What the Super Bowl's biggest stars looked like when their careers started

Peyton Manning is the oldest player in this year's Super Bowl.

Here's what Peyton looked like on draft day in 1998.

Panthers defensive end Jared Allen is in his 12th year.

Here's Allen as a rookie with the Chiefs in 2004.

John Elway is now the general manager and executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos.

In 1983, Elway was a senior at Stanford.

At 33 years old, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery still had a productive year for the Panthers.

Here's Cotchery as a Jet in 2005.

DeMarcus Ware is still a pass-rushing beast for the Broncos 11 years into his career.

Here he is as a rookie with the Cowboys in 2005.

Ron Rivera has led the Panthers to the playoffs in three straight seasons.

In 1983, Rivera (left) was a senior linebacker at the University of California.

33-year-old tight end Owen Daniels has been big for the Broncos this postseason.

Here's Daniels as a rookie with the Texans in 2006.

After 8 seasons with the Houston Texans, Gary Kubiak is in his first year as head coach of the Denver Broncos.

In 1987, Kubiak was a backup quarterback to John Elway.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis is in his 11th season, and will play the Super Bowl with ten screws in his arm.

The Panthers have been graced with Davis' toughness for his entire 11-year career.

Tight end Vernon Davis was fortunate to be traded to the Broncos midseason.

Davis had previously been with the 49ers since 2006.

Ted Ginn Jr. went from bust to irreplaceable receiver for the Panthers this season.

Here he is as a speedy, promising rookie with the Dolphins in 2007.

Broncos guard Evan Mathis is the second oldest player on the team.

He actually began his career with the Panthers in 2005!

This is Panthers safety Roman Harper's second Super Bowl.

Here he is as a rookie with the Saints 10 years ago.

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen is Cam Newton's favorite target.

He's become one of the NFL's best tight ends since being drafted by Chicago in 2007.

Aqib Talib has had a long, winding journey to become the Broncos' star cornerback.

He doesn't look much different from his rookie year with the Buccaneers in 2008!

Jonathan Stewart was the Panthers' leading rusher this season.

He's been steady for the Panthers since being drafted by the team in 2008.

Now check out some of the wild stories about Peyton Manning's intensity...

25 examples of Peyton Manning's insane competitiveness >