The ultimate cast of football characters ...

Updated: October 19, 2009, 10:37 AM ET

1. Tim Riggins
"Friday Night Lights"
Yes, this show is relatively new and no, we're not just pandering to you guys. Just watch a couple episodes and you'll understand why we love the hilarious Riggins (played by Taylor Kitsch) both on and off the field.

Friday Night Lights

Bill Records/NBCU Photo Bank/AP Images

The drama of "Friday Night Lights" returns for at least two more seasons.

2. Rod Tidwell
"Jerry Maguire"
When the Arizona Cardinals receiver said "Show me the money!" it became one of the most memorable quotes in movie history. And any role that turns Cuba Gooding Jr. into an Oscar winner has to be special.

3. Willie Beamen
"Any Given Sunday"
My name is Willie … Willie Beamen. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of the brash, young quarterback drove Al Pacino crazy and injected plenty of humor into this great gridiron flick.

4. Paul Crewe
"The Longest Yard"
Just to be clear, we're talking about Burt Reynolds' character in the original version from 1974. We're pretending the remake starring Adam Sandler never happened.

5. Bobby Boucher
"The Waterboy"
We'll forgive Sandler for his role in "The Longest Yard" (as well as several other terrible movies he's been in lately) because of the nasty hits and hilarious lines he delivers as a water boy turned linebacker in this flick.

6. Billy Bob
"Varsity Blues"
With his massive frame (built by his love of pancakes covered with peanut butter), pet pig and only-in-Hollywood game-winning catch, Billy Bob is the most unforgettable character in a movie full of them.

7. Rudy
"Rudy"
Sean Astin played Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger, who defied the odds to play for Notre Dame. "Rudy" is a must-see for anyone who roots for the underdog or needs a little inspiration.

8. Darnell Jefferson
"The Program"
How can football fans forget star running back Jefferson (Omar Epps) having to tote the rock around campus after fumbling too many times for his coach's liking?

9. Lucy Draper
"Necessary Roughness"
Imagine Megan Fox as a football star. Not bad, right? That was the scenario in 1991's "Necessary Roughness," when real-life model Kathy Ireland was a kicker for the fictional Texas State Fightin' Armadillos.

10. Shane Falco
"The Replacements"
OK, no one will mistake Keanu Reeves for Sean Penn when it comes to acting. But Reeves did deliver a memorable performance as the team's star quarterback in this surprise hit.


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