The 2022 NFL season is currently reaching its climax and, as it stands, the race for the Lombardi Trophy is currently wide open. OddsChecker, which compares NFL odds and free bets, has made the Buffalo Bills the favorites to achieve Super Bowl glory for the first time in franchise history, and it’s clear to see why.
The New York State-based outfit recently defeated the Miami Dolphins by a narrow margin in a crunch clash at the Highmark Stadium, all but sealing their spot in the postseason as the winners of the AFC East. But with Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs potentially waiting for them in the conference championship game, as well as the 13-and-1 Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVII, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to lay the ghosts of the 90s to rest.
In the early 90s, the Bills reached four consecutive Super Bowls, a record that no other franchise has been able to match since. Inexplicably, however, they lost all four. They lost their first of the four in shocking fashion to the New York Giants, a game in which placekicker Scott Norwood missed a last-gasp field goal that would have secured victory. They would fall again the following year to the Washington Redskins, before losing back-to-back championship games against the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 and 1994.
Players like Norwood might be known for those blunder moments, but there are others on the opposite end of the success spectrum. Here are the most successful NFL players of all time.
Tom Brady
In terms of NFL records, Tempa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady holds the title for the most successful NFL player in history. He’s won seven Super Bowls in his 22-year career. Brady is also the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, and he holds the record for most Super Bowl MVP awards with five.
Brady’s most recent success came back in 2021 at Super Bowl LV. He led his unfancied Buccaneers to a second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history and a first victory in 18 years. Brady and co. also became the first franchise to win the Super Bowl at their home stadium, a feat that the reigning champions LA Rams would repeat the following year.
Charles Haley
The only player who has picked up more Super Bowl rings than legendary linebacker Charles Haley is the aforementioned Brady. Haley earned a staggering five rings during his 13-year career. He picked up two titles with the San Francisco 49ers and added a further three during the golden era of the Dallas Cowboys. Haley had an impressive 100 sacks during his career and featured five times in the NFL Pro Bowl.
Terry Bradshaw & Joe Montana
When it comes to winning championships, few players can hold a candle to Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana. Between the two, Bradshaw and Montana earned a staggering 12 Super Bowl rings, making them two of the most successful athletes in NFL history. Bradshaw won four Super Bowls in just six years, becoming the first QB to win one in each of his first three seasons. Montana, meanwhile, won four Super Bowls in eight years and was even named MVP of the Super Bowl three times.
Larry Csonka
When it comes to individual accomplishments, no player has done more than Miami Dolphins running back Larry Csonka. Csonka led the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowls in the 1970s, earning two Super Bowl MVP awards in the process. Csonka holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single Super Bowl (145) and was named NFL MVP in 1973.
Although there are many great players in NFL history, these five have proven themselves time and time again to be the most successful of all time. From winning championships and individual awards to setting records, these athletes have become icons in the sport of football and will be remembered for years to come.
