The 2025 NFL season is loaded with comeback energy, and some of the league’s biggest names are heading into the year with a chip on their shoulder. Whether they’re coming off injuries, bad seasons, or awkward exits, these players are ready to flip the narrative and remind everyone what they’re made of.
From stars with something to prove to rookies ready to silence early doubts, this list is full of guys on a mission. Here are the 15 NFL players most primed for a revenge season 2025.
15. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
McCarthy’s rookie year didn’t go as planned thanks to an early injury that delayed his debut. Now healthy and finally stepping into the spotlight, he’ll be out to prove he can be the guy in Minnesota.
14. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tua’s 2024 was all over the place, with concussion concerns and shaky play clouding his long-term future. A strong, healthy season would quiet the critics and get Miami back in serious contention.
13. Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots
Vrabel might not be suiting up, but his return to New England as the Patriots’ head coach is personal. He’d love to hand the Titans an L and show them what they gave up.
12. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, New York Jets
Johnson’s 2024 was cut short, and the Jets’ pass rush felt it. If he stays healthy, expect him to be a force again—and maybe even lead the defense in sacks.
11. Derrick Barnes, LB, Detroit Lions
Barnes is back from injury and returning to a defense that missed his physicality in the middle. He could become one of Detroit’s most important pieces with a new coordinator in town.
10. Christian Harris, LB, Houston Texans
Harris didn’t have the breakout many expected last season, but 2025 offers a clean slate. He’ll have every opportunity to bounce back quickly with the Texans on the rise.
9. Andrew Thomas, OT, New York Giants
Thomas missed most of last season with a foot injury, which showed in the Giants’ offense. If he returns to form, he’ll be the key to protecting their new quarterback and stabilizing the line.
8. Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami Dolphins
Phillips was sidelined by a torn ACL last year, but now he’s back and ready to wreak havoc. Miami’s pass rush should look scarier with him in the lineup.
7. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
After leaving Seattle, Metcalf’s new chapter in Pittsburgh includes a juicy revenge game against his old team. He’ll be highly motivated to put up numbers and make the Seahawks regret moving on.
6. Christian Barmore, DT, New England Patriots
Barmore’s season was cut short by a scary medical issue, but he’s fully cleared and ready to dominate again. Don’t be surprised if he anchors a sneaky-good Patriots defense.
5. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott watched the Cowboys’ season fall apart from the sidelines after getting hurt in the second half. With a full recovery and his job on the line, expect him to come out firing.
4. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Waddle’s 2024 was a dud by his standards, thanks to injuries and inconsistency. But now he’s healthy, more focused, and ready to remind everyone he’s one of the league’s most dangerous weapons.
3. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Detroit Lions
Hutchinson barely saw the field last year, but he’s back and already drawing buzz for Defensive Player of the Year. Detroit’s defense could take a massive leap with him healthy and motivated.
Read More: 20 Athletes Who Treated Every Win Like a Personal Revenge Tour
2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh is the ultimate revenge tour setup—he gets to play both the Jets and Packers. He’s got plenty left in the tank and will be out to prove it every step of the way.
Read More: 19 NFL “Draft Busts” That Proved Everyone Wrong
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
McCaffrey’s 2024 was derailed by multiple injuries, but now he’s fully healthy and locked in. With the 49ers leaning on him more than ever, don’t be shocked if he ends the year with some hardware.
Read More: 15 NFL Stars Who Made Revenge Part of Their Routine
