After much anticipation, the time of year has arrived that fills the stands with enthusiastic fans and team chants, as supporters proudly cheer for their favorite players and teams. With the kickoff of the football season, we are witnessing players make and break records. As football returns to the world’s screens, we can expect to see extraordinary moments in NFL history. These athletes have captivated millions worldwide through their exceptional athleticism.
We are currently seeing some of the most elite football players emerge as potential stars, ready to carry their legacies into the coming decades. Many Gen Z players are gaining increased visibility for themselves and their teams, with impressive stats circulating throughout the sports media industry. This surge in prominence has led to greater engagement from female fans, particularly through WAGs — wives and girlfriends of athletes — who have become more active on social media, sharing their unique stories and connecting with fans.
Through their contributions to the game, these players are influencing a new generation of athletes with their dedication and hard work. They are attracting new fans through brand partnerships with influencers and fellow athletes, creating content that resonates with younger audiences. Beyond their athleticism, these NFL players are also showcasing their personal styles on social media, confidently flaunting their fashion choices.
As the new face of Madden NFL 26 and one of the most celebrated NFL players of 2024, Saquon Barkley deserves special mention. The Philadelphia Eagles running back was selected second overall in the 2018 draft. He exceeded expectations and became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a regular season, with a combined total of 2,504 rushing yards during the regular season and playoffs.
Ji’Ayir Brown is a safety for the San Francisco 49ers known for his impressive performance. During his three seasons at Penn State, he appeared in 35 games, where he recorded 153 tackles, 19 pass deflections, 10 interceptions, and 9.0 tackles for loss.
This Gen Z player, Spencer Burford, is a guard for the San Francisco 49ers. He previously played for the UTSA Roadrunners and became the third player from the university in the past 11 years to be drafted into the NFL.
The phenomenal Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, was selected fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He earned the title of 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and broke the rookie record for single-game receiving yards with 266 yards. He holds the Super Bowl era rookie record for single-season receiving yards (1,455).
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected Chamarri Conner, a Florida native who played at Virginia Tech, in the fourth round. He has impressed fans with his performance in each game since joining the league.
Mike Danna, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, plays defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs. As a member of the Chiefs, he is a two time Super Bowl Champion, having won in Super Bowls LV and LVII.
This Gen Z quarterback for the Washington Commanders has been the talk of the town and was voted the 2024 Rookie of the Year. He set the record for the most rushing yards (891) and the most total offensive yards by a rookie in his debut season. His playoff record includes 822 passing yards and the highest rookie passing rating (116.2).
Zay Flowers, a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Within his second season, he became the first Ravens wide receiver to be selected for the Pro Bowl and the first player in franchise history to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season in his first two years.
Jahmyr Gibbs, known by the nickname “Sonic,” is a dynamic Gen Z running back selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In 2024, Gibbs made history by becoming the first player in NFL history to achieve over 70 scrimmage yards in 17 games in a single season.
Breece Hall is a dynamic running back for the New York Jets and is known for making significant career strides. During his college career at Iowa State, he was a two time All American and won the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award before being selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jalen Hurts, the talented quarterback, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to two College Football Playoff Championships, he led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX, earning the title of Super Bowl MVP. He is one of only four starting quarterbacks to have won both a Super Bowl and an NCAA National Championship.
Lamar Jackson’s impact on the game is undeniable. The Ravens quarterback is a two time MVP award winner and the all time leader in quarterback rushing yards. In 2023, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 900 yards in a single season.
Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, is a formidable talent. In 2022, he was named Offensive Player of the Year after becoming the youngest player to lead the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards. Since joining the league in 2020, he has amassed a league high total of 7,432 receiving yards.
Jordan Love, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, was a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. After serving as backup to Aaron Rodgers for three years, he took over as the starting quarterback in 2023. He threw multiple touchdown passes in 19 games in 2023, ranking third in the league over the past two seasons.
The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, Puka Nacua, has generated considerable buzz in the league since being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He broke records for the most receiving yards and single-season receptions within just two weeks of his rookie season. He finished his rookie year with 1,486 yards on 105 catches.
Isiah Pacheco, a well known fan favorite, plays running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he ranks fifth in Chiefs history for rushing touchdowns (12) in his first two seasons. He also holds the second most rushing yards (510) in Chiefs postseason history.
The highest paid non quarterback in the NFL, this dynamic defensive powerhouse is currently a defensive end for the Green Bay Packers. Known for his exceptional athleticism, he was named an All Pro, a Pro Bowler, and a runner up for Defensive Player of the Year within his first two seasons.
Justyn Ross is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. After playing college football for the Clemson Tigers, he entered the 2022 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent and began his professional career with the Chiefs.
You might recognize the name Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns Gen Z Quarterback known for his charisma and athleticism. During his college career at Colorado, he broke multiple records, including single season passing yards (4,134) and single season passing touchdowns (37). He is also the recipient of the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans quarterback, was drafted in 2023 as the second overall pick in the first round. In his debut year, he achieved significant recognition by winning both the 2023 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.