Not every NFL star is built for the whistle and clipboard life, but some players give off major “Friday Night Lights” energy. Whether it’s their leadership style, no-nonsense attitude, or ability to inspire greatness, these guys would thrive turning teenagers into champions under the stadium lights.
From quarterbacks who command respect to defenders who’d have the whole team doing extra pushups for fun, these NFL stars were born to be on the sidelines. Here are 30 players who would crush it as high school coaches, with motivational speeches and maybe even a few state titles.
30. Andrew Whitworth
He was a coach while still playing, and his locker room wisdom is legendary. Add a Southern drawl and dad energy, and you’ve got a Friday night hero in khakis.
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick
The beard alone earns instant credibility, but his Harvard brain and laid-back charm would have every kid hanging on his every word. He’s the type to teach calculus during study hall and draw up trick plays at lunch.
28. Eric Weddle
Weddle came out of retirement for a Super Bowl run, so you know he’s got the fire. Imagine the halftime speeches—kids would be ready to run through a brick wall.
27. Luke Kuechly
He’s bright and intense and sees the game like a few others. High school linebackers would leave practice knowing calculus and cover-two responsibilities.
26. Jason Kelce
Kelce could lead a classroom, a weight room, and a locker room before first period starts. He’s got the voice, the passion, and the ability to make even Algebra II sound hype.
25. Calais Campbell
He’s a giant with the patience of a saint and a voice that commands attention. Perfect combo for turning raw talent into disciplined dominance.
24. A.J. McCarron
Already thriving in dad mode and loving every second of lower-level football. He’d rock the headset and aviator shades with pride.
23. T.J. Watt
All hustle, no nonsense, and a look that says “don’t test me.” He’d turn any defense into a menace by week three.
22. Matthew Slater
The ultimate team-first guy with a calm, composed presence. He’d teach values, grit, and special teams dominance.
21. Josh McCown
The man has been a coach for half the teams in the league already. He’s got that cool uncle vibe that still knows how to light up a whiteboard.
20. Jordy Nelson
Hard-working, humble, and probably already coaching a youth flag team somewhere in Kansas. Just give him a whistle and a Gatorade cooler.
19. Thomas Davis
Respected, experienced, and tougher than nails. He’d teach those kids accountability and how to hit without hesitation.
18. Justin Simmons
Quiet confidence mixed with sharp football IQ. He’d make the entire secondary feel like PhD students.
17. Trent Williams
Big man presence with technician-level skill. Of skills, five lines under his guidance would be absolute maulers.
16. Cooper Kupp
Detail-obsessed, humble, and built like a coach trapped in a WR’s body. The film study sessions would be legendary.
15. Micah Parsons
Young, intense, and fully bought into the grind. He’s the type to turn a sleepy program into a powerhouse overnight.
14. Patrick Willis
He’d scare players into good habits, but in a way that earns total respect. Old-school toughness meets quiet leadership.
13. Kirk Cousins
The most buttoned-up guy you know, and somehow that’s exactly what high school football needs. He’d lead pregame prayers, film sessions, and bake sales with the same intensity.
12. Cam Heyward
Veteran grit and locker room command, all wrapped in positivity. He’s the coach who changes lives on and off the field.
11. Derek Carr
Emotional, committed, and forever preaching heart and effort. His players would love him and sprint through wind sprints to prove it.
10. Bobby Wagner
Linebacker leadership personified. You know he’d have a laminated practice plan and a notebook of defensive schemes ready.
9. DeMeco Ryans
Already making waves as an NFL head coach, so dominating a high school sideline would be child’s play. Players would soak up his wisdom like a sponge.
8. Travis Kelce
Yes, he’s flashy, but underneath is a player who understands the game inside and out. His practices would be loud, fun, and still weirdly effective.
7. Larry Fitzgerald
Pure class, pure mentorship, pure leader. He’d turn any kid into a better athlete—and an even better human.
6. Aaron Donald
He wouldn’t need to speak—just one look and the whole team would line up for drills. But when he does speak? Goosebumps.
5. Drew Brees
The classic “QB-turned-coach” blueprint. He’s got the demeanor, smarts, and motivational chops to lead any program to greatness.
4. Russell Wilson
Say what you want about the corniness—he means every word. High schoolers would believe in themselves more than ever.
3. J.J. Watt
Built to lead, built to inspire, built to coach. And yes, he’d probably organize the best pregame pump-up videos you’ve ever seen.
2. Peyton Manning
The forehead. The film study. The motivational speeches. He’d be the GOAT of high school coaching in about three weeks.
Read More: 15 NFL Stars Who Would Make Great Coaches
1. Tom Brady
He’d turn every 2-star recruit into a state champ with sheer belief and obsession. Imagine the sideline intensity—nobody’s skipping film with Brady running the show.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Preachiest NFL Head Coaches of All Time
