Can You Identify All of These NFL Stars From the 2010s?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify All of These NFL Stars From the 2010s?
Image: WikiCommons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

The 2010s were certainly an exciting time for fans of the NFL, especially for those who enjoy star-studded talent — there were rosters filled with elite players at each position throughout the entire decade. Whether it was the New England Patriots, who captured three more titles, or the Seattle Seahawks, who were virtually a lock for the playoffs each year, the 2010s were not short on stars. 

Some of these stars were just beginning their careers when the 2010s began, while others ensured their place in the Hall of Fame as they tried to win that elusive championship they had been craving. There was one quarterback in New Orleans who broke just about every passing record imaginable and a pass rusher in Houston who racked up sacks at an insane pace. All of these players combined together to make the 2010s one of the most historic eras in the game's history.

Are you prepared to identify all of the stars who defined the 2010s with their play on the field? From record setters to models of consistency, this quiz covers them all. If you think you have the knowledge to name them, prove it to everyone and show off your star-level intellect by acing this quiz.

Adrian Peterson
WikiCommons by Arvee5.0
This running back carried the Minnesota Vikings for the first half of the 2010s. Who is he?
Marshawn Lynch
LeSean McCoy
Adrian Peterson
Frank Gore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2012, Adrian Peterson nearly broke the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson. Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards, which was nine yards short of beating the record. Had his team not needed a field goal to reach the playoffs, Peterson would probably hold the record.

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Tom Brady
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
No quarterback was more synonymous with the NFL in the 2010s than which star, shown here?
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Eli Manning
Peyton Manning
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories in the 2010s, which matched his total from the previous decade. Those six Super Bowls give Brady more championships than any other player in NFL history.

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J.J. Watt
WikiCommons by Denverjeffrey
Three Defensive Player of the Year awards will certainly make you one of the best players of the decade. What's the name of this defender who accomplished that?
Von Miller
J.J. Watt
Luke Kuechly
Bobby Wagner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2012 and 2015, J.J. Watt led the league in sacks, with 20.5 and 17.5 sacks respectively. He finished the 2019 season with 96 sacks in his career up to that point, which gives Watt the Houston Texans' franchise record for sacks in a career.

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Aaron Donald
WikiCommons by The 621st Contingency Response Wing
Can you identify this defensive lineman who could singlehandedly change a game?
Geno Atkins
Haloti Ngata
Fletcher Cox
Aaron Donald
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted in 2014, Aaron Donald made the Pro Bowl in his first season in the NFL and hasn't missed a selection since. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year back to back in 2017 and 2018 while leading the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl in 2018.

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Julio Jones
WikiCommons by Georgia National Guard
Do you recognize this deep-threat receiver who can blow the roof off a defense on any given play?
Antonio Brown
Julio Jones
Odell Beckham Jr.
A.J. Green
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Julio Jones currently holds the NFL record for career receiving yards per game, with 96.2 yards per game. During his time in the NFL, he has led the league twice in this category, in 2015 and 2018.

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Rob Gronkowski
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
A tight end who was virtually unstoppable in his prime, who is this?
Travis Kelce
Antonio Gates
Jimmy Graham
Rob Gronkowski
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rob Gronkowski is the only NFL tight end to ever lead the league in receiving touchdowns for a season, which he accomplished in 2011. That year, Gronkowski made his first Pro Bowl and was selected as a member of the First-team All-Pro.

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Joe Thomas
WikiCommons by Erik Drost
Are you familiar with this offensive lineman who never had much team success, despite making 10 Pro Bowls?
Tyron Smith
Zach Martin
Joe Thomas
Marshal Yanda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Throughout his NFL career, Joe Thomas was known for his durability — he played 10,363 straight snaps without missing a play. However, that ended in 2017 when Thomas suffered an injury to his tricep. Due to a separate issue, Thomas decided to call it quits following the 2017 season.

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Von Miller
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
How well do you know this edge rusher who constantly put pressure on quarterbacks throughout the decade?
Von Miller
Julius Peppers
Calais Campbell
Cameron Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Von Miller won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, where he spent the entire decade playing football in the NFL. After putting on a spectacular performance in the Super Bowl, Miller was named the MVP of the game.

