The BEST episodes of A Football Life

Every episode of A Football Life ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of A Football Life!

A Football Life is a documentary series developed by NFL Films and aired on NFL Network that documents the lives of select National Football League players, coaches, owners, and teams. Friends, teammates, family members and other players and coaches associated with the subjects are interviewed.

Last Updated: 3/27/2025Network: NFL NetworkStatus: Continuing

10.00

2 votes

#1 - Lynn Swann & John Stallworth

Season 7 - Episode 13 - Aired 12/22/2017

Two different personalities, two separate paths, one shared drive for greatness: the rivalry, friendship and artistry of Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.

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10.00

3 votes

#2 - Mike Singletary

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/13/2015

The heart and soul of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense, Mike Singletary shares a life full of lessons learned from the game.

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9.67

3 votes

#3 - Rodney Harrison

Season 6 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/23/2016

One of football’s greatest safeties and one of its most controversial players remains a vital and passionate voice of the game.

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9.67

3 votes

#4 - Alan Page

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/16/2015

One of the most impressive careers in pro football history was just the beginning for the great Alan Page.

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9.50

4 votes

#5 - Bruce Arians

Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/11/2015

The extraordinary story of the lifelong assistant turned overnight success who has led the Arizona Cardinals back into contention.

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9.50

2 votes

#6 - Paul Brown

Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/6/2015

You don't know football unless you know Paul Brown, the man responsible for inventing the modern game as we know it.

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9.40

43 votes

#7 - Walter Payton

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/13/2011

A Football Life takes an in-depth look at the life of NFL running back great, Walter Payton, using unique on and off-the-field sights, sounds and stories.

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9.33

3 votes

#8 - Steve Largent

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/23/2015

Before the Seahawks ever reached the Super Bowl, the greatest player in team history paved the way in Seattle.

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9.33

3 votes

#9 - Curtis Martin

Season 6 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/16/2016

The inspiring story of Curtis Martin, who rose from the streets of Pittsburgh to become a Hall of Fame running back.

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9.20

5 votes

#10 - Bill Walsh

Season 4 - Episode 16 - Aired 1/23/2015

Bill Walsh was knows as a genius but was also an insecure, tortured artist. After revolutionizing the NFL with the ``Team of the 80s,'' he wrote a book that has become the bible for generations of football coaches.

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9.00

3 votes

#11 - Marshall Faulk

Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/18/2015

One of most exciting and dynamic players in NFL history, Marshall Faulk rose from the streets of New Orleans to launch the Greatest Show on Turf.

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9.00

10 votes

#12 - Steve Smith Sr.

Season 6 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/18/2016

An intimate look at the mercurial wide receiver as he recovers from a career-threatening injury and reflects on a spectacular career.

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9.00

2 votes

#13 - Joe Gibbs

Season 7 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/24/2017

Hall of Fame Head Coach Joe Gibbs tries to balance his personal and professional life while building the NFL’s most diverse dynasty.

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8.95

65 votes

#14 - Brandon Marshall

Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/19/2014

The inspiring story of Brandon Marshall, who has become the national face of borderline personality disorder and one of the NFL's best wide receivers.

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8.94

32 votes

#15 - Steve Sabol

Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/1/2013

A profile of former NFL Films president and co-founder Steve Sabol.

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8.86

7 votes

#16 - Chuck Noll

Season 6 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/25/2016

A revealing look at the legendary yet largely unknown head coach who built the Steelers dynasty of the '70s.

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8.84

38 votes

#17 - Mike Ditka

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/27/2011

A Football Life takes an in-depth look at the life of NFL coach ,Mike Ditka, using unique on and off-the-field sights, sounds and stories.

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8.83

6 votes

#18 - Jim Brown

Season 6 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/10/2016

The football life of perhaps the greatest player in NFL history and his impact both on and off the field.

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8.80

5 votes

#19 - Joe Namath Part 2

Season 4 - Episode 18 - Aired 1/30/2015

Part 2 of the extraordinary life of Joe Namath, from the high of the Super Bowl III to the lows of a life lived too hard, and back to the place he was born in Western PA.

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8.75

4 votes

#20 - Jerome Bettis

Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/2/2015

From Detroit to Notre Dame, LA to Pittsburgh and finally to Canton, a grand tour on the only Bus to stop at the pro football Hall of Fame.

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8.75

4 votes

#21 - Brian Dawkins

Season 8 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/12/2018

He was known as Weapon X on the field, but he was a gentle family man off it. A Football Life: Brian Dawkins looks at the two sides of Dawkins, from the beginnings of his superstar career, through his battles with depression, all the way to the Hall of Fame.

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8.67

9 votes

#22 - Wes Welker

Season 7 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/6/2017

Undersized and unwanted, Wes Welker overcomes obstacles to re-define the role of the slot receiver in the NFL.

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8.63

8 votes

#23 - Steve Young

Season 6 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/7/2016

The long climb to the top for Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, as told by Young himself through excerpts from his autobiography.

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8.55

71 votes

#24 - Barry Sanders

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/5/2012

A Football Life examines Barry Sanders' incredible Hall of Fame career, his unexpected retirement and the reaction it garnered throughout both the NFL and the city of Detroit, and his relationship with his late father, William.

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8.52

69 votes

#25 - Chris Spielman

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/31/2012

The inspiring story of former linebacker Chris Spielman and the strength of his family.

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