Best NFL Players Under Pressure

Adam Vinatieri

Adam Vinatieri has been nothing short of heroic, kicking the game winning field-goal in two Super Bowls and always hitting the big kick when his team needs it.

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning's excessive preparation cements him amongst all-time pressure performers. On football's biggest stage, No. 18 captured his first Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP last season.

Tom Brady

With three Super Bowl championships and two Super Bowl MVPs to his name, Tom Brady has never shied away from the big stage.

Troy Polamalu

Despite being one of the smaller safeties in the NFL, Troy Polamalu packs a punch. The former USC Trojan has a knack for the ball and was a major part of the Steelers' 2005 Super Bowl run.

Braylon Edwards

Edwards leaps over the competition with his big-play potential and is on pace to have the best season of his career (37 receptions, 669 yards, 9 TDs through Week 8).

Ed Reed

With 31 picks over his six-year career, Reed is a magnet to the ball and is an offensive coordinator's worst nightmare. And once he gets his hands on the ball, he's always a threat to take it in for a score.

LaDainian Tomlinson

The record-holder for most rushing touchdowns in a season (28), LaDainian Tomlinson is the engine that runs the Chargers. LT is a lock to give 100 percent and his triple-threat ability (run, catch, throw) puts him in an elite class.

DeMeco Ryans

As a rookie with the Houston Texans, Ryans was second in the league in tackles (155) and won the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He has great speed and instinct to be near the ball.

Brett Favre

The three-time MVP seems to relish pressure-packed situations. Favre has won a Super Bowl title and is the all-time leader in touchdowns thrown.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

One of the more reliable receivers in the NFL, Houshmandzadeh is often overlooked playing next to Chad Johnson. Since 2004, all he has caught 299 passes and 30 touchdowns.

Devin Hester

At the moment, Devin Hester is the closest thing to an automatic six in the NFL. He has scored eight touchdowns on kickoff (3) and punt (5) returns in only 22 games. Only the most foolhardy teams will punt anywhere near him.

Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez became the all-time leader in touchdown receptions by a tight end in Week 6. In seven of his 11 seasons, Gonzalez has caught 70 or more passes. He has more than 9,000 receiving yards throughout his career.

Plaxico Burress

Eli Manning's favorite target has ended several games with dramatic catches. Burress is among the best at grabbing the jump ball and his grit and determination cannot be questioned since he has played much of this season injured.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith is one of the most determined receivers to ever play the game. Despite consistent double-coverage, he's reached the end zone six times this season.