Top 10 active players without a Super Bowl ring

You might've heard that the Panthers and Broncos are squaring off in Super Bowl 50. What you might not have realized: This guarantees that one of the NFL's most decorated active defenders will be earning his first ring. Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware spent the last decade-plus collapsing pockets and chasing some pretty darn elusive QBs (guys like Mike Vick) -- all the while getting chipped, clipped and who knows what else in the trenches. Yet neither owns the ultimate football bling. SB50 will change that for one of them -- but where do they stand among the best active players without a ring?

Below are the 10 most deserving candidates for a Lombardi Trophy. To be considered, a player must be heading toward his 10th season in 2016. The more service, the more worthy. Hit me with your thoughts: @HarrisonNFL.

Toughest cuts: Tony Romo, Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates.