Who's Your NFL Team's Face of the Franchise?

(Left: Favre could arguably be the face of the league.)

An article similar to this was recently published by Kimberley Nash on B/R, but I wanted to put my own spin on this.

Here's a look at each team's "identity," represented by the current player who best personifies the team.

The idea is, when you think of the Green Bay Packers, who used to pop into your mind immediately? Brett Favre.

To see the new face of Green Bay and other teams, read on.

Joey Porter, OLB, Miami Dolphins

The quarterback usually ends up being the face of the franchise, but sometimes the quarterback isn't that good or just doesn't stand out.

Chad Pennington is a good leader and is efficient, but he doesn't symbolize everything the Dolphins stand for.

Joey Porter's toughness, intensity, and confidence tell us all we need to know about these current Miami Dolphins.

Close Second: Chad Pennington

Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo Bills

It doesn't matter where he goes. Wherever T.O. is, there are lights, cameras, and definitely some action.

Owens has caused a stir everywhere he's been, has shaken down three teams, and has had controversial moment after controversial moment.

But that doesn't stop him from dominating.

Even though he hasn't even suited up for the Bills, Owens is still the guy you think of when you're talking about Buffalo these days.

Close Second: Lee Evans

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Boy, did people get over Favre quickly in New York.

In comes the rookie Sanchez, and whether or not he starts this season, he's still the new face of the franchise.

He has Joe Namath's looks, and quite possibly his confidence as well.

He's also got the tools to be one heck of a quarterback.

Close Second: Thomas Jones

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

He's won three Super Bowls, been to four, and has been Captain Clutch for as long as we can remember.

It's actually Tom Terrific, but who cares?

Brady threw for 50 touchdowns (an NFL record) two years ago, has been extremely consistent throughout his career, and plays with an extremely high level of confidence.

In other words: He's the man.

Close Second: Tedy Bruschi

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

It's a close call between Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu, but the quarterback gets the nod in a tie situation.

Roethlisberger helped the Steelers to its second Super Bowl during his career this year and has been a consistent quarterback overall.

Roethlisberger still isn't the type of quarterback you want throwing 50 passes a game, but he's a tough, determined leader, and there are few that are as clutch.

Close Second: Troy Polamalu v.s Hines Ward

Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns

Edwards may drop more balls than he catches, but he's still a great deep threat, as well as the best remaining offensive weapon the Browns have.

With no concrete answer at quarterback, the hand-less wonder takes over as the face of the franchise.

But for how long?

Close Second: Jamal Lewis

Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Few receivers talk as much trash as Ocho Cinco, and few performed as badly as he did last season.

Still, what other team has a cocky, brash, gold-mouthed receiver who can actually back up what he says most of the time?

The answer is none.

Close Second: Carson Palmer

Ray Lewis, MLB, Baltimore Ravens

Lewis has been the face of the Ravens for his entire career, and now he's sure to remain so until he retires.

Lewis is a fierce tackler over the middle, and despite his age, he is still a major disturbance in the passing game.

Close Second: Ed Reed

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Manning has one of the quickest releases the NFL has seen since Dan Marino.

He's not too far behind Brett Favre in every major passing category, and he already has a Super Bowl title.

Manning is known for his cerebral approach to the game, and aside from the recently departed Marvin Harrison, he is the only thing Colts fans picture when their team name is spoken.

Close Second: Bob Sanders vs. Jeff Saturday

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Johnson is only entering his second season, but combined with his flashy running style and a division title, he is remembered as a big reason the Titans went on a magical run.

Johnson's ability and drive will ensure more great season from Tennessee, as well as more personal accolades, because he treasures them so dearly.

Close Second: Vince Young

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Now that Fred Taylor is in New England, MJD gets to take over full-time.

He's done nothing but dazzle the Jacksonville ownership up until now, and he has been credited with great strength, toughness, and ability.

He's easily the face of Jacksonville's franchise.

Close Second: David Garrard

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans

Johnson was a ball-catching machine last year, as he finally pieced together a great season.

He's always shown he has the ability to dominate, but had never been able to be consistent enough to put together a season like he did last year.

With a healthy Matt Schaub and improved receiving corps, he should be able to continue on his journey to join the elite NFL receivers.

Close Second: Mario Williams

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers

Tomlinson was easily the best running back until Adrian Peterson showed up, and if it weren't for a nagging toe injury, he still might have been.

Either way, Tomlinson has been a leader for San Diego's offense for years, as he's put together a career of elite consistency.

Even though he was slowed down last season, Tomlinson still cracked 1,200 yards, a supposed "down year" for the future Hall of Famer.

Close Second: Shawne Merriman vs. Philip Rivers

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos

Marshall has been absolutely dominant in the past two seasons, although his legal issues may change that for next season.

Still, with off-field issues and the loss of his coach, as well as Jay Cutler, Marshall is way too talented to not be a factor in Denver's offense next season.

Close Second: Champ Bailey

Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

It's arguable whether or not he's on the way out, but a key part of Kansas City's offense he remains.

Tony Gonzalez would have easily taken this spot if he were still with the team, but for now, L.J. is the face of the Chief's franchise.

He's had two down years with fewer than 900 yards in each season, but his 4.5 yards per carry suggest he's headed back to elite status.

