THE RIPPLE EFFECT: HOW ONE MOMENT ECHOES INTO THE FUTURE

One of the most ‘fanatical’ things we do as fans and viewers of sports on a weekly and maybe even daily basis is debate amongst fellow fans and one of the phrases that gets brought up a lot is ‘what if’. Whether its an argument over a final score or the debate of a draft pick or trade, there will always be room for fans to bring up ‘what if’ scenarios, not only is it entertaining but perplexing to consider how one move can affect the outcome of a team or maybe even an entire league.

Looking back at just last season alone, there are several moments that could’ve had a ripple affect on future outcomes and a most recent one involved this year’s Superbowl. This year the New England Patriots represented the AFC in the big game after defeating the Denver Broncos but ‘what if’ the Broncos had their starting QB Bo Nix. The Broncos sophomore passer suffered a season-ending injury just days before their game against the Patriots, causing Head Coach Sean Payton to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham. But what if Nix was healthy? What if the Broncos had their starting QB in their most important game of the season? May the Broncos beat the Patriots and represent the AFC. Maybe the Broncos put up a bigger fight against the Seahawks and they win the Superbowl. These are the types of questions that are discussed simply from an injury to one player.

Now while that example affected one team how about moments that span across multiple teams like the career of Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield. Both QBs were top 5 picks in the same draft class hoping to be their franchises stars of the future. Unfortunately, since their rookie season, both Darnold and Mayfield went bounced around multiple teams before landing with their current teams in Seattle & Tampa Bay, both of which are happy to have their QBs. But ‘what if’ the Jets kept Darnold? That likely means the Jets arent in the revolving door of QB misery and may be looking at a positive trajectory for the first time since the Rex Ryan years. This also means that he likely doesnt have a resurgent year in Minnesota, and ultimately land in Seattle leading the Seahawks to their Superbowl win this season. This also ties into the Aaron Rodgers decision which means he likely stays in Green Bay or goes elsewhere, affecting another team’s outcome.

Another decision that has impacted a franchise was the unexpected and shocking retirement of QB Andrew Luck from the Indianapolis Colts. The superstar passer was facing some injuries during the latter stages of his young career but he was still one of the league's most productive QBs and the face of the Colts franchise. Since his retirement the Colts have been in consistent flux searching for their next QB from signing potential Hall of Famer, Phillip Rivers, to spending a top 5 pick on a developmental project in Anthony Richardson and may have finally settled on a starter with Daniel Jones. Needless to say, the Colts had some years they wished they had Luck on their roster and if they did, that might've caused Rivers, Richardson & Jones to go else well.

This is all hypothetical because there is no guarantee that any of those scenarios play out the way that we think but that doesnt mean its not possible. If the Bears drafted Patrick Mahomes over Mitchell Trubisky does that mean the Bears would’ve won just as much as the Chiefs? Not for certain but what I can say is if that happened, the 2026 Bears would look very different than what we’re expected to see this season with Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson. That would’ve also impacted the Chiefs future and maybe the Chiefs take Trubisky and develops into the QB the Bears hoped for in 2017.

There have been dozens of these types of moments like these in the NFL- some are small blips in time while others have lasting impact on franchises and but all are important and leave lasting memories in the minds of fans around the league from the past and in the future.