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Bobby Wagner
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
The Seattle Seahawks were able to put together some dominant defenses, thanks to players like which one depicted here?
Chandler Jones
Clay Matthews
Bobby Wagner
Ryan Kerrigan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Knowing Bobby Wagner's importance to their defense, the Seattle Seahawks made him the highest paid middle linebacker in the league coming into the 2019 season. The deal, which runs for three years, is worth $54 million and includes $40.2 million guaranteed.

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Patrick Peterson
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
A corner who no quarterback wanted to face, is this a star you're familiar with?
Richard Sherman
Patrick Peterson
Darrelle Revis
Chris Harris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted in 2011, Patrick Peterson made eight straight Pro Bowls between 2011 and 2018. In that stint, Peterson did not miss a single regular season game, making him one of the most reliable cornerbacks throughout the decade.

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Earl Thomas
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Did you have the chance to watch this safety who always brought the boom when he came in for a tackle?
Kam Chancellor
Eric Berry
Eric Reid
Earl Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Earl Thomas was the last member of the "Legion of Boom" left on the Seattle Seahawks from their championship season in 2013. He finally departed the Seahawks himself in 2019 when he signed a four-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, officially ending an era in Seattle.

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Justin Tucker
NFL
Select the name of this kicker who made field goals look easy throughout the 2010s?
Justin Tucker
Adam Vinatieri
Robbie Gould
Matt Prater
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Justin Tucker's accuracy as a field goal kicker rivals anyone in NFL history. For his career, Tucker has made 90.8 percent of his field goals, and he made a career high 97.4 percent of his field goals in 2016.

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Aaron Rodgers
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
What's the name of this quarterback who has two NFL MVPs over the past decade?
Peyton Manning
Russell Wilson
Ben Roethlisberger
Aaron Rodgers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Now regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Aaron Rodgers once had the difficult job of replacing Brett Favre, a legend for the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers was able to reach expectations in 2010 when he delivered a championship to Green Bay.

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Marshawn Lynch
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
This running back was so violent when he ran that he earned the nickname "Beast Mode." Who is he?
Frank Gore
Marshawn Lynch
LeSean McCoy
Matt Forte
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After finishing the 2000s with the Buffalo Bills, Marshawn Lynch launched into the next decade playing for the Seattle Seahawks, where his career really took off. In Seattle, Lynch was a four-time Pro Bowler and twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns.

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Antonio Brown
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Few wide receivers were as consistent throughout the 2010s as which elite player shown here?
Antonio Brown
Larry Fitzgerald
Calvin Johnson
DeAndre Hopkins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Off the field issues derailed Antonio Brown's career as the 2010s came to a close, but for most of the decade, he was as dominant as they come at the position. He twice led the NFL in receiving yards, twice in receptions and once in receiving touchdowns.

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Maurkice Pouncey
NFL
Can you identify this center who helped the Pittsburgh Steelers build one of the best offensive lines in the league?
Jason Kelce
Rodney Hudson
Maurkice Pouncey
Alex Mack
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After his stellar college career at the University of Florida, the Pittsburgh Steelers made Maurkice Pouncey the 18th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. His first season showed just how great he would be throughout the decade, as he made the Pro Bowl and was named to the Second-team All-Pro.

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Geno Atkins
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
A centerpiece for the Cincinnati Bengals' defense throughout the decade, who is this?
Calais Campbell
Cameron Wake
Geno Atkins
Ndamukong Suh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he didn't win the award, Geno Atkins was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. That season, he had a career best 12.5 sacks and 53 combined tackles while playing in all 16 regular season games.

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Luke Kuechly
WikiCommons by Tammy Anthony Baker
Do you know this linebacker who was a first round pick in 2012?
Luke Kuechly
Clay Matthews
Chandler Jones
Ryan Kerrigan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Luke Kuechly decided to call it quits following the 2019 NFL season, but his legacy throughout the decade won't be forgotten. Kuechly made seven Pro Bowls in the 2010s and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, only his second season in the league.

