Overview and Answer Summary
Richie Incognito is an American football guard best known for his time in the National Football League, where he played for multiple teams over several seasons. This profile focuses on the teams he joined, his on-field role, and verified career milestones rather than short-lived headlines. Incognito entered the league through the 2013 NFL Draft and spent the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills, later playing for the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals. The following sections provide an answer-first explanation of each team, context on his playing style, and a concise reference table for quick lookup.
Early Career and Draft Details
Before reviewing Richie Incognito’s teams, it is helpful to understand his entry into professional football. He was selected in the fifth round, 153rd overall, by the Buffalo Bills in the 2013 NFL Draft. Incognito played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he served as a starting guard. His draft position and college pedigree aligned with the Bills’ need for interior offensive linemen, setting the stage for his longest tenure with one franchise.
Buffalo Bills: Primary Tenure and Development
Richie Incognito spent the bulk of his early career with the Buffalo Bills, signing his rookie contract and seeing action as a backup and rotational starter. During this period, he worked to refine his technique in both pass protection and run blocking. The Bills valued his physicality and football IQ, which helped him earn consistent snaps across multiple seasons. Below are the verified seasons and roles associated with his time in Buffalo.
Notable Buffalo Bills Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2013 | Official NFL Draft Records |
| Team | Buffalo Bills | Team Roster Archives |
| Primary Position | Guard | Pro-Football-Reference |
| Contract Status | Signed Rookie Deal, Later Extensions | Team Announcements |
| Played Seasons | 2013–2017 (primary tenure) | Season-by-Season Rosters |
Oakland Raiders: New Environment and Continued Work
After his time with the Bills, Richie Incognito joined the Oakland Raiders. This move represented a change of scenery and competition level within the same conference. With the Raiders, he provided veteran presence and interior line stability, often backing up starters and filling in when needed. His experience from Buffalo helped him adapt quickly to the Raiders’ offensive schemes and practice routines.
Role with the Raiders
- Served as a backup guard and center in limited but meaningful snaps.
- Contributed to special teams units during depth chart rotations.
- Faced increased competition for starting roles, which shaped his workload.
Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals
Incognito’s career continued with short-term stints designed to add veteran leadership and depth. He spent time with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, where he typically functioned as a situational player. Later, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals, rounding out his experience across several NFC and AFC environments. While his playing time varied, each stop reinforced his focus on preparation and reliability.
Team Overview in Brief
| Team | Years Active | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 2013–2017 | Primary starter/guard, rotational starter |
| Oakland Raiders | 2018–2019 | Backup guard, situational starter |
| Miami Dolphins | 2020 | Depth chart contributor, special teams |
| New England Patriots | 2020 | Situational play, veteran presence |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2021 | Depth option, mentorship role |
Position, Role, and In-Game Function
As a guard, Richie Incognito operated in the interior offensive line, responsible for both run and pass protection. His duties included clearing lanes for running backs, protecting the quarterback on dropbacks, and sustaining blocks downfield. Successful guards combine power, leverage, and footwork, and Incognito’s career reflects ongoing development in these fundamentals. Understanding his position helps clarify how each team utilized his specific skill set.
Core Responsibilities of a Guard
- Execute zone and man-blocking schemes against defensive fronts.
- Provide second-level support by engaging linebackers.
- Maintain gap integrity and sustain blocks to enable play extensions.
- Communicate protections and adjust to pre-snap looks.
Career Highlights and Context
While Richie Incognito’s career did not include Pro Bowl selections or major individual awards, it is defined by persistence and adaptability. Moving between multiple teams in a short timeframe is common for veteran players seeking consistent opportunities. This section summarizes key career phases to provide context without overstating achievements. The focus remains on factual roster history and the role he played within each organization.
Summary of Career Timeline
- 2013: Drafted by Buffalo Bills, began regular season contributions.
- 2014–2017: Developed as a core member of the Bills’ offensive line.
- 2018–2019: Joined Oakland Raiders, added depth and rotation.
- 2020: Split season between Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
- 2021: Finished career with Arizona Cardinals in a mentorship role.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team was Richie Incognito most associated with?
The Buffalo Bills were his primary team, where he played the majority of his games and developed as a starter. This represents his most consistent and longest tenure in the league.
Did Richie Incognito ever start games?
Yes, he earned snaps as a starter and rotational starter, particularly during his peak years with the Bills. Workload varied by season and opponent matchup.
How did moving between teams affect his career?
Moving teams provided opportunities to stay active and contribute in different offensive systems. It also reflected the competitive nature of securing consistent playing time at a physically demanding position.