I have to admit to not watching pro sports much, if at all. When I moved to Eugene in 1993, the Ducks became my favorite team and I had pretty much stopped watching pro sports, including the NFL. My favorite team way back when was the Oakland Raiders, but after all the moving around they did I stopped following them. When I was living in the Seattle area, I had zero interest in Seattle teams and that continues to this day.
Living in Eugene was different. I could invest emotionally in Ducks sports, because the UO was not going to pick up and move out of state. I continued to ignore the NFL.
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That stance has softened, and when Bo Nix was picked up by the Broncos I started watching some Broncos games. I’ve been following the Broncos because they have one of my favorite Ducks playing for them, and Nix isn’t on a bad team with a crappy OL that’s not worth my time.
That’s the genesis for this poll. Bo Nix is my favorite NFL Duck, because of his story; but also, he has compelled me to actually watch some NFL since signing with Denver. So, then, who is your favorite Duck? I have a selective poll. I’m polling from players that had significant playing time last year and weren’t injured. There’s a lot of recent draftees that are probably deserving of a separate look. I likely have neglected someone you thought about, so let us know in the comments. They are:
Justin Herbert – LA Chargers, Bo Nix – Denver Broncos
I don’t have to elaborate on these players – we know who and what they are.
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Troy Franklin – Denver Broncos
Franklin played in 17 games last year and started in seven. His first NFL career TD pass in 2024 was a play where only former Ducks touched the ball (Alex Forsyth – C, Bo Nix – QB).
Penei Sewell – Detroit Lions
Has started and played every game for the Lions since 2021. Last year, he was graded the best tackle in the NFL for the second time in his career.
Evan Williams – Green Bay Packers
Last year, Williams played in 16 games and started in 15 of them. He’s done very well, going from a 4th round pick to a starting safety in 2024.
DeForest Buckner – Indianapolis Colts
Started at DT last season, didn’t play the full season because of a neck injury. With the exception of ‘24 and ‘25, Buckner has been a starter since he came into the league in 2016, starting for the 49ers and the Colts.
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Arik Armstead – Jacksonville Jaguars
Armstead played nine seasons for the 49ers and has been with Jacksonville for the past two seasons. He has rebounded from a torn MCL in 2023, and played in 16 games while starting 11 last year.
Troy Dye – LA Chargers
Dye was drafted by Minnesota in 2020 and played four seasons there. He signed with the Chargers in 2024, and had his most successful pro year in ‘25, playing in 16 games and starting seven.
Christian Gonzalez – New England Patriots
Gonzalez has played with New England since being drafted in 2023. He has been a starter starting in ‘24, having started and played in all regular and postseason games. Earlier this year, the Patriots picked up their fifth-year option on his contract.
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Juwan Johnson – New Orleans Saints
Johnson was drafted by the Saints in 2020, and last year he signed a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension. Following that, he had his most successful pro season to date, playing in 17 games while starting ten. Johnson had career highs in receptions and total yards last season.
Who is your favorite NFL Duck?
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