Can You Identify the NFL Player From an Action Image?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify the NFL Player From an Action Image?
Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

32 teams. 53 players each. The quick-and-dirty math spells out the obvious: There are nearly 1,700 athletes in today's National Football League. From quarterbacks and wide receivers to linebackers and cornerbacks, the 11 players on both sides of the ball each play have contributed to some pretty memorable moments during each 16-game season. Did you happen to see Stefon Diggs' catch that's been dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle?" What about the infamous "helmet catch" in the Super Bowl a few years ago? Maybe you remember Odell Beckham Jr.'s crazy one-handed catch into the end zone against the Cowboys. The history of the NFL has given fans some great "action shots" of sacks, catches, tackles and goal line sneaks.

How many of these athletes can you recognize from an action image? No, we aren't going to make you identify all 1,700 athletes – just 40 will do. Can you recognize Ezekiel Elliott on a breakaway run? What about Tom Brady's throwing motion? How about Aaron Donald plowing through the offensive line to get his hands on the quarterback?

That's what this quiz is all about ... the stars of the NFL in motion! See how many of these athletes you can identify from images of them doing what they do best: scoring touchdowns, lobbing the ball down the field and delivering crushing tackles.

Russell Wilson
Wiki Commons by Larry Maurer
This guy has been a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks since 2012. What is his name?
Joe Flacco
Cam Newton
Tyrod Taylor
Russell Wilson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2012, when Wilson was drafted by the Seahawks, he earned the NFL's "Rookie of the Year" honors. Since then, he has been a six-time Pro Bowlers and has one Super Bowl title to his name.

Advertisement

Saquon Barkley
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which New York Giants running back was nominated for an 2019 ESPY Award as a "breakthrough athlete?"
Saquon Barkley
Frank Gore
LeSean McCoy
James White
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley was a first-round pick and the No. 2 pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft for the New York Giants. His rookie season saw him rush for more than 1,300 yards.

Advertisement

Ezekiel Elliott
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which of these Cowboys' running backs led the league in rushing his rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nod?
Lamar Miller
Dion Lewis
Ezekiel Elliott
Jamaal Charles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted in 2016 out of Ohio State University, Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing his rookie season. He has been with the Dallas Cowboys the duration of his career, where he has had some off-field troubles of note.

Advertisement

J. J. Watt
NFL
This defensive end for the Houston Texans led a massive fundraising efforts to help survivors of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Who is it?
Bobby Wagner
Luke Kuechly
J. J. Watt
Cameron Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

J. J. Watt has had an injury-plagued career, but that hasn't stopped the former University of Wisconsin athlete from working hard on and off the field. His fundraising efforts earned him the league's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2017.

Advertisement

Antonio Brown
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
A former Steelers wide receiver, he is now the league's highest-paid pass catcher and an Oakland Raider. Who are we talking about?
DeSean Jackson
T.Y. Hilton
Antonio Brown
Mike Evans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After spending eight seasons in Pittsburgh, Brown's grumblings and off-field antics helped the team decide to trade him away, which they did before the start of the 2019 season, to the Oakland Raiders.

Advertisement

Aaron Rodgers
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which of these NFL quarterbacks was groomed behind superstar Brett Favre for three seasons?
Matthew Stafford
Case Keenum
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Aaron Rodgers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aaron Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, but sat behind superstar Brett Favre for three seasons before being unleashed as the team's starting quarterback.

Advertisement

Odell Beckham Jr.
Wiki Commons by Erik Drost
Now a member of the Cleveland Browns, which of these wide receivers is best remembered for his one-handed grab falling into the end zone?
Odell Beckham Jr.
Jarvis Landry
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Larry Fitzgerald
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Odell Beckham Jr.'s star grew after that one-handed catch with the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys. Beckham was traded to the Cleveland Browns before the 2019 NFL season.

Advertisement

Julio Jones
Wiki Commons by Georgia National Guard
This Atlanta Falcons receiver is widely considered to be one of the top pass catchers in the NFL. Who is it?
Amari Cooper
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
Randall Cobb
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Julio Jones, drafted by the Falcons after a collegiate career at the University of Alabama, had a prolific 2018 season, catching eight touchdowns and amassing nearly 1,700 yards.

