Not every NFL career is defined by fame, fortune, or staying power with one team. Some players bounce from franchise to franchise, never getting the headlines but always getting the job done wherever they land.
These are the grinders—the guys who packed up and moved cities more times than they can count but still managed to stay in the league. Call them journeymen, call them underdogs, but most importantly, call them survivors.
14. Brandon Weeden
He didn’t live up to first-round expectations, but he hung around the league longer than most expected. Teams kept calling, and Weeden kept showing up.
13. Josh Johnson
You could make a full travel documentary out of Josh Johnson’s NFL stops. No matter how many times he got cut, he always seemed to land another gig.
12. Chris Chandler
Chandler spent time with seven different teams before finally reaching the Super Bowl with the Falcons. He never dazzled, but he was dependable enough to keep getting chances.
11. Josh McCown
McCown was the emergency option before it became trendy. He played for nearly half the league and nearly coached while still suited up.
10. Gus Frerotte
Frerotte’s name isn’t flashy, but he lasted over a decade bouncing around depth charts and spot starts. He even made a Pro Bowl and once headbutted a wall in celebration—iconic journeyman behavior.
9. Vinny Testaverde
He was drafted in the 80s and was still taking snaps in the mid-2000s. Testaverde was the king of veteran insurance policies with a surprisingly long shelf life.
8. Colt McCoy
McCoy never became the face of a franchise, but he carved out a niche as the guy who could hold it down in a pinch. Coaches loved him, and he kept cashing checks.
7. Seneca Wallace
He was never a full-time starter, but Wallace stuck around as a versatile and reliable backup. His ability to stay ready made him valuable for a long time.
6. Luke McCown
Josh’s brother had a similar ride, bouncing around for over a decade. He never got the spotlight, but he was always one injury away from taking over.
5. Matt Cassel
One good season in New England led to a journeyman career that spanned six teams. He was never elite, but he was always employable.
4. Shaun Hill
Hill quietly built a 15-year career with a blend of smarts and steady play. He was the classic “break glass in case of emergency” quarterback.
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3. Charlie Whitehurst
Clipboard Jesus wasn’t just a great nickname—he was a great teammate and backup too. Whitehurst managed to stick around despite limited starting experience.
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2. Bruce Gradkowski
Gradkowski played for five teams and earned respect as a tough, no-nonsense competitor. Coaches loved his grit, and that kept him around longer than expected.
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1. Ryan Fitzpatrick
FitzMagic wasn’t always pretty, but it was definitely persistent. He made a career out of streaky brilliance and infectious energy in nearly every NFL city.
