The Journeymen Of The NFL: Players Who Have Suited Up For The Most Teams

In the world of professional football, there are legends who have become synonymous with a single team. Names like Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger immediately conjure images of the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. For every player who spends their entire career with one franchise, there are those whose journeys take them across multiple locker rooms, cities, and fan bases.

These players, known as journeymen, often leave an indelible mark on the league through their versatility and perseverance. Here's a look at some of the most well-traveled players in NFL history.

Shayne Graham: A Renowned Kicker

One of the most notable journeymen in recent NFL history is kicker Shayne Graham. Over his 15-year career, Graham played for an impressive ten teams. His journey began with the Buffalo Bills and took him through stints with the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons.

Graham's longest tenure was with the Bengals, where he spent seven seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2005. Despite several short-term engagements due to injuries, Graham left a lasting legacy with 277 made field goals and an 85.5% field-goal percentage.

Ryan Fitzpatrick: The Harvard Gunslinger

Few modern players embody the spirit of the journeyman better than quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Over a 17-year career, Fitzpatrick donned the jerseys of nine different teams: the St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders.

Fitzpatrick is known for his big-play ability and fearless approach, "Fitzmagic" became a beloved figure wherever he went. By the time he retired in 2022, Fitzpatrick had amassed 34,990 passing yards and 223 touchdowns, solidifying his place among the NFL's most enduring quarterbacks.

Josh McCown: The Ultimate Backup

Similar to Fitzpatrick, Josh McCown carved out a lengthy NFL career by being the quintessential backup quarterback. Across 16 seasons, McCown played for the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles.

McCown even had a brief stint in the United Football League (UFL) with the Hartford Colonials. McCown was not just a placeholder; he threw for 17,731 yards and 98 touchdowns during his career. His adaptability and mentorship skills have since transitioned into a coaching role.

Andre Roberts: Special Teams Specialist

Wide receiver and return specialist Andre Roberts also became a familiar face around the league, suiting up for nine teams in 12 seasons. His journey took him to the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers.

While Roberts started his career more involved as a receiver, he excelled in the return game later on. In 2018 and 2021, he led the NFL in kick-return yards, demonstrating exceptional consistency and specialization.

Jason Babin: Defensive Force

Jason Babin, a linebacker and defensive end, spread his talents across nine teams over his 12-year career. His resume includes the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens.

Babin was a former first-round pick and two-time Pro Bowler, known for his pass-rushing prowess. He finished his career with 64.5 sacks, 374 tackles, and 14 forced fumbles, leaving a significant impact on each defense he joined.

To Wrap Up

The stories of these journeymen highlight the diverse paths players can take in the NFL. Their travels from team to team demonstrate not just the business side of football but also the personal resilience and adaptability required to succeed in such a dynamic environment.

Whether filling in for injured starters, providing veteran leadership, or specializing in key roles, these players exemplify what it means to be a true professional in the NFL. Fans everywhere celebrate their journeys and the unique contributions they've made to the league's rich history.