For many years now, two names have defined the NFL: Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. While the latter has certainly entered new territory with controversy surrounding him, there’s no doubt that both future Hall of Fame quarterbacks are the faces of the NFL.
But the aging process stops for no one. Manning will be 40 next March, and Brady turns 38 in August. Perhaps we shouldn’t put it past either of these two greats to play until they’re 50, but that probably won’t happen.
This means that sooner rather than later, the most popular sports league in America will be looking for a new face to lead the charge going forward. Where should the NFL’s search begin for its new Golden Boy?
Here are five worthy candidates:
Russell Wilson
While the most recent memory of Wilson was the gut-wrenching interception that cost the Seattle Seahawks their second Super Bowl crown, it’s not enough to overtake what he’s been able to accomplish in the league during his short career.
At only 26 years of age and a Super Bowl title to his credit in just three seasons thus far, Wilson has all the intangibles needed to lead the NFL going forward. He’s the type of player that has an infinite amount of potential, and perhaps even more importantly to Roger Goodell and company, he’s kept away from controversy.
If not for a horrendous play call by head coach Pete Carroll, Wilson would have captured two Super Bowl titles in three years. There’s nowhere to go but up for this ridiculously talented leader.
Aaron Rodgers
The ascent of Aaron Rodgers has been quite the spectacle to behold. After spiraling down the NFL draft board in 2005, Rodgers has more than used that motivation to become one of the most talented players in the league.
At times, Rodgers has even made his case for being better than Manning or Brady, which is obviously something that isn’t easy to do. While he’s a bit older than some of the fresh new stars in the league, he’s only 31 and has plenty of good years ahead of him. Plus, he’s already scored a Super Bowl trophy and he has two league MVP trophies on his resume.
There are definitely worse options than Rodgers for being the new face of the NFL once Manning and Brady have said their goodbyes.
Marcus Mariota
How can a guy who hasn’t even played a single down in the NFL be considered for the new face of the league? It’s a fair question, football fans.
But the fact of the matter is that Mariota is exactly the type of player that the league wants. He possesses an exceptional character, he has an exciting playing style, and he is full of potential. Mariota’s jersey is already selling like hot cakes, and he’s set to make a major impact on a Tennessee Titans franchise that desperately needs to be rejuvenated.
It’s way too early to know how he will fare on the field, but there’s no doubt that Mariota has all the makings of a future star.
Tony Romo
If Tony Romo was given a fair shake, he might be the obvious choice as the new face of the NFL. But since he plays for the Dallas Cowboys and he has only won two playoff games during his tenure with the squad, he’s being brushed aside.
That makes sense when you compare Romo to Manning and Brady, who have won so many playoff games that it’s hard to keep up these days. However, Romo is without question a suitable option to become the face of the NFL once those two greats retire.
The biggest thing working against Romo is not his skill, but more so his owner and organization.
Andrew Luck
Stepping into Manning’s shoes in Indianapolis seemed like an impossible task for the former Stanford standout. But at this point, it’s obvious that Luck was up for the challenge, as he has been absolutely fantastic for the Colts in his three seasons with the franchise.
And guess what? The Colts are going to be even better in 2015. Indy has a receiving corps that will strike fear into the hearts of any defense opposite of them, which certainly will help Luck in his quest for a Super Bowl, and perhaps, a league MVP trophy.
Like Wilson, Luck is young and he has all the tools needed to become an unforgettable quarterback. He’s well on his way, and the NFL is in good hands with Luck as one of its premier faces.
And the Winner Is…
If the league had to handpick one of these players right now to push as the new face of the league, Rodgers would make the most sense. He’s easy to market (discount double-check, anyone?) and he doesn’t play for a team that most people despise. Sorry, Tony.
However, it’s clear that the league has numerous options at its disposal, and there’s simply no shortage of young, up-and-coming talent to choose from.
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