Raymond Berry was one of the first really effective receiving options in the history of the NFL, despite putting up numbers that were easily surpassed by todays players. The current generation hopes to build on that success, but they'll have to provide plenty of reason to supplant those below who remain amongst the greatest players to ever put on a U.S. Soccer shirt. Accomplishments: 9x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2000s Team. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1967; 2-time NFL champion (1949, 60); 1st-team All-Pro (1950, 51, 52, 53, 54, 60); 8-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, New York Giants, Chicago Cardinals, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1963); First-team All-pro (1923), Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1998); Super Bowl XX Champion; 7-time First-team All-pro (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991); Second-team All-pro (1990); 10 pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1963); 2-time First-team All-pro (1930, 1931). Teams: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, HOF All-1990s Team. Aside from his football skills, Payton was also an incredible man off the field. There has never been a better returner in NFL history than Devin Hester, earning him a spot in our top 100 NFL players of all-time. Antonio Gates spent a decade and a half in the NFL, and was incredibly effective during that time period. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2008; 2-time Super Bowl champion (1987, 91); 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year; 1st-team All-Pro (1991); 7-time Pro Bowler. Gene Upshaw was another piece of the Oakland Raiders offensive line that makes this list, after Art Shell was a part of it earlier in the countdown. Butkus made two separate all-decade teams for his efforts. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, HOF All-1960s Team, HOF All-1970s Team. Tarkenton threw for 47,003 yards in his career and 342 touchdown passes. Emmitt Smith is a former American footballer who helped the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League win three Super Bowl championships between 1993 and 1996. He is known for his match-winning Helmet Catch. As mentioned earlier, Lawrence Taylor has to get the nod as the best player in the history of the league. Peterson is in the top-five all-time in rushing yards and touchdowns, and is one of the all-time great backs. J.J. Watt spent the bulk of his NFL career toiling for a less than stellar franchise in the Houston Texans. MORE: Meet all 26 players representing the USMNT at World Cup 2022. 5. Michael Strahan is a journalist, television personality, and former professional American football player. There might not be a better moniker for a defensive player in the history of the NFL than Mean Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The series was based on a list of the top 100 National Football League players of all time, as compiled by a "blue-ribbon" panel assembled by the NFL Network. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1970s Team, HOF All-1980s Team, 1974 AP DRoY, 1976 AP DPoY. The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram. ), (One of the Greatest Quarterbacks of All Time), (American Football Quarterback and 10-Time Winner of Pro Bowl), (Former American Football Player, Coach and Only Athlete to Play in Both 'Super Bowl' and 'World Series'), (Former American Football Player Who Played as a Quarterback), (Former Professional American Football Player and Television Personality), (One of the Greatest and Most Talented Football Wide Receivers of All Time), (American Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Quarterback). He co-produced a film,The Book of Eli, and rose to fame as an actor with HBO drama series,Ballers. Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2000s Team, 2004 AP DPoY. Vote for Your Favourite American Football Players, (One of the Greatest American Football Quarterbacks of All-Time With Majority of Quarterback Records to His Credit. Now a member of Fox's soccer analysis team, a man once known for his love of seclusion has ripped off his hard outer shell and brought his swagger to the broadcast world, and U.S. fans today are much better for it. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF in 1985; NFL MVP 1971, Super Bowl VI MVP; 22,700 passing yards, 153 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns, 2,264 rushing yards; lost statistics by delaying entry into NFL for four years because of military commitment after graduating from the Naval Academy. Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Accomplishments: 5x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2010s Team, 2014 Comeback Player of the Year. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 14x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, HOF All-1960s Team, HOF All-1970s Team. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (2013); Super Bowl champ; 4-time First-team All-Pro (1997, 2000, 2002, 2003); 5-time Second-team All-Pro (1998, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006); 11 pro bowls. Widely regarded as one of the greatest middle linebackers in the history of NFL, Ray Lewis helped his team win two Super Bowl championships. His NFL record of 47 straight games with a touchdown pass went unbroken until 2012, not by Brady or Manning, but by Drew Brees. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1977); 3-time Super Bowl Champion, 7-time First-team All-pro (1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967); nine pro bowls. Hester returned 14 punts and five kickoffs for touchdowns in his career, as he helped the Chicago Bears reach a Super Bowl with his dangerous returning prowess. Harrison was hailed as one of the best route runners of all-time, constantly finding space to get open when defenses knew that Peyton Manning was going to throw to him. Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (2019); 6-time First-team All-Pro (1999-2001, 2003, 2008, 2012); 4-time Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2006, 2007); 14-time Pro Bowler (tied for most all-time); holds the NFL record for total receiving yards by a TE (15,127); Leads the NFL in career receptions for TEs (1,325); Second in NFL history for receptions behind Jerry Rice; tied for most seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards by a TE (4). The reason behind Payton is known as Sweetness, one being the sweet way he ran the ball and the other being his higher-pitched voice and sweet conduct. A humanitarian, Smith is credited with founding a nonprofit organization called the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. He made 11 Pro Bowls during his career, and will always be remembered for causing a 29-yard los in the Super Bowl against the Miami Dolphins with a sack. That would launch Reyna into a wonderful club career that included time at German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, Scottish giants Rangers, and English clubs Sunderland and Manchester City before finishing at the New York Red Bulls domestically. Teams: San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 7x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, AFL champion. However, he has accolades to back up that claim. Deacon Jones was known as the Minister of Defense, as he was one of the first players to really become known for putting pressure on the quarterback and racking up sacks. Bradshaw was able to throw the ball deep to targets like Lynn Swann on a regular basis, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers win multiple Super Bowls in the process. Unitas played 18 seasons in the NFL, throwing 290 touchdown passes and launching over 5,000 pass attempts. Ware ended his career in the top 10 in sacks, finishing ahead of all-time greats such as John Randle and even Lawrence Taylor in that department. Rodgers is known for making some truly incredible throws while on the run, including a series of Hail Mary passes that most quarterbacks couldnt even dream of making. Yes, his 64 career interceptions were impressive, but Reed also scored nine defensive touchdowns in his career, and constantly returned interceptions a great distance to give his team better field position. Walter Jones paved the way for offensive success for the Seattle Seahawks for over a decade. 151 68 Birthdate: August 3, 1977 Sun Sign: Leo Birthplace: San Mateo, California, United States A record six-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady is regarded by many as the greatest quarterback ever. During his 18-year career, Manning was recognized for his audibles and vast knowledge of the offenses he ran. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, HOF All-2000s Team. Everyone has their own opinion, some say Lionel Messi is the best player in the world right now, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues to impress at 33 and his accolades make him a serious choice. His career halted after an injury, but Bradshaw soon established himself as a prominent television football analyst for Fox NFL Sunday. Donovan's goal against Algeria in the dying seconds of the 2010 World Cup group stage is one of the most iconic moments in American soccer history. Apart from being a retired player with several achievements and records under his belt, Favre is also a philanthropist; in 1996, he set up the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, which has donated over $2 million to charities. Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 6x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, HOF All-2000s Team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had some of the most fearsome defenses in the NFL during the 2000s, and Derrick Brooks was a huge reason why. The 50 picks come from 32 schools, with Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, USC and Illinois standing above the rest with three selections each. Moon was simply ahead of his time with the way he could push the ball downfield. But he was also able to force turnovers, notching 11 career interceptions and 21 fumble recoveries as a defensive lineman. Joining a passing game led by Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, Smith fit right in in the Dallas backfield. A few Super Bowls later, Smith ended his career with multiple championships, along with the all-time record for rushing yards. 