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Richard Sherman
NFL
A cornerback who can back up all of his trash talk, how well do you know this NFL star?
Darrelle Revis
Aqib Talib
Chris Harris
Richard Sherman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Richard Sherman was the centerpiece of the San Francisco 49ers' secondary throughout the 2019 NFL season. After a stellar season where he recorded three interceptions and 61 combined tackles, Sherman made his fifth Pro Bowl but, more importantly, helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.,

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Russell Wilson
WikiCommons by Larry Maurer
Are you familiar with the quarterback who was a star from the moment he entered the league in 2012?
Drew Brees
Russell Wilson
Matt Ryan
Cam Newton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Russell Wilson was the first quarterback to deliver a Super Bowl to the city of Seattle when he helped the Seahawks defeat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wilson was spectacular in the game, throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers.

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Eric Berry
NFL
Injuries were the only thing that could keep which dominant safety depicted here from making an impact throughout the 2010s?
Kam Chancellor
Eric Berry
Eric Weddle
Devin McCourty
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eric Berry was elected to the Pro Bowl every season that he was healthy throughout the 2010s. Despite only playing three games between 2017 and 2019, Berry was still one of the greatest safeties of the decade.

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Frank Gore
WikiCommons by BrokenSphere
Despite his age, this running back was the gift that kept on giving. Who is he?
LeSean McCoy
Jamaal Charles
Arian Foster
Frank Gore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Frank Gore was a major piece in the offense for the San Francisco 49ers when they made it to the Super Bowl during the 2012 season. In the playoffs that year, Gore rushed for 319 yards while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

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Darrelle Revis
NFL
Select the name of this lockdown corner who could shut down an entire side of the field?
Darrelle Revis
Chris Harris
Stephon Gilmore
Aqib Talib
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Darrelle Revis spent the best seasons of his career with the New York Jets, but he was able to recapture some of his former glory when he helped the New England Patriots win Super Bowl XLIX. It was the only championship of his NFL career.

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Larry Fitzgerald
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
Recognized as the consummate professional, is this a player you're familiar with?
Calvin Johnson
DeAndre Hopkins
Larry Fitzgerald
A.J. Green
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Fitzgerald was six years into his career when the 2010s rolled around, but he didn't slow down throughout the decade. Fitzgerald caught over 100 passes three times in the decade and had over 1,000 receiving yards five times.

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Travis Kelce
WikiCommons by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. April Wickes
What's the name of this tight end who really came on strong in the second half of the decade?
Antonio Gates
Jimmy Graham
Greg Olsen
Travis Kelce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Travis Kelce became one of the favorite targets of Patrick Mahomes when Mahomes became the full-time starter at quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. In his first season playing with Mahomes, Kelce caught 103 passes for 1,336 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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Khalil Mack
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
An impact player any time he's on the field, who is this?
Khalil Mack
Terrell Suggs
Cameron Wake
Julius Peppers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Khalil Mack is a terror for opposing offenses, especially when it comes to turnovers. Always looking for the opportunity to knock the ball away from a runner, Mack has forced 20 fumbles in his career and recovered seven.

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Ben Roethlisberger
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Did you see this quarterback play in any big games in the 2010s?
Drew Brees
Ben Roethlisberger
Philip Rivers
Matt Ryan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though Ben Roethlisberger didn't lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a championship in the 2010s, as compared to the 2000s, he was still one of the best quarterbacks throughout the decade. He twice led the league in passing yards, in 2014 and 2018, and made five of his six Pro Bowls in the 2010s.

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DeAndre Hopkins
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Can you identify this receiver who doesn't always get the attention he deserves for his stellar play?
A.J. Green
Demaryius Thomas
DeAndre Hopkins
DeSean Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Entering the NFL in 2013, DeAndre Hopkins has only missed two regular season games in his career, making him one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. In that same span, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards every year except two.

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Chris Harris
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
How well do you know this cornerback who became a star in Denver, despite going undrafted in 2011?
Chris Harris
Aqib Talib
Stephon Gilmore
Josh Norman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chris Harris recorded his first interception during his rookie season in only his second career start. The interception, which was picked off Carson Palmer, helped the Denver Broncos secure a 38-24 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

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Cordarrelle Patterson
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Do you recognize this player who might be the best return specialist of the decade?
Devin Hester
Cordarrelle Patterson
Marvin Hall
Julian Edelman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cordarrelle Patterson is tied for the NFL record for the longest play in NFL history, which he set in 2013 with the Green Bay Packers. On the play, Patterson returned a kick for 109 yards, which is the longest yardage possible in the NFL.

