Achieving greatness in the regular season is admirable, but the true measure of legacy in the NFL is determined by success in the playoffs. Imagine the impact on Lamar Jackson’s reputation if he had led his team to multiple Super Bowls by now. Every playoff victory adds to a player’s and coach’s resume, as seen in the transformation of Andy Reid from a coach with a history of not winning big games to being considered one of the greatest of all time after securing multiple Super Bowl wins in recent seasons.
Which NFL figures stand to enhance their legacies the most in the upcoming games? Here are the top 10:
10. Linebacker Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders:
Wagner, likely headed to the Hall of Fame, has a remarkable career with numerous accolades. Adding another Super Bowl ring would solidify his standing as one of the best linebackers of all time.
9. Safety Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills:
While not a Hall of Fame contender yet, a Super Bowl victory would be a remarkable chapter in his inspiring story, especially after his near-death experience on the field.
8. Quarterback Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles:
A former MVP candidate, Hurts could revive his stature with a Super Bowl win, despite the team’s run-heavy approach.
7. Owner Josh Harris of the Washington Commanders:
In contrast to the tarnished legacy of the previous owner, a championship under Harris’s leadership would be celebrated by the fan base.
6. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo:
Each Super Bowl title brings Spagnuolo closer to making history, potentially as a coordinator with a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
These individuals have the opportunity to significantly impact their legacies in the upcoming games.
Having a stellar playing history or coaching accomplishments isn’t in Steve Spagnuolo’s background. With an 11-41 career record as a head coach, his credentials may not stand out. However, he stands out as the only coordinator with four Super Bowl rings, including one with the 2007 Giants. To solidify his status as a top coordinator, winning five rings, notably with the Chiefs’ defense playing a pivotal role in their recent success, would be a significant achievement.
Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders, is often remembered for the infamous 28-3 collapse as the Falcons head coach. Despite his previous successes, including a ring with the 2013 Seahawks as a defensive coordinator, coordinators like Quinn often don’t receive enough credit for titles. A Super Bowl win with the Commanders could elevate his stature within the league.
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs have already secured their places among the greatest head coach-quarterback duos in NFL history. Adding more Super Bowl titles to their collection could further solidify their legacies, with Mahomes aiming to challenge Tom Brady’s status as the greatest of all time.
Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles has the chance to enter the conversation of the greatest running back seasons with a Super Bowl win, while also potentially being viewed as one of the top free-agent signings in NFL history.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills could close the gap on his competition with a Super Bowl win, potentially changing perceptions about his place among the best quarterbacks in the league.
However, Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has the opportunity to achieve something unprecedented by making history as a rookie in the NFL.
In an unprecedented turn of events in the world of football, rookie quarterback Daniels has not only defied the odds by leading the Washington Commanders to a conference championship game, but he now stands on the brink of making history by potentially becoming the first rookie quarterback to ever start and win a Super Bowl.
The Commanders, who finished with a disappointing 4-13 record just a season ago, have been transformed under the leadership of Daniels. Unlike some past rookies who were fortunate to be surrounded by strong teams, Daniels has single-handedly carried the weight of a flawed Washington squad on his shoulders. His remarkable performance has not only turned heads but has also sparked conversations about where he ranks among the greatest rookies in NFL history.
If Daniels can lead the Commanders to victory in the Super Bowl, his legacy in the sport will be forever etched in the history books. The mere thought of a rookie quarterback achieving such a feat is mind-boggling, especially in an era where the level of competition is higher than ever before. While other rookie quarterbacks have shown promise, Daniels has the potential to stand alone at the top of the mountain for years to come if he can seal the deal on the biggest stage in football.
It is clear that Daniels’ journey to this point has not been without its challenges. The Commanders, still in the process of rebuilding and finding their identity, have leaned heavily on their young quarterback to guide them through adversity. Despite the team being a year or two away from reaching their full potential, Daniels has shown unparalleled determination and skill in elevating the Commanders to new heights.
As the football world eagerly awaits the outcome of the upcoming Super Bowl, all eyes will be on Daniels as he looks to make history and solidify his place among the greats of the game. Should he succeed, the impact of his achievement will reverberate for years to come, reshaping the narrative of what a rookie quarterback is capable of in the NFL.
In a league where success is often measured by experience and tenure, Daniels stands as a shining example of the power of youth and potential. His journey serves as a reminder that greatness knows no bounds, and that with determination and skill, anything is possible. As the countdown to the Super Bowl begins, the football world holds its breath in anticipation of what promises to be a historic moment in the making.
