One player from each NFL team for the new Backyard Football game

As a lifelong Backyard Football enthusiast and someone who’s spent countless hours honing my gaming skills, I can confidently say that these players would not only dominate on the virtual gridiron but also bring a unique flavor to the game.

Finally, the beloved Backyard Sports video game series will make its comeback in the near future. Playground Productions has announced their intention to revive this cherished franchise, and they’ve pledged not only a new game but also additional merchandise, films, and television shows related to Backyard Sports.

36 Backyard Sports games spanning sports like baseball, soccer, football, basketball, hockey, and skateboarding were launched between 1997 and 2010. In 2015, two mobile apps came out, marking the conclusion of the initial series and leading to its ongoing pause.

For many fans, the initial period concluded in October 2010, but instead of referring to it as a nine-year hiatus, Playground Productions has promised to bring an end to a 14-year pause, which could be likened to a rain delay.

Ever since the news broke about Backyard Sports making a comeback, developed by Humongous Entertainment, I’ve found myself drawn to it like a magnet. However, as I eagerly await its return, I can’t help but notice that there are numerous other sports emojis gracing the bio of the official Backyard Sports Instagram account. It seems they might be hinting at something!

Among various sports, football, also known as American football, is one category, while soccer, basketball, and hockey are the other three. Regarding the hypothetical return of Backyard Football, if it ever happens, who among the current NFL players might be included in the game?

Since its debut in 1999, professional athletes have been showcased in Backyard Football, joining the well-known Backyard Kids. The number of professionals featured in each game has fluctuated throughout the years, as spots are somewhat restricted.

In this scenario, here’s a selection of one player from every NFL team that might be featured in Backyard Football, should it make a comeback. We’ll kick things off by discussing players from the AFC East division.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, QB

So long as Josh Allen is playing, the Buffalo Bills always hold a fighting chance. Though he isn’t typically known for running, he has solidified himself as one of the top versatile quarterbacks in the NFL. On any backyard football team, he would be a formidable force.

Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill, WR

Ever since I stepped onto the scene with the Miami Dolphins two years back, I’ve felt like a game-changer, just like the “Cheetah.” And let me tell you, Tua Tagovailoa and our offense have undergone a complete transformation, thanks to my presence. It’s almost like we’re playing an interactive sports video game – the numbers we’re putting up are that impressive!

New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB

Despite Tom Brady’s departure from the New England Patriots, there aren’t too many shining stars on the team as of yet. However, Rhamondre Stevenson has stepped up as a reliable offensive asset.

New York Jets: Sauce Gardner, CB

In today’s NFL, you rarely come across players referred to as “shutdown corners”. However, Sauce Gardner has been making an effort to alter this trend ever since he was picked by the New York Jets two seasons back.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson, QB

Having Lamar Jackson and Pablo Sanchez aligned together on the offensive team in a backyard football game would essentially break the game, making it extremely challenging for any defense to control them.

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR

Ja’Marr Chase significantly contributing to the Cincinnati Bengals potentially winning the Super Bowl, despite earlier doubts about his ability to catch NFL passes compared to those in college football, demonstrates his immense value as a player. However, one may wonder if he can catch a Banana Slug football instead?

Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE

In a game known for emphasizing defensive plays at the line of scrimmage, the current Defensive Player of the Year would undeniably be an essential addition. Myles Garrett is renowned for capitalizing on double teams, making Backyard Football an ideal setting for his skills.

Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, LB

In summary, it’s clear that T.J. Watt is the ideal candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. For over five seasons, he has been the standout defensive player globally and the top performer on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Including him as a quarterback rusher in Backyard Football would be an obvious choice.

AFC South

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB

As a gamer, I’m glad that the pre-draft cognitive test doesn’t hold any weight in determining one’s NFL career or even our Backyard Football games. It’s a relief because after C.J. Stroud’s phenomenal rookie year, it would be unfair if such a test could impact his success in any way. He’d undoubtedly dominate the field, just like he did last season.

Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor, RB

After a thrilling kickoff to his NFL career, Jonathan Taylor’s subsequent seasons were marked by injuries, but the 2024 season seems poised for significant contributions from the ex-All-Pro running back, as the Indianapolis Colts aim to advance further. Could we see record-breaking stats ahead?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, LB

Two Josh Allens playing in the same Backyard Football match? Count us in! It would be fantastic to see these two multiple Pro Bowl players facing off, with each standing on opposite sides of the scrimmage line during the same game.

Tennessee Titans: DeAndre Hopkins, WR

After joining the Tennessee Titans, DeAndre Hopkins quickly showed his value, even though he wasn’t paired with a standout quarterback. From a statistical perspective, Hopkins is among the greatest receivers of recent times, and it seems only fitting that he should be represented in at least one edition of Backyard Football before calling it a career.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II, CB

Currently, the Denver Broncos are undergoing a reconstruction phase, but a shining beacon of hope is one of the most gifted defensive athletes in the league – Pat Surtain II. So far in his three seasons in the NFL, Surtain II has left an indelible mark and solidified his status as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks.

Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, QB

Is it necessary to provide an explanation for this? Not really, but since you asked, Patrick Mahomes could very well become a household name like Tom Brady used to be in backyard football games. As a three-time Super Bowl champion and the top quarterback in the NFL, his number 15 jersey sets the standard without any competition.

Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby, DE

We’ve added a few top-tier defensive players who are skilled at sacking the quarterback, and Maxx Crosby is definitely deserving of being mentioned in that group. His growth has significantly improved the Las Vegas Raiders defense to the point where they managed to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, despite having zero passing yards after the first quarter.

