The End of the World Cup and Its Impact on the NFL Offseason

The World Cup has come and gone, and honestly, it made the usually slow NFL offseason a bit more enjoyable this time around.

Events of this magnitude leave a mark long after they’re over. Given that it’s the largest sporting event globally, the significance of winning is tremendous. It’s honestly quite hard to fully grasp just how profound that impact can be.

Take the young Spaniard, Ramin Yamal, for instance. At only 19, he’s now seen as capable of challenging legendary records, which is pretty wild.

That’s what a World Cup victory—not to mention everything else he’s achieved—does for one’s legacy.

This brings up an interesting question: which NFL players might gain from similar legacy-changing milestones?

Accomplishments That Could Change NFL Player Legacies by 2026

When I think of noteworthy stats, I picture players leading in passing, rushing, or sacks. Achieving such figures is valuable in itself, even if it doesn’t always come with awards.

Now, considering someone like Sam Darnold, who just clinched a Super Bowl, it can be puzzling to assess his legacy. I wouldn’t say he has anything left to prove.

But imagine if he continued to elevate his game. His image transformed from a game manager to a key player on a strong team, reminiscent of the last Seahawks quarterback who took home a Super Bowl.

Then there’s Raiders’ running back Aston Giunty, who was the first pick in the 2025 draft. He managed 975 rushing yards his rookie year despite playing behind a subpar offensive line on a struggling team. If he continues to improve, it will be hard not to see his potential skyrocket.

Could you envision Giunty climbing the running back ranks if he won a championship in just his second year? Perhaps that would help show that his college success at Boise State was no fluke.

Now, about star power…

Which NFL Player Would Most Benefit from an MVP in 2026?

Here’s the thing about the NFL MVP award: it often goes to a player on one of the best teams rather than the one who genuinely deserves it.

Sure, there are plenty of talented athletes worthy of the honor, but it frustrates me that it rarely considers the true value a player brings to their team. Take away a quarterback, and the team might still thrive with a solid offensive line and strong defense.

I wish more players were recognized for elevating lackluster teams to new heights.

But that’s a discussion for another time.

If you think about it, a player winning MVP could really shift their career trajectory, and you can’t overlook Justin Herbert. He’s faced a lot of skepticism regarding his playoff performance, and fans are growing weary of his inability to secure a win in that arena.

This year feels like Herbert’s best shot at the MVP title, especially with Mike McDaniel in the mix. Just look at what McDaniel achieved with Tua Tagovailoa when he was healthy—there’s no doubt who stands out more as a quarterback. If Herbert returns to the level he showed in his first three seasons, I can’t see why he wouldn’t attract serious MVP attention by January.

Winning MVP is no easy feat. It requires both team success and a compelling narrative. It’s also often awarded to newcomers—once a player has won, it’s a rare thing to earn more.

Last season, Caleb Williams made a splash, and he seems primed for an MVP nod. If he can secure that while the Bears improve around him, it could mark a significant moment for a team still seeking a franchise quarterback of his caliber.

Which NFL Player’s Legacy Would Be Enhanced by a Playoff Appearance?

When it comes to narratives, a deep playoff run can be just as impactful as winning a title. Look at Joe Burrow, for instance—he has certainly earned respect.

Justin Herbert often crops up in discussions about players who haven’t quite reached the playoffs or those who have faltered there. But much of the blame seems misplaced, doesn’t it?

If the Chargers could just make it to the AFC Championship, Herbert’s profile could skyrocket.

But I can’t keep picking Chargers players, so let’s talk about the Houston Texans. They’ve seen some playoff action but have yet to get past the divisional round.

The upcoming 2026 season could be pivotal for C.J. Stroud. If he can lead the Texans further than they’ve ever gone, he would silence a lot of critics. After all, they’ve never made it past the divisional, so with a better offense and a strong defense, why not this year?

Which NFL Player’s Legacy Would Improve Most from Winning a Super Bowl in 2026?

I admit a bias in this answer: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is at the forefront.

Eventually, the Cowboys will snag another Super Bowl. Even if it’s years down the road, whenever that happens, the man behind that victory—namely, Prescott—will be scrutinized in ways few other champion quarterbacks experience, thanks to the media spotlight.

If Dak can truly bring home that coveted victory, he will cement his legacy like few others.

Yet, the issue gets trickier when considering teams that have never won a Super Bowl.

It would be fantastic for a team like the Minnesota Vikings to finally break through, but that feels quite unlikely for the 2026 season. Realism matters here.

On the other hand, if the Buffalo Bills were to win, it would be a massive celebration not just for fans but across the league. Everyone could rally behind the Bills after all their past heartaches, potentially healing longstanding emotional wounds.

Josh Allen has put together a stellar run over the last decade, and after an MVP-worthy season in 2024, it might just be time for the Bills to capitalize on their momentum.