1 all-time; 4,409 attempts, No. Ties were broken by using the highest single vote a player received. Brady is known for being the only quarterback in history to win 7 Super Bowls, and is often considered one of the best quarterbacks of all time . Berry retired from football with the lead in all-time receptions and receiving yards, and was remembered for catching 12 balls for 178 yards and a score in the 1958 NFL Championship Game. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1980; Super Bowl Champion (1972); 1st-team All-Pro (1964, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71); 11-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (2019); Super Bowl Champion; 5-time First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006-2008, 2010); 3-time Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011); 9-time Pro Bowler; NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2004); Tied for Most Career Playoff Interceptions (9); Longest Interception Return in NFL History (107 yards); Most Career Interception Return Yards (1,590); First player in NFL history to return an interception, punt, blocked punt and fumble for a TD; Holds the record for most multi-interception games in a career (12); Tied for most career blocked punts returned for TD (3), Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1974); 7-time first-team All-Pro (1956-1957, 1959-1963); 7 Pro Bowls; 4th most interceptions in NFL history (68); most interceptions in a season in NFL history (14), Teams: San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Achievements: Super Bowl XLIV champion; 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2011); First-team All-pro (2006); 12 pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1972; 2-time NFL champion (1958, 59); 1st-team All-Pro (1957, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64); 11-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons. Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, 2x NFL MVP, HOF All-1980s Team, 1986 PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, 1989 AP OPoY. Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the National Football League (NFL), Peterson became the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 rushing yards in 2013. Eight on all-time rushing list coming into 2019 season. Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1970s Team, HOF All-1980s Team. Besides sports, he co-hosts the Fox game show,Ultimate Tag. Achievements: Two-time Super Bowl champion. Known to his fans as the Big Ben, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had captained his high-school basketball, baseball, and football teams. With that, here are the best 100 player in NFL history: Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010); 3-time Super Bowl champ; Super Bowl MVP; NFL MVP; 13 Pro Bowls; Leads the NFL in all-purpose touchdowns (208); Leads the NFL in receiving yards (22,895); Only player in NFL history with more than 20,000 receiving yards; Leads the NFL in total receptions (1,549); Leads the NFL in all-purpose yards (23,546); Leads the NFL in TD receptions (197); leads the NFL in consecutive games with at least one reception (274); holds 36 total NFL records, Achievements: 6-time Super Bowl champ; 4-time Super Bowl MVP; 3-time NFL MVP; 3-time First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2017); 2-time Second-team All-Pro (2005, 2016); 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010); NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009); Holds NFL record for most Super Bowl wins as a player (6); Holds multiple Super Bowl records including most TD passes (18), most passing yards (2,838), most completed passes (256), most passing attempts (392) and most consecutive competitions in a single SB (16); Holds NFL record for most games won by a QB (207); only QB to have 3 consecutive games w/ 300+ passing yards, 3+ TD passes and 0 interceptions; Tied for most Pro Bowl selections (14); Holds NFL record for most postseason games played (40); Holds NFL record for most postseason TD passes (73); Oldest QB to win a Super Bowl (41 years, 6 months), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1999); 2-time Super Bowl champ; 10-time Pro Bowl; 9-time first-team All-Pro (1981-1989); second-team All-Pro (1990); NFL MVP (1986); 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986); NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971); 1964 NFL Champ; 4-time NFL MVP (1957,1958, 1963, 1965); 8-time first-team All-Pro (1957-1961, 1963-1965); All-Pro 2nd-team (1962); 9 Pro Bowls appearances; NFL Rookie of the Year (1957); 1st player to reach 100 rushing touchdowns ; 1st NFL player to rush for over 10,000 yards; 10th most touchdowns in NFL history (126); 5th most rushing TDs in NFL history (106); Leads the NFL in average rushing yards per game in career (104.3), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1993); Super Bowl champ; 7-time first-team All-Pro (1976-1980, 1984, 1985); second-team All-Pro (1986); NFL MVP (1977); NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1977); second leading rusher in NFL history (16,726); 4th most rushing TDs in NFL history (110), Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000); 4-time Super Bowl champ; 3-time Super Bowl MVP; 2-time