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB

2024 could be a pivotal year for Justin Herbert, who’s widely thought to thrive more with a better coach to unlock his full potential. Although it’s not very probable, he’s seen as the AFC West’s strongest contender to unseat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs – if only momentarily.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons, LB

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Micah Parsons, the game-changer on the Dallas Cowboys defense. Ever since he joined the team in 2022, our defensive rankings have soared to the top of the NFL in several categories. His ability to make an impact is simply unparalleled; every time he steps onto that gridiron, he’s poised to make a difference.

Philadelphia Eagles: A.J. Brown, WR

It’s hard to believe the trade of A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles, given his reputation for creating drama. However, he is a top-tier wide receiver in the league, and his presence would be valuable on any Backyard Football team, as drama isn’t always a negative factor there.

New York Giants: Brian Burns, LB

Moving forward, it’s worth noting Brian Burns, previously with the Carolina Panthers, is another player yet to make his debut for his new squad, the New York Giants. In a team short on superstars, Burns stood out as a significant contributor. He was often mentioned as a valuable asset during trade discussions approaching the deadline.

Washington Commanders: Terry McLaurin, WR

Terry McLaurin demonstrates exceptional abilities as a wide receiver, surpassing the expectations set by his statistics, which even suggest he ranks among the top 10 pass catchers in the NFL. Over the course of five years in the NFL, despite playing with no fewer than 11 different quarterbacks and three different teams, McLaurin has managed four consecutive seasons exceeding 1,000 yards and maintains an average of over 1,000 yards. He serves as a beacon of hope for a team that otherwise struggles.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: D.J. Moore, WR

It was tempting to go with Caleb Williams, but I had to select the man who should be the rookie quarterback’s top offensive weapon. The fact that D.J. Moore has been able to achieve what he has been able to achieve with the quarterbacks he’s had throwing him the ball speaks volumes. If Williams even comes close to living up to the hype, look out.

Detroit Lions: Sam LaPorta, TE

Even though I chose Patrick Mahomes over Travis Kelce for this lineup, I wanted to acknowledge the tight end position by selecting Sam LaPorta. Impressive statistics from his rookie season with the Detroit Lions make him an obvious choice – a season where they managed to win not just one, but two playoff games, a feat they hadn’t achieved in over three decades.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love, QB

The latter part of the 2023 season showcased that Green Bay Packers have nailed their quarterback position once more. Jordan Love’s stats were worthy of an MVP title, and he steered a team that initially struggled (3-6) to reach the second round of playoffs. He gained two things: a significant contract extension and the opportunity to be featured in the upcoming Backyard Football game.

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR

Despite his 2023 season being cut short by an injury, don’t forget that Justin Jefferson remains one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Given his skills, it would be fantastic if Backyard Football developers incorporated “The Griddy” as a celebration move for him in the game.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB

One advantage of Backyard Football is that when you have a standout offensive player on your team, you get to brainstorm and devise ways to maximize his potential. Essentially, the outcome (either strong performance or low productivity) can no longer be attributed to Arthur Smith’s gameplan. So, Bijan Robinson, feel free to shine!

Carolina Panthers: Adam Thielen, WR

In his inaugural season with the struggling Carolina Panthers, Adam Thielen – longtime Minnesota Viking and often deemed one of the “good guys” in the NFL – proved to be an invaluable, though sometimes overlooked, asset. His impressive tally of over 100 receptions and 1,000 yards serves as a testament to his worth.

New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara, RB

Alvin Kamara remains an exceptionally versatile player from the backfield, with an average of five catches per game over his first seven NFL seasons. This surpasses many top-tier wide receivers, despite him primarily playing as a running back. He’d be a formidable asset in a game like Backyard Football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR

Is there a less recognized wide receiver in NFL history who has been as consistently productive as Mike Evans? Despite Tom Brady drawing significant attention to Tampa Bay upon joining the team, it’s hard to deny that Evans is the unquestioned star of the Buccaneers. In every one of his first ten seasons, he has managed to accumulate 1,000 receiving yards, a feat only surpassed by Jerry Rice with 11 straight seasons. Evans set the stage for this impressive streak at the start of his career.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR

I just had to tap into the irony of his ongoing jersey dispute and include rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. here – oh, and because it makes me feel old, given the fact that Marvin Harrison was the MVP in pretty much every Backyard Football season I played as a kid (and, well, the ones I still play, to this day, as an adult).

Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams, RB

In a tight call between Puka Nucua and Kyren Williams, I chose the running back for this scenario. Although he’s not yet widely recognized in the NFL’s backfield, he outperformed many in rushing yards in 2023, coming second only to Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry. Even with five missed games, his stats were impressive. If he maintains this level of performance, he won’t be able to avoid attention any longer.

San Francisco 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, RB

Discussing Christian McCaffrey, it’s tough not to mention one of the top all-around offensive players in the NFL. In many ways, McCaffrey resembles a real-life Pablo Sanchez. Given the impressive roster of talent that the San Francisco 49ers possess on both offense and defense, it would be challenging to overlook him in this context.

Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker III, RB

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at Kenneth Walker III’s impressive start with the Seattle Seahawks. In just two seasons, he’s managed to make a significant impact on the team’s offense, a feat that’s even more noteworthy considering the skepticism surrounding the Seahawks post-Russell Wilson era. Many predicted a struggle for the team, but here we are, witnessing their offensive production soaring high!

2024-09-02 14:29