The Best PlayStation 2 Football Games

Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best PlayStation 2 Football Games
Voting Rules
Games don't have to be console exclusive, as long as they were released for PlayStation 2 at some point.

If you owned a PS2 at any time during your life, then it's safe to say there were probably a few football games in your collection. Whether it's NFL or NCAA college football, taking the role of quarterback and slinging touchdown passes to teammates is one of the greatest joys a video game can bring you. With so many great options to choose from, there was never a shortage of games to play for fans of the genre. Since some games were much better than others, we've decided to rank the best PS2 football games of all time.

This list will feature the most popular and best selling football games that were released for PS2. While many of these games were console exclusive, we're allowing non-exclusives to be a part of the list as well. You can vote for any of these items, from Madden NFL 2002 to NCAA Football 06.

Vote for your favorite video games below, and feel free to add any that you think deserve to be on the list.
Most divisive: Madden NFL 2001
Ranked by
  • ESPN NFL 2K5
    1
    251 votes
    • Developer: Visual Concepts

    With ESPN NFL 2K5, you'll feel like an all-star quarterback calling the shots in this addictively immersive football simulation. Step into the cleats of your favorite NFL players and experience the thrill of strategic gameplay as you overcome challenging obstacles and plot game-winning strategies. This groundbreaking game won over die-hard fans with its realistic graphics, bone-crushing tackles, and intuitive controls - making it a touchdown hit among sports gaming enthusiasts.

  • NCAA Football 06
    2
    Jul 11 2005
    178 votes
    • Developer: EA Tiburon

    Grab your pom-poms and get ready for the college football game that redefined the genre - NCAA Football 06! Take control of your alma mater's gridiron heroes and guide them on their journey to glory, from freshman year to bowl victories. With the innovative Race for the Heisman mode, lightning-fast gameplay, and true-to-life collegiate atmosphere, this title remains a fan-favorite long after the final whistle.

  • Madden NFL 2005
    3
    105 votes
    • Developer: EA Tiburon, Budcat Creations, Exient Entertainment

    Madden NFL 2005 brought the heat with its revolutionary Hit Stick mechanic and deepened defensive gameplay, making it a must-have for any pigskin aficionado. Assemble your dream team and battle for gridiron supremacy while savoring the compelling storylines and realistic animations that influenced future installments. The impact of Madden NFL 2005 is undeniable - it blitzed onto the scene and left an indelible mark on the sports gaming landscape.

  • Madden NFL 08
    4
    81 votes
    • Developer: EA Tiburon

    Step onto the field and feel the electricity in the air with Madden NFL 08 - the game that put the "boom" in "booming punt." Refine your skills with intense gameplay and a new branching animation system that showcases jaw-dropping moves. Its unparalleled realism, engaging storyline, and unforgettable moments secured its place in the hearts of football fans everywhere.

  • Madden NFL 07
    5
    94 votes
    • Developer: EA Canada, HB Studios, EA Tiburon, Exient Entertainment

    Get ready to shake the gridiron in Madden NFL 07, where you’ll build your football dynasty from the ground up. Navigate through engaging storylines, immerse yourself in adrenaline-pumping gameplay, and mastermind your team's success all the way to the Super Bowl. Madden NFL 07's innovative rushing controls and expansive franchise mode had an undeniable impact on the sports gaming world.

  • NCAA Football 2004
    6
    76 votes
    • Developer: EA Tiburon, Exient Entertainment

    Lead your favorite college team to glory in NCAA Football 2004, the game that set the standard for virtual pigskin on campus. Revel in the excitement of the college atmosphere while executing complex plays and battling fierce rivalries. Fans of this classic title will always remember the hype surrounding its release and the lasting effect it had on the NCAA Football series.