While you're glued to gunslinging QBs and showboating receivers, guys at these thankless positions are doing real work.

1. Steve Hutchinson MIN Guard

“As a guard you’re in a five-second street fight 65 times a game. Every play you hit heads—300 pounds coming one way, 300 pounds coming the other. It’s a hand-to-hand war. You’ve got linemen clubbing you in the head, trying to grab your throat. The receiver scores the touchdown, but you don’t get too much credit for being the guy who got poked in the eye.”

2. Brian Moorman BUF Punter

“Everyone thinks they can punt. But it’s not easy to let go of that ball, nail the point of impact, and make sure it’s directed in 1.25 seconds. If your punter can pin a team inside the 10, you’ll be the next to score 85 percent of the time—that’s a stat most fans don’t realize. But I’d much rather just hold for PATs and field goals. That means we’ve had a great game.”

3. David Diehl NYG Left Tackle

“I’m moving backward while the fastest, most athletic guy on the defensive line—a guy who weighs 285 pounds and runs a 4.5 40—is working to kill my quarterback. As crazy as it sounds, I think, They’re trying to go after my daughter. The only time my name will get called out is for a penalty or for giving up a sack. But I love playing with that pressure.”

4. Lonie Paxton DEN Long Snapper

“The best long snapper is an average long snapper. You can’t have an outrageously good snap. It’s meant to be precise. You hold the destiny of the game in your hands—but you don’t get noticed unless you screw up. I’ve had three kickers make the Pro Bowl under my helm, but long snapper isn’t even a voted-on position. It should be.”