Lasting in the NFL isn’t easy — most players are done in a few seasons because of injuries, age or competition. But a rare breed of player has defied the odds and suited up for 20-plus seasons. Here are 5 players with the longest careers in NFL history.
5. Punter Jeff Feagles: 22 Seasons (1988–2009)
Jeff Feagles proved punters deserve respect for durability. He played an NFL record 352 consecutive games and became the standard for consistency at the position. Feagles suited up for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants during his remarkable run. At 41, he was still pinning opponents deep to help the Giants win Super Bowl XLII.
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4. Kicker John Carney: 23 Seasons (1988–2010)
John Carney wasn’t just another kicker — he was a scoring machine. Across 23 seasons with multiple teams — Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants — he racked up over 2,000 career points, placing him among the top five all-time scoring leaders in NFL history. Even in his 40s, Carney was still drilling field goals, proving age was just a number for elite specialists.
3. Adam Vinatieri : 24 Seasons (1996–2019)
When the game was on the line, Adam Vinatieri delivered. The ultimate clutch kicker, Vinatieri won Super Bowls with both the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts while setting NFL records for most points (2,673) and most game-winning kicks. His ice-cold nerves in pressure situations made him legendary before he finally retired in 2021.
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2. Morten Andersen : 25 Seasons (1982–2007)
Morten Andersen dominated for a quarter-century. Over 25 seasons, he became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer (at the time) while playing for the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. His leg strength and accuracy never seemed to fade. In 2017, Andersen became only the second full-time kicker inducted into the Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the all-time greats.
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1. George Blanda : 26 Seasons (1949–1975)
No one mastered longevity like George Blanda. A dual-threat quarterback and placekicker, he played an incredible 26 seasons and was still contributing at 48 years old. From his early days with the Chicago Bears to becoming a legend with the Oakland Raiders, Blanda broke records and completely redefined what was possible for an NFL career. In 1981, he was rightfully inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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