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LeSean McCoy
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
You'll be hard pressed to find a more elusive runner over the past decade than which player shown here?
DeMarco Murray
Matt Forte
Jamaal Charles
LeSean McCoy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, LeSean McCoy played for the team through the 2014 season. During that time, McCoy became the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, with 6,792 yards.

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Drew Brees
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
Are you familiar with this NFL star who holds several passing records?
Eli Manning
Peyton Manning
Drew Brees
Philip Rivers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While playing for the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards five different times throughout the 2010s. Brees had his personal best season in 2011 when he threw for 5,476 yards.

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Julius Peppers
NFL
This player terrorized quarterbacks for nearly two decades in the NFL. Who is he?
Calais Campbell
Cameron Wake
Julius Peppers
Cam Heyward
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even in his final season in 2018, Julius Peppers played in all 16 regular season games, starting eight of them. He racked up five sacks that year to finish his career with 159.5 total sacks.

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Jason Witten
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
The ultimate safety net for any quarterback, is this tight end a player you're familiar with?
Greg Olsen
Vernon Davis
Dallas Clark
Jason Witten
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A career-long Dallas Cowboy, Jason Witten initially retired following the 2017 season. Realizing the Cowboys had a roster that was ready to win, Witten returned in 2019, but the team wasn't able to achieve the goals they had set.

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Chandler Jones
NFL
Select the name of this linebacker who really developed into a star when he went from New England to Arizona?
Chandler Jones
DeMarcus Ware
Clay Matthews
Ryan Kerrigan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chandler Jones was destined to play some type of sport, considering he comes from a family of athletes. One of his older brothers is Jon Jones, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, and the other is Arthur Jones, who also played in the NFL.

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Aqib Talib
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
Few cornerbacks could make their presence felt as much as which one, depicted in this image?
Josh Norman
Aqib Talib
Joe Haden
Jalen Ramsey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aqib Talib played in two Super Bowls during the 2010s, one with the Denver Broncos and one with the Los Angeles Rams. He won the championship with the Broncos in 2015 but lost when the Rams made a run in 2018.

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Peyton Manning
WikiCommons by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth
What's the name of this quarterback who is one of the best players of the decade, despite retiring in 2015?
Peyton Manning
Matt Ryan
Eli Manning
Andrew Luck
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After starring for the Indianapolis Colts throughout the 2000s, Peyton Manning suffered a neck injury that forced him to miss the entire 2011 season. Rather than resigning Manning, the Colts decided to part ways with their star quarterback, who went to the Denver Broncos where he retired a champion.

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A.J. Green
WikiCommons by Navin75
Can you identify this receiver who stuck it out through thick and thin in Cincinnati during the 2010s?
T.Y. Hilton
A.J. Green
Demaryius Thomas
Calvin Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With speed and size, A.J. Green has the ability to get down the field on pass plays, stretching the defense vertically to give his offense room to work underneath. Because of his gifts, Green has averaged 14.8 yards per catch throughout his career.

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Eric Weddle
WikiCommons by Jeffrey Beall
A star safety with six Pro Bowls in the decade, who is this?
Devin McCourty
Kam Chancellor
Harrison Smith
Eric Weddle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eric Weddle started every game that he was healthy for during the 2010s and only missed three games in total, which all came in 2015. With all of those snaps played, Weddle had plenty of time to rack up stats, including 25 interceptions during the decade.

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Cam Newton
WikiCommons by Keith Allison
How well do you know this player who was the first overall pick in 2011?
Lamar Jackson
Matt Ryan
Cam Newton
Carson Wentz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It was obvious Cam Newton was going to have a good decade, the way he started out as a rookie in 2011. During the first game of his rookie season, Newton set the rookie record for most passing yards on opening day by throwing for 422 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.

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WikiCommons by Keith Allison