The WORST episodes of A Football Life
Every episode of A Football Life ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst 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.
#1 - DeMarcus Ware
Season 12 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/17/2023
DeMarcus Ware's presence on the field was remarkable. This week, “A Football Life” tells the story of this Hall of Famer’s legendary career.
#2 - Franco Harris
Season 11 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/23/2022
#3 - Drew Pearson
Season 10 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/3/2021
#4 - Cris Collinsworth
Season 8 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/23/2018
First, he transformed from a gangly, rail-thin, 6-foot-5 Florida high school sprint champion to a star receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. After football, he evolved from an HBO feature reporter/funnyman to the most respected and decorated analyst in sports broadcasting.
#5 - Ronnie Lott
Season 9 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/1/2019
He was the heart of the 49ers dynasty. An intimidating enforcer who became the prototype for defensive backs earning four Super Bowl rings and a gold jacket.
#6 - Willie McGinest
Season 8 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/5/2018
He played for a high school known for producing NFL players. At USC he became an All American. And he helped turn the New England Patriots into a dynasty. Willie McGinest is no stranger to success, but his journey to the top of the football world had anything but a smooth start.
#7 - Bill Cowher
Season 8 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/9/2018
He grew up in a Pittsburgh suburb, and as the Steelers head coach he won eight division titles and a Super Bowl championship. He'll always be known for his Western Pennsylvania roots and blue-collar toughness, but Bill Cowher now has a new home, and a softer side.
#8 - Warren Sapp
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/29/2013
A Football Life turns its focus to the relentless Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. The former Buccaneer was one of the more intimidating figures on the field while still being admired by his teammates and opponents.
#9 - Lawrence Taylor
Season 8 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/21/2018
L.T. has been in the spotlight from the moment he stepped into the NFL, and as destructive as he was on the field as one of the best defensive players of all time, he may have been more destructive to himself off the field. Through three decades of interviews, Taylor gives raw, unfiltered, honest answers about the highest and lowest points in a triumphant and tumultuous football life.
#10 - Ken Stabler
Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 12/25/2015
The legend of the Snake, Ken Stabler, the late and beloved quarterback of the Oakland Raiders of the 1970s.
#11 - Tony Gonzalez
Season 9 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/20/2019
He described himself as the worst player on his youth football team, but he became the NFL's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, and a first ballot Hall of Famer.
#12 - Bruce Smith
Season 9 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/29/2019
He set the standard for defensive ends. An unstoppable force who helped lead the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances on his way to becoming the NFL's all-time sack king.
#13 - Edgerrin James
Season 11 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/18/2022
#14 - Julian Edelman
Season 11 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/25/2022
#15 - John Lynch
Season 10 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/24/2021
#16 - Carson Palmer
Season 8 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/14/2018
The golden boy with the golden arm won the Heisman Trophy at USC and was the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft. In the NFL, he endured two torn ACLs, two trades, and one very public disagreement with an owner. But he still managed a 15-year career, and currently ranks 12th all-time in passing yards and touchdown passes.
#17 - Keenan Mccardell & Jimmy Smith
Season 4 - Episode 14 - Aired 12/19/2014
A look at the careers of wide receivers Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith, who were known as "Thunder and Lightning" when they played together for Jacksonville from 1996-2001.
#19 - Tony Romo
Season 8 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/28/2018
The story of how a perfectionist with a love for sports went from small-town Wisconsin to become the face of America's Team for nearly a decade.
#20 - Pat Summerall
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/22/2013
A Football Life honors the life of legendary broadcaster Pat Summerall. The in-depth look at his life is a tribute to his success and impact on the game.
#22 - The Forward Pass
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 11/19/2013
2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the official arrival of the forward pass - the most significant rule change in the history of sports. Sparked by a health and safety crisis that threatened the future of football, the forward pass has become the defining play in America's Game.
#23 - Charles Haley
Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/20/2015
The only player in NFL history with 5 Super Bowl rings, Charles Haley's road to Canton was paved with memorable stops in Dallas and San Francisco.
#24 - Jim Kelly
Season 7 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/3/2017
How does a man emerge a champion after a life filled with loss? Leading the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls is only part of Jim Kelly’s legend.
#25 - Aeneas Williams
Season 7 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/8/2017
Aeneas Williams’ long journey from college walk-on to Hall of Fame defensive back to pastor in Ferguson, Missouri.