and Eagles.

Conclusion

From the above, it’s evident that team changes are a common occurrence in American football. However, a significant number of these transitioning players do not always excel in their performances. They often become categorized as middling players, adequately fulfilling their duties during games.