Advertisement

Drew Brees
Wiki Commons by Kelly Bailey
This NFL quarterback holds a variety of career records, including pass completions and passing yards. Who is it?
Matthew Stafford
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Drew Brees
Nick Foles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Playing with the New Orleans Saints since 2006, Drew Brees has climbed to the top of numerous career achievements among quarterbacks. Five times in his career he has surpassed 5,000 yards in a season.

Advertisement

Le'Veon Bell
Wiki Commons by unknown author
This running back sat out the entire 2018 NFL season, rejecting the franchise tag his team was trying to place on him. Who did it?
James White
Todd Gurley
Joe Mixon
Le'Veon Bell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Le'Veon Bell got what he wanted – a ticket out of Pittsburgh – after sitting out the entire 2018 NFL season. Bell was traded to the New York Jets in the off-season following his franchise tag-rejecting statement.

Advertisement

Tom Brady
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
This quarterback boasts six Super Bowl rings over his nearly two-decade-long NFL career. What is his name?
Tom Brady
Carson Wentz
Drew Brees
Aaron Rodgers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Love him or hate him, you won't find many people who don't respect the career accomplishments this New England Patriots quarterback has put together since being drafted 199th in the 2000 draft. His 40-yard dash time could use some work, though.

Advertisement

Von Miller
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which of these NFL defenders won a Super Bowl and then took on "Dancing with the Stars?"
Courtland Sutton
Von Miller
Ja'Wuan James
Chris Harris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Von Miller, an outside linebacker with the Denver Broncos, earned Super Bowl 50's MVP award. A few months later, he tackled the televised "Dancing with the Stars" competition, getting eliminated in week 7.

Advertisement

Ben Roethlisberger
Wiki Commons by SteelCityHobbies
This Steelers quarterback is part of the "31 Club," a group of NFL quarterbacks who have beaten each of the NFL's other teams at least once. Who is it?
Sutton Smith
Alex Smith
Ben Roethlisberger
Mason Rudolph
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roethlisberger was drafted by the Steelers in 2004 and has performed as its starting quarterback ever since (barring injury). He is one of only six NFL quarterbacks to have at least one victory against each of the NFL's other 31 teams.

Advertisement

Khalil Mack
NFL
Which of these linebackers was – shockingly – traded from the Raiders to the Bears at the start of the 2018 season?
Khalil Mack
Dont'a Hightower
Trey Flowers
K.J. Wright
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A disruptive force on defense, Khalil Mack was shockingly traded away from the Raiders to the Bears at the start of the 2018 season. Mack wanted a big contract, but new Raiders coach Jon Gruden had other plans.

Advertisement

Jalen Ramsey
Wiki Commons by Thomson200
This Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback is as well-known for his trash talk as he is his on-field play. Who is it?
Chris Harris
Stephon Gilmore
Jalen Ramsey
Aqib Talib
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A former standout at Florida State University, Ramsey was drafted by the Jaguars in 2016. He is well-known around the league for his trash-talking ways, taking jabs at everyone from his own team to his weekly opponents.

Advertisement

Todd Gurley
Wiki Commons by Mario957
This star running back for the Rams was surprisingly absent in his team's Super Bowl 53 appearance. Who is it?
Dakota Allen
Marcus Peters
Todd Gurley
Eric Weddle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After several prolific seasons in the NFL, Gurley was noticeably absent from his team's Super Bowl 53 appearance, prompting questions about the severity of a knee injury that had been nagging him.

Advertisement

Alvin Kamara
NFL
In 2017, this running back was the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. Who is it?
Sony Michel
Alvin Kamara
Mark Ingram
Doug Martin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alvin Kamara played collegiate football at the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of Tennessee. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 draft.

Advertisement

AJ Green
Wiki Commons by Erik Daniel Drost
Which of these wide receivers caught more passes in his first three years in the NFL than any other up to that point?
A. J. Green
Joe Mixon
John Ross
Tyler Boyd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bengals' A. J. Green took the NFL by storm when he burst onto the scene in 2011, catching more passes in his first three seasons than any other receiver to that point. The Browns' Jarvis Landry later broke that record during his time with the Dolphins.