NFL MVP (1989, 1990); 8 Pro Bowl invites; 3-time first-team All-Pro (1987, 1989, 1990); 2-time second-team All-Pro (1981, 1984); holds a Super Bowl record passer rating of 127.8; holds Super Bowl records for most throws without an interception (122), Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2006; Super Bowl champion (1996); AP Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 98); 1st-team All-Pro (1986, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 95, 98); 13-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Achievements: 2-time Super Bowl champ; Super Bowl MVP; 14-time Pro Bowl; 7-time first-team All-Pro (2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013); 3-time second-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2006); 5-time NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013); 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004, 2013); leads the NFL in career TD passes (539); holds the NFL record for most passing yards in a single season (5,477 in 2013); 2nd most passing yards in NFL history (71,940); 3rd most passes completed in NFL history (6,125), Teams: Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1979); Super Bowl champ; 3-time NFL Champ; 3rd longest TD streak in NFL history (47 games). Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 10x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1970s Team, 1969 AP DRoY, 2x AP DPoY. Accomplishments: 3x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, 2018 NFL MVP, 2018 AP OPoY. He won the Gold Cup an incredible five times, even winning the 2005 tournament's Golden Boot award. Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 7x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 3x Super Bowl champion, 2x NFL MVP, 1992 AP OPoY. As a rising star in the coaching ranks, we haven't seen the last of Landon Donovan. Carlos Bocanegra Earning 110 caps for the U.S. national team while testing himself at the club level in England, France, and Scotland, Carlos Bocanegra is one of the best defenders in American history. Are you sure that you want to delete this comment? Hester returned 14 punts and five kickoffs for touchdowns in his career, as he helped the Chicago Bears reach a Super Bowl with his dangerous returning prowess. ESPN Fantasy Football experts Field Yates, Stephania Bell, Mike Clay and Daniel Dopp provide daily strategy, previews, injury reports, and debates around news and notes of the day. Alworth had a run of scoring 10 or more touchdowns in five of six seasons, helping him get to his career total of 85. Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2009; 2001 Super Bowl champion; 1993 AP Defensive Player of the Year; 1st-team All-Pro (1989, 90, 92, 92, 94, 2002); 11-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1999; 1986 AP Offensive Player of the Year; 1st-team All-Pro (1983, 84, 86, 87, 88); 6-time Pro Bowler, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1989; 4-time Super Bowl champion (1974, 75, 78, 79); 1975 AP Defensive Player of Year; 1st-team All-Pro (1975, 81); 5-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1985; 1973 NFL AP MVP; 1973 Bert Bell Award winner; 1st-team All-Pro (1972, 73, 74, 75, 76); 6-time Pro Bowler, Achievements: Super Bowl XLV champion; 2x NFL MVP (2011, 2014); Super Bowl XLV MVP; 2-time First-team All-pro (2011, 2014); Second-team All-pro (2012); Seven pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1978; 3-time NFL champion (1961 62, 65); 2-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 67); 1st-team All-Pro (1964, 65); Pro Bowler. Those votes produced a list of 170 names. Teams: Cleveland (AAFC), Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers. With several NFL records under his belt, Beckham Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most popular and productive players of all time. Teams: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1990s Team, 1994 AP DPoY. Thousands of players have competed in the NFL over the course of the leagues history, but only a select group can be considered among the greatest of all time. He spent seven years with Ajax in the Netherlands, and became a central figure at the 2002 World Cup where he scored the opening goal in the 3-2 upset of Portugal. Owens ended his career in the top-three in receiving yards and touchdowns, and was one of three players all-time to end his career with at least 150 receiving touchdowns. In 2010, he was the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year and the co-chair of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He, like Jones, however, failed to test himself in Europe despite many opportunities to do so, instead spending the entirety of his playing career domestically. During his 18-year career, Manning was recognized for his audibles and vast knowledge of the offenses he ran. [Brown was a first-team All-American at Alabama in both the 110-meter hurdles and 4x100-meter relay, and his personal best in the 100-meter is a blazing 10.12 seconds. Peyton Manning was surgical on the football field, from his passing accuracy to the way that he would call his own plays and make adjustments to his teams offense from the field. Lalas played two seasons in Serie A with Italian club Padova