That is, if the Chiefs keep him.

Close Second: Matt Cassel

JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders

He's not much to look at as far as "team identity" players go, but he's a start.

Despite being reportedly bad in mini-camps already, Russell is still Oakland's potential Messiah.

He has a cannon arm, a new fast weapon, and showed some solid promise in the final three weeks last year.

Close Second: Nnamdi Asomugha

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

He may look more like the kid your daughter is dating (your 17-year-old daughter), but he's actually a pretty darn good quarterback.

He's a Super Bowl winner, folks—the first in New York since the early '90s.

Now that Michael Strahan is no longer around, he's the face of the franchise.

Close Second: Osi Umenyiora

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys

He hasn't been able to win consistently in November, and he doesn't have a single postseason victory, but Dallas still likes him.

Romo has displayed a true gunslinger mentality, while also being able to effectively manage games.

He's a clutch performer—just not at the end of the season.

Close Second: DeMarcus Ware

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Easily the greatest Eagles quarterback since Randall Cunningham, McNabb has heroically led Philadelphia to five NFC title games and one Super Bowl loss.

He's grown into an elite pocket passer over the years, and he is still one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the game.

Close Second: Brian Westbrook

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

He's been highly productive throughout his career, and after a rough start in D.C., he has gotten back to his old ways.

Portis is an interview highlight reel and is always up to something with his wacky antics and odd costumes.

Not just that, but he's also a great team leader, and he's what makes the Skins' offense go.

Close Second: Santana Moss

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Rodgers hasn't just filled in "admirably" for the departed Brett Favre. No, he's flourished.

Rodgers tossed 28 scores (ran for three more) and threw for over 4,000 yards.

Yeah, that was his first season. Expect more of the same.

Close Second: Donald Driver vs. Aaron Kampman

Brian Urlacher, MLB, Chicago Bears

Urlacher has been a consistently formidable opponent throughout his career. He's played through pain and injuries, made game-changing plays, and has been the consummate teammate.

He's one of the best linebackers of this era, as well as one of its most passionate leaders.

Close Second: Devin Hester

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

Johnson was the only consistent and/or dominant offensive weapon for an 0-16 team last season.

While that's not saying much, he has still made the leap from young receiver to elite talent look way too easy.

Johnson probably will hand over the "face of the franchise" title to Matthew Stafford eventually, but for now, he's your guy.

Close Second: Matthew Stafford

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

He's arguably one of the top five players in the league, so naturally, he's the most talented player on his own team.

Peterson has a rare blend of speed, strength, and power. It will probably send him to the hospital or shorten his career, but we can't help but love it.

Close Second: Pat Williams vs. Kevin Williams

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

Sure, he hits the occasional teammate, but Smith is a delight to have when he's on.

Constantly facing special defensive schemes or double teams, Smith still ends up being the guy changing the outcome of the game with one or two big plays, much to the chagrin of opposing coaches.

There aren't many receivers who can impact a game like Smith.

Close Second: Jake Delhomme vs. Julius Peppers

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints

It's odd, really.

He hasn't even run for more than 600 yards, and he's all New Orleans can think about.

His quarterback just threw for over 5,000 yards last season, yet Bush is the guy you'll see invited to golf classics.

Bush has been an electric returner and solid receiver, but the league is still waiting on his potential at running back.

Regardless, he's still a home run threat with the ball in his hands, and arguably the most beloved New Orleans Saint.

Close Second: Drew Brees

Ronde Barber, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Barber is getting up there in age, but few corners still have the athleticism and smarts to hang with the NFL's elite receivers.

Barber is slowing down, but he still remains one of the only players to be a part of their Super Bowl team.

Close Second: Antonio Bryant

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Ryan led the Falcons to an 11-5 season and a playoff berth, and he was only a rookie.

He's expected to step toward the next level with progressing weapons, as well as the addition of veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Ryan was already showing us why the Falcons made him their number one pick. Now the expectations have risen.

Close Second: Michael Turner

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Gore hasn't been dazzling since running for over 1,600 yards in his second season, but he's been solid.

Two straight injury-riddled 1,000-plus yard seasons later, and the world is still waiting for what Gore is truly capable of.

Regardless, he's what makes the 49ers offense move.

Close Second: Patrick Willis

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Warner has re-opened "fountain of youth" discussions, as the recent journeyman led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl and sparked interest in football throughout the state of Arizona.

Truly, Warner is one of the better quarterbacks in the league. With another Super Bowl run, he could carve his face in Cardinals fans' memories for good.

Close Second: Larry Fitzgerald

Lofa Tatupu, MLB, Seattle Seahawks

Tatupu hasn't lived up to his full potential yet, but he's still been the most consistent force on Seattle's defense.

In past years, Seattle has been known for an increasingly more aggressive defense (except for last season), and Tatupu has been a huge reason why.

Close Second: Matt Hasselbeck

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

Yes, he's a blur.

Jackson has displayed some amazing talent in his career, but he continues to leave glimpses of what he could truly be.

Jackson has a fantastic blend of speed and power but needs to stay healthy to develop into a consistently elite talent.

Still, as far as the Rams go, he's their only proven weapon.

Close Second: Marc Bulger