Advertisement

Cam Newton
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
In a 12-month period, this athlete won an NCAA championship, the Heisman and was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Who is it?
Russell Wilson
Cam Newton
Robert Griffin III
Deshaun Watson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Cam Newton was drafted No. 1 in the 2011 NFL draft, he completed a trifecta few others have achieved including winning an NCAA title and college football's most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy.

Advertisement

Zach Ertz
NFL
This Eagles tight end caught the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl LII to secure the victory for his team. Who is it?
Zach Ertz
Jordan Howard
Carson Wentz
Jason Kelce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tight end Zach Ertz's go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl 52 secured the victory for his team, the Eagles' first Super Bowl victory. It was Ertz's only touchdown catch in a Super Bowl where he earned 67 yards on seven catches.

Advertisement

Aaron Donald
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which of these defenders has been called both one of the NFL's top defenders and the greatest interior lineman of all time?
Aaron Donald
Ndamukong Suh
Calais Campbell
Demarcus Lawrence
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After a collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, Aaron Donald was drafted by the Rams in 2014, making the move with the team from St. Louis to Los Angeles. His name is always mentioned at the top of defensive honors.

Advertisement

Patrick Mahomes
NFL
Which of these quarterbacks is the only to have thrown for more than 5,000 yards in both a collegiate season and an NFL season?
Alex Smith
Patrick Mahomes
Jimmy Garoppolo
Kirk Cousins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After sitting behind then-starter Alex Smith for one season, Mahomes earned the starting nod the next year. He subsequently threw for more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Not bad for a rookie.

Advertisement

Baker Mayfield
Wiki Commons by Erik Drost
This new-to-the-league quarterback broke a nearly two-year winless streak for his NFL team. Who are we talking about?
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Kirk Cousins
Case Keenum
Baker Mayfield
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to a victory in his first start, snapping a nearly two-year winless streak the franchise was in the midst of. Mayfield was the No. 1 draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Advertisement

Larry Fitzgerald
NFL
This NFL wide receiver has played with nearly 20 different quarterbacks during his career. Who are we talking about?
Julio Jones
Larry Fitzgerald
Amari Cooper
Kevin White
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite spending the entirety of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald's team has struggled with keeping a QB for the Pro Bowler. By some estimates, Fitzgerald has played with 18 different QBs since 2004.

Advertisement

Julian Edelman
NFL
One of these former college quarterbacks is the second most prolific post-season players in history behind Jerry Rice. What is his name?
Christian McCaffrey
Julian Edelman
Wes Welker
Danny Amendola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Standing just 5 feet, 10 inches tall, Julian Edelman has defied the odds in the NFL. His post-season work has vaulted him to the top of the list for receiving yards and receptions behind only Jerry Rice.

Advertisement

Marcus Mariota
Wiki Commons by Chipermc
This Tennessee Titans' QB was born in Hawaii. What is his name?
Philip Rivers
Marcus Mariota
Russell Wilson
Jimmy Garoppolo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marcus Mariota was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1993 and went on to play collegiately at the University of Oregon, where he won the Heisman Trophy. Mariota is the Tennessee Titans' starting quarterback.

Advertisement

Joey Bosa
NFL
This Los Angeles Chargers defensive end earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2016. Who is it?
Philip Rivers
Justin Jackson
Mike Williams
Joey Bosa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted by the Chargers in 2016, Joey Bosa earned the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year honors his first season. Bosa played college football at Ohio State University and was his draft class's third pick overall.

Advertisement

Jimmy Garoppolo
Wiki Commons by eltiempo10
This quarterback was the heir apparent in New England before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Who is it?
Dee Ford
Jimmy Garoppolo
Nick Bosa
Marquise Goodwin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After sitting several seasons behind Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo was sent to the 49ers in a trade that shocked fans of both teams. Garoppolo was injured early in the 2018 season and did not finish the year as the team's starter.

Advertisement

DeAndre Hopkins
NFL
Which of these wide receivers has spent the duration of his NFL career with the Houston Texans?
Jadeveon Clowney
Will Fuller
Deshaun Watson
DeAndre Hopkins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

DeAndre Hopkins played college ball at Clemson University before being the second wide receiver taken in the 2013 draft. Hopkins has played for the Texans for the duration of his professional career.