before spending the rest of his career domestically, and has since become a popular yet infamous pundit with Fox's soccer coverage. Webster helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls between 1974 and 1979. He helped usher in the Super Bowl era with two Super Bowls after winning five pre-Super Bowl titles. The mystery player will play in the NFL. 50. He also competed at the 2017 . Matthews made an eye-popping 14 Pro Bowls in a row, and was one of the reasons that players like Eddie George and Steve McNair were able to flourish with the Titans franchise. Thanks to the less than demanding nature of kicking, age wasnt anything but a number for those players. Accomplishments: 8x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, HOF All-2000s Team. Our panel: Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY; Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press; Christine Brennan, USA TODAY; Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer; Nate Davis, USA TODAY; Pete Dougherty Green Bay Press-Gazette; Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star; Gentry Estes, Nashville Tennessean; Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire; Martin Frank, Wilmington (Del.) Tony Dorsett was another 12,000 yard rusher who spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, helping their offense move in the late 1970s into the 1980s. Polamalu had 32 interceptions in his Steelers career, but his ability to blow up plays in the backfield and make an impact anywhere on the field was what made him one of the all-time great defenders in NFL history. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 11x Pro Bowl, 7x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1960s Team, HOF All-1970s Team. Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 14x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, HOF All-2000s Team. Son of famous actor, Denzel Washington, John David Washington is a former professional footballer who played in the NFL Europe and the United Football League (UFL). While he never won a Super Bowl ring, Dan Marino was and always will be one of the most notable quarterbacks ever to take an NFL field. Often Rob Gronkowski has been one of the faces for the top good-looking NFL players numerous times. Irvin was a dynamic receiving threat, amassing over 11,000 receiving yards for his career. Accomplishments: 4x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, HOF All-2000s Team, HOF All-2010s Team. We have witnessed some of the greatest athletes of all time reveal the wildness of football on the grid. Dickerson is one of just nine running backs in the history of the NFL to rush for 13,000 yards in his career, and he had 90 scores on the ground to show for all that yardage. There is no denying that he is the GOAT in the NFL. He is now a coach and a sports analyst. By Tony Adame on December 9, 2022. Instant access to the past fights. As a running back, O.J. Given the lack of success for the franchise since then, his impact has been very clear. The midfielder was known for his distribution and calming influence and is often considered one of most talented midfielders that America has ever produced. Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Accomplishments: HOF, 5x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 1979 NFL MVP, HOF All-1970s Team, 1978 AP ORoY, 3x AP OPoY. Accomplishments: 9x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, 3x NFL MVP, HOF All-2010s Team. Nicknamed Sweetness, Walter Payton was an incredibly gifted athlete for the Chicago Bears. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 6x All-Pro, 2x NFL champion, HOF All-1950s Team. Jonathan Ogden was not always responsible for protecting a quality quarterback in Baltimore as a member of the Ravens. Accomplishments: 11x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro, HOF All-2010s Team. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 4x Pro Bowl, 8x All-Pro, 3x NFL champion, HOF All-1930s Team. Larry Fitzgerald spent his career with just one team: the Arizona Cardinals. Justin Tucker might just be the greatest kicker in the history of the NFL. Started 142 regular-season games. That nickname was well-deserved, too, as Greene brought a physicality up front that made things easier on the rest of the Steelers teams that went on to win four Super Bowls. Kyle Bonn is a soccer content producer for The Sporting News. Despite his power running, Payton was incredibly durable. Exclusive NFL analysis directly in your inbox, Top players in the history of each NFL franchise, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 2x Super Bowl champion, 1987 NFL MVP, HOF All-1990s Team. His ability to rush the passer from a linebacker spot opened the door for more hybrid pass rushers, who didnt have to play out of a three-point stance to have success. 