NFL Players As Marvel Avengers

The NFL ratings are at an all-time high. There is nothing more popular in America than football, except maybe Marvel movies. Infinity War and Endgame combined to make $4.8 billion worldwide at the box office. If a world exists where the most popular sport and the most popular movies come together, it would be interesting to see which players would portray which heroes.

Eight NFL stars suit up as some of the world's strongest heroes. In order to determine the best fit, each player will have traits that coincide with their comic book counterparts. Perhaps Roger Goodell will play the role of Thanos, Kang, or another big bad in the MCU, but for this exercise, no villains were cast. Only heroes.

1. Iron Man - Patrick Mahomes

Tony Stark is a rich genius who follows in the footsteps of his scientist father. He is charismatic and takes the lead on most missions. The 2008 film kickstarted the MCU and launched Robert Downey Jr into the stratosphere as the biggest star in the world. He is the most important Avenger.

Patrick Mahomes is a sports prodigy who followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a professional athlete. 10 years after Iron Man hit the big screen, Patrick Mahomes started his first full season, launching the Chiefs dynasty, and becoming the biggest star in the NFL. His 10-year/$500 million contract may be pennies on the dollar compared to Tony Starks fortune, but it makes him the NFL's best Iron Man.

2. Captain America - Christian McCaffrey

Steve Rogers is the quintessential All-American guy. Square jaw and good looks, a special formula transformed him from a scrawny kid to a jacked superhero. He is the leader of the Avengers, even if he is portrayed as less important than Tony. Cap's superpower is not his ability to throw a vibranium shield, but rather his ability to put the team on his back.

Christian McCaffrey is a good-looking, square-jawed, leader of the San Francisco 49ers. He may not be the team's starting quarterback, but he carries the team with his running and versatility. He was transformed from a broken running back when he was discarded by the Carolina Panthers.

3. Thor - T.J. Watt

Thor is the god of thunder, and he comes from a family of gods. He is incredibly strong the only one worthy of wielding Mjolnir. He is a bit of an outsider compared to the rest of the Avengers since he's not from Earth. He is ferocious and unstoppable when he wants to be.

TJ Watt is a sack god, and he comes from a family where his brother was also a sack god. Unlike Thor, he actually fits in with his team, as he plays and acts like a blue-collar steelworker. He is ferocious and unblockable when he wants to be.

4. Hulk - Travis Kelce

You wouldn't like him when he's angry. Bruce Banner, aka the Incredible Hulk, is a genius scientist who gets exposed to gamma rays, and his emotions turn him into an unstoppable force. The more adversaries try to take down the Hulk, the stronger he gets. Only Black Widow can calm him with a sweet lullaby.

Travis Kelce went Hulk-mode on the sidelines of the Super Bowl, screaming and bumping his head coach Andy Reid. As the game goes on, and the more Kelce gets hit, he gets stronger and harder to stop. After the games, he can only be brought back to normal with a sweet lullaby from his girlfriend Taylor Swift.

5. Hawkeye - Brock Purdy

Hawkeye doesn't have any superpowers per se. He is a regular mortal man, who through talent and practice, is the most accurate archer in the world. Compared to his peers, his abilities seem underwhelming, but he gets the job done. He is integral to his team's victories, even though he does what he does without any flash.

Brock Purdy was the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He may have earned the title of Mr. Irrelevant, but he is quite relevant when it comes to the 49ers. He is labeled a game manager because he isn't flashy, but he still helps his team win. Over the last two seasons, there has not been a more accurate passer in the NFL.

6. Black Panther - Derrick Henry

The Black Panther is the protector and king of Wakanda. By partaking in a magic herb, T'Challa has the power of several men. His tech suit absorbs kinetic energy and releases it at the opportune time. He is the face of his people, representing them as best as possible.

Derrick Henry is the most powerful back of his generation. He absorbs hits from cornerbacks and linebackers and unleashes his power on would-be tacklers. King Henry was the face of the Tennessee Titans, representing them in Pro Bowl games, and will represent them when he is enshrined into Canton after he retires.

7. Ant-Man - Deuce Vaughn

Scott Lang is a thief recruited by Hank Pym to wear the Ant-Man suit and be the little guy who fights for the little guy. Thanks to his ability to shrink himself he can get in and out of situations a normal-sized person can't. He is fast and packs a huge punch for someone his size, just like an actual ant.

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn stands just 5'5, but he packs a wallop on opposing defenses. He is quick and shifty and able to get in and out of holes at the line of scrimmage that larger running backs can not. A forgotten hero, but a hero nonetheless.

8. Falcon - Devonta Smith

Sam Wilson will someday become Captain America. Before he learns how to wield the shield though, he will be a sidekick. He is Steve Rogers's sidekick and then plays second fiddle to the Winter Soldier. He is a capable hero, but always in the shadows.

Devonta Smith is an incredible wide receiver. He has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and it earned him a giant extension. He would be the primary target on most teams in the league, but because he is paired with AJ Brown in Philadelphia, he is stuck playing second fiddle.