Advertisement

Leonard Fournette
NFL
Which Jacksonville Jaguars running back has battled injury – and other players – since entering the league in 2017?
Dede Westbrook
Telvin Smith
Jalen Ramsey
Leonard Fournette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Jaguars first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Fournette was expected to make an immediate impact for the team. But a rash of injuries – and a fistfight in the midst of a 2018 brawl – have slowed the running back's progress.

Advertisement

Patrick Peterson
Wiki Commons by Broderick Delaney
This Cardinals cornerback has earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his eight seasons in this league. Who is it?
Kyler Murray
Patrick Peterson
David Johnson
Kevin White
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson has never been to a Super Bowl, but he has earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his eight seasons in the league. Peterson was a first-round draft pick out of LSU.

Advertisement

Fletcher Cox
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles earned a peer-voted place on the "NFL Top 100 Players of 2018" list. Who is it?
Cameron Jordan
Aaron Donald
Trey Flowers
Fletcher Cox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fletcher Cox earned his first Super Bowl ring at the conclusion of the 2017 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been named to the "Top 100" list by his peers three separate times.

Advertisement

Ndamukong Suh
Wiki Commons by Matthew Hynes
Which of these defenders, who has been a member of four NFL squads, is well-known for his aggressive on-field behavior?
Jason Pierre-Paul
Vinny Curry
Vita Vea
Ndamukong Suh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ndamukong Suh hasn't always been on the positive side of the press about him, being fined more than $250,000 since 2014 for violating the league's safety rules. He has nearly 500 tackles throughout his NFL career.

Advertisement

Luke Kuechly
Wiki Commons by Sgt. Alexander Martinez
This Carolina Panthers linebacker led the NFL in sacks his rookie season. Who is he?
Joey Bosa
Chris Jones
Bobby Wagner
Luke Kuechly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Luke Kuechly has spent the duration of his NFL career in Charlotte with the Carolina Panthers, leading the NFL in sacks his rookie season in 2012. Kuechly is also a six-time Pro Bowler.

Advertisement

Bobby Wagner
NFL
The middle linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks has earned Pro Bowl honors five times in his seven-season career. Who is it?
Bobby Wagner
Shaquem Griffin
Chris Carson
Tyler Lockett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bobby Wagner only earned one scholarship offer in college, accepting it and enrolling at Utah State. He has been a prolific addition to the Seahawks' defense, earning Pro Bowl honors five times during his career.

Advertisement

Michael Thomas
NFL
Which of these receivers led the entire NFL in receptions during the 2018 season?
Ted Ginn Jr.
Taysom Hill
Michael Thomas
Alvin Kamara
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas led the league in receptions for the 2018 season, hauling in 125 receptions for more than 1,400 receiving yards. He broke several team records the same season.

Advertisement

Calais Campbell
NFL
This defensive end's play helped contribute to the Jaguars' "Sacksonville" nickname. What is his name?
Josh Oliver
Telvin Smith
Calais Campbell
Marqise Lee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starting his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Calais Campbell signed with a new team – the Jaguars – in 2017. His play during that season helped the team earn the nickname, "Sacksonville," among its fans.

Advertisement

Micah Hyde
Wiki Commons by unknown author
This athlete is a free safety who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers before later signing with the Buffalo Bills. What is his name?
Ed Oliver
Josh Allen
Micah Hyde
Zay Jones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Micah Hyde played college football at the University of Iowa, and was drafted by the Packers in 2013. He played several seasons in Green Bay before signing with the Buffalo Bills before the 2017 season.

Advertisement

Stephon Gilmore
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
This cornerback spent several seasons with the Buffalo Bills before signing with the Bills' division rival. Who is it?
Richard Sherman
Stephon Gilmore
Josh Norman
Xavier Rhodes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stephon Gilmore, considered by many to be the league's most elite corner, finally earned his Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots in the 2018 season. Gilmore intercepted a pass in that game to help ensure the team's victory.

Advertisement

Travis Kelce
NFL
He's a former University of Cincinnati athlete considered one of the league's best tight ends. Who is he?
Rob Gronkowski
Jimmy Graham
Travis Kelce
Zach Ertz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Travis Kelce played college ball at the University of Cincinnati before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times during his NFL career.

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison