It never feels quite right when a legendary player changes uniforms. Sure, it can be cool to see, but most of us associate certain stars with one franchise — one look, one era, one identity. And often, these players move on late in their careers, chasing one more shot at glory or simply refusing to hang it up. Sometimes the stint is so short or forgettable, we barely remember it happened at all.

So, let’s dive into some NFL stars you might’ve forgotten played for another team — because even legends can look a little strange in new colors.

1. Joe Montana – Chiefs

Before there was Tom Brady, there was Joe Montana. After Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, injuries opened the door for Steve Young who became the new franchise quarterback. Montana wasn’t ready to call it quits, so he joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993, switching from his iconic #16 to #19. He led the Chiefs to an AFC Championship appearance before injuries ended his career. Cool to see? Sure. But seeing this Niners legend in red and yellow instead of scarlet and gold just didn’t feel right.

2. Jerry Rice – Raiders, Seahawks, Broncos

The greatest receiver in NFL history wasn’t done playing after his time in San Francisco came to an end. Rice thrived with the Raiders, even making a Super Bowl run in 2002. But his final chapters were forgettable — short stints with the Seahawks and Broncos (yes, Broncos), where he wore #19 before retiring. Jerry Rice in anything other than a 49ers jersey? It just doesn’t compute.

3. Johnny Unitas – Steelers, Chargers

Before the Colts welcomed in Peyton Manning, their franchise quarterback was Johnny U. The legendary Colts QB played 17 seasons in Baltimore, winning three MVPs and a Super Bowl. But at 40 years old, he finished his career with the San Diego Chargers. Even wilder — he was originally drafted by the Steelers in 1955 but was cut because the coach didn’t think he was “smart enough” to play quarterback in the NFL. Whoops. 

4. Joe Namath – Rams

“Broadway Joe” will forever be a Jet, and for good reason — he didn’t just guarantee them the only Super Bowl in franchise history, he delivered it. But after 12 seasons, New York cut ties, and Namath finished his career with the Rams for one forgettable farewell season in 1977. Four games, a handful of passes, and an image that still feels wrong: Joe Namath in navy and gold instead of green and white.

5. Bruce Smith – Redskins

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year and the Bills’ all-time sack king, Bruce Smith spent 15 seasons terrorizing quarterbacks in Buffalo. But he actually hit the 200-sack milestone wearing a Washington Redskins jersey after joining the team in 2000. Productive? Yes. Fitting? Not so much.

6. Mike Webster – Chiefs

Arguably the greatest center ever, Mike Webster anchored Pittsburgh’s dynasty in the ’70s and ’80s, winning four Super Bowls as the leader of the O-Line. But few remember he finished his Hall of Fame career in Kansas City, wearing #53 instead of his classic #52. Steelers black and gold suited him far better.

7. Drew Brees – Chargers

Before he became the face of New Orleans, Brees was at the helm of the San Diego Chargers’ — until a shoulder injury and Philip Rivers’ arrival sent him packing. The Saints gave him a second chance, and the rest is history. Brees in blue and gold feels like a preview of a legend still waiting to happen.

8. Tony Dorsett – Broncos

A Dallas icon and Super Bowl champ, Dorsett spent 11 years with the Cowboys before being traded to Denver in 1988. He actually ran for over 700 yards that season — but even in those baby blue helmets, he still looked like a Cowboy.

9. James Harrison – Ravens, Bengals, Patriots

The hard-hitting linebacker was the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense for years, but Harrison’s career path was turbulent to say the least: brief stops with the Ravens, Bengals, and finally, the Patriots in 2017 — where he made one last Super Bowl run. It’s safe to say no one pictures this Steelers great in anything other than black and gold.

10. Marshall Faulk – Colts

Before “The Greatest Show on Turf,” Faulk was an All-Pro running back in Indianapolis, winning Rookie of the Year and making four Pro Bowl appearances with the Colts. Once he joined the Rams, he became a legend — but seeing him in a Colts uniform almost feels like an alternate timeline.

11. Brett Favre – Falcons, Jets, Vikings

Everyone remembers Favre in Green Bay — gunslinging, grinning, and winning three straight MVPs. Most remember when he became a turn coat and joined his longtime rival, the Minnesota Vikings, but few recall when he was first drafted by the Falcons to start his career. After leaving Green Bay, he even spent one season in the Big Apple with the Jets, but it was bizarre seeing Favre in a different shade of green.

12. Edgerrin James – Seahawks

Best known for his dominance with the Colts, James also had productive years in Arizona. But his brief 2009 stint with the Seahawks — where he totaled just 125 yards — was so forgettable, even diehard fans blinked and missed it.

13. Priest Holmes – Ravens

Before lighting up the scoreboard and setting records in Kansas City, Priest Holmes was a backup in Baltimore, even earning a Super Bowl ring in 2000. But it was in KC where he became unstoppable — 61 touchdowns in three seasons with the Chiefs. Holmes had flashes of greatness while in the purple and black, but he made a career wearing red and white.

14. Warren Moon – CFL, Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs

Warren Moon’s journey was one of football’s most remarkable — from CFL dominance to NFL stardom with the Oilers, then productive years with the Vikings and Seahawks. But his final two seasons in Kansas City as a backup? Hardly remembered — and hardly fitting.

15. Dwight Freeney – Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, Lions

Freeney was an immovable force in Indianapolis where he won a Super Bowl and earned seven Pro Bowls. But after leaving the Colts, he bounced around five teams in five years — from the Chargers to the Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, and Lions. He added value at every stop, but none of these uniforms fit him quite right.

16. Ricky Williams – Saints, Argonauts, Ravens

The NFL’s herb-loving star running back began his career in New Orleans before becoming an icon with the Dolphins. His 2006 CFL detour with the Toronto Argonauts and one-year run with the Ravens feel like footnotes in a fascinating career. Despite these pit stops, Ricky will always be remembered as a Dolphin — visor, dreads, and all.

17. Earl Campbell – Saints

The bruising Oilers running back ended his Hall of Fame career quietly in New Orleans, backing up fellow Heisman winner George Rogers. Seeing the “Tyler Rose” in black and gold just didn’t carry the same power as Houston’s baby blue for this NFL legend.

18. Brian Dawkins – Broncos

“Weapon X” was the heartbeat of the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 years. However, he eventually parted ways with the City of Brotherly Love and landed in the Mile High City. His three-season run in Denver was surprisingly good — two Pro Bowls — but still, Dawkins wearing orange and navy instead of midnight green feels like a weird dream.

Final Thoughts

These late-career stints remind us that even legends sometimes look misplaced. Whether chasing one more shot at greatness or just not ready to hang up the cleats, their brief detours add quirky footnotes to already storied legacies.

There are many more all-time greats that went down similar paths, so be sure to come back and check out the next chapter soon.

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