NFL players are many things nowadays. Superb athletes, cultural icons, celebrities and, for many, role models to be looked up to. Some could even say they’re border line superheroes. Well, close enough anyways, and with Marvel springing their universe back into life soon, what better time than now to look at who from the NFL is worthy of dining their own tight spandex?
This list looks at who would be each member of the original Avengers team (with a few extras) from the NFL. I didn’t do every Avenger yet, because I don’t hate myself, and because that’s another article for another day. With that said, let’s start with the grand-daddy of the MCU.
NFL Players Cast as Marvel’s Avengers
Iron Man: Aaron Rodgers
The reigning NFL MVP couldn’t be more suited for the leading man of our NFL team of caped-crusaders. Part big-brained field general, part snarky asshole, it can’t be denied that Rodgers would do a pretty good representation of our billionaire, playboy, philanthropist who’s never afraid to take charge or speak his mind. While the NFL has many characters who could be argued to be just as big as Aaron Rodgers, there’s no better option for the former weapons dealer than the man with a cannon for an arm.
Captain America: Andrew Luck
Okay, so Andrew Luck isn’t playing currently, but c’mon. Who else could be our goody-two shoes boy scout with a heart set on doing things the right way? Mr. Luck not only looks like he was built in a lab to sling the pig-skin, but he also felt like a man that time forgot. Carrying his “oh shucks” and “nice hit big guy” mentality onto the field, did Luck reach the peaks of his superhero peers? No, but he took a lick and kept on ticking. One could even say that “he could do this all day.” Who knows, maybe Luck only needs a quick dose of super-soldier serum before running back onto the field one more time.
Thor: Rob Gronkowski
Not much needs to be said. Here, the muscle-bound God of Thunder who isn’t the brainiest brute in the bunch, is a role made perfect for the Rob Gronkowski. Gronk himself already probably throws drinks on the ground after he’s done with them, so he’s basically ready for the role. The icing on top: imagine Bill Belichick as Odin ruling over the Gods, and Tom Brady as Loki. It’s perfect, right? Right down to the brother team up of Gronk and Brady, before Brady ultimately convinces his bro to leave his father’s domain. We couldn’t script it any better.
The Hulk: Ndamukong Suh
Suh has the size, the strength, and the dominating presence. Now, if only he had a history of sudden anger-induced violence…
Hawkeye: Frank Gore
Frank Gore may not have the super-human ability of some of his teammates, but he simply plays his role perfectly. He has a very defined set of skills and is superb in his supporting role. He does what’s asked with outstanding precision, and while he may not get the credit he deserves, no one can argue with the results he produces and the value Frank Gore has brought to every team he’s been on. If the NFL is SHIELD, then they could have no better representative as one of their best agents. Well, except maybe…
Black Widow: Vince Wilfork
IMAGINE THE OUTFIT. IMAGINE IT. Now, can you imagine anyone better suited to play the team’s badass than Vince Wilfork? He has a deadly set of skills (both on the field and at the dining table), can make anyone lower their guard with his charisma and, in many ways, he could be seen as the glue of this team. He may get overlooked for other heroes, but who’s better at what they do then him?
With him being retired, the NFL could have no better representative than part-secret agent, part-house with legs Vince Wilfork. Also, if the NFL Marvel Avengers needs a super-spy, I’m sure Wilfork learned a thing or two while playing in New England.