1. Romo played as a quarterback and represented the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League for 14 seasons. Raiders. He was memorialized in the 1951 film Jim Thorpe All-American. From 1992 on, Young had four seasons with 25 or more touchdown passes, and multiple 4,000 yard passing seasons for a Niners team that made things easy on Jerry Rice with Youngs quarterback play. Reggie White. Teams: Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 1990 AP OPoY. Jerry Rices case makes him exclusive because of his endurance and extended excellence. When the game is on the line, only Adam Vinatieri could be argued as a kicker you would want more. But he also had a great second act in Atlanta as a member of the Falcons, catching touchdowns from Matt Ryan. Teams: Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion. He became a fan favorite at Fulham alongside McBride, and captained the U.S. in the famous 2009 Confederations Cup run as well as at the 2010 World Cup. According to the great Jim Brown, Payton was a warrior and never ran out of bounds to avoid a hit. Accomplishments: 4x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2010s Team. America's College Football Podcast since 2008. A player who played without fear fear of the opposition, or fear of injury Brian McBride became known for leaving it all out on the field. Able to take on defenders one-on-one and also put in a tackle, Ramos could make magic with the ball at his feet. Bruce Smith is the only player in the history of the NFL to amass 200 sacks in their career. Everton fans will remember the sensational goal he scored against Bolton from 100 yards away, and whether it was intentional or not the driving wind caught Adam Bogdanoff guard on what appeared to be a routine goal kick it goes down as one of the most memorable goalkeeper moments in Premier League history. Tillman's decision to join the US Army after the September 11, 2001 attacks proved to be costly as he died in Afghanistan as a result of friendly fire. And Miller, at 845 snaps, has played more than any true freshman . I believe Ive reached my goal. -Reggie White. NFL DRoY (Defensive Rookie of the Year) (1974), 4-times First Team All-Pro (1937, 40, 42, 43), Multiple records (rushing yards, touchdowns, attempts), 3-times Second Team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011), Tied for Most Career Playoff Interceptions (9), Longest Interception Return in NFL History (107 yards), Most Career Interception Return Yards (1,590), First player in NFL history to return an interception, punt, blocked punt, and fumble for a TD, Holds the record for most multi-interception games in a career (12), Tied for most career blocked punts returned for TD (3). He played for teams like Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 5x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 2006 NFL MVP, HOF All-2000s Team, 2006 AP OPoY. In addition to having one of the best nicknames in all of sports, Dick Night Train Lane, was also one of the best defensive backs that the sport has ever seen. MORE: USA squad, starting lineup for 2022 FIFA World Cup. Alworth was famous for helping to elevate the San Diego Chargers offense in particular. The NFL is the most exciting sport in the world to follow up. Ray Lewis is a former American football player who spent his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1986; 1975 NFL MVP; 1st-team All-Pro (1975); nine pro bowls (1964-65, 1967-70, 1974-76). There may not have been a quarterback more willing to take chances throwing the ball down the field than Brett Favre. Some athletes in this ranking are celebrated for their winning, career length, or tributes. Tony Romo is a former American football player. He was born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina's third-biggest city. Another ball hawking Woodson to make this list, Rod Woodson became one of just three players all-time to snag 70 or more interceptions in his career. The multitalented 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year stunned everyone when he became the youngest starting quarterback to score a Super Bowl victory in 2006. Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 11x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, 3x NFL MVP, HOF All-1990s Team, 1995 AP OPoY. No. Jack Lambert was another intimidating linebacker from the Pittsburgh Steel Curtain defense that made the Steelers great in the 1970s. Green notched 54 career interceptions, and helped bolster the back end of a Washington defense whose job was made much easier by the Redskins clock-munching running game. Junior Seau was a linebacker that struck fear into the hearts of opponents on a regular basis. His interception numbers arent up there on the all-time list, but that is because he was so good at what he did that teams would simply opt not to throw to his side of the field in many cases. He showed an enormous . He also played heavy minutes as a punter and DB, probably due to the relative size of the league back then. Shell helped the Raiders win two Super Bowls during the era that was led by legendary coach John Madden and Ken Stabler, and was named to the leagues 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Jack Ham was a key member of the Steel Curtain defense that the Steelers used to employ in the 1970s. Chuck Bednarik was intimidating as a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, making eight Pro Bowls and being named to his all-decade team. Indeed, he has impeccable taste in dress and flexes them to tone his shape. But it is not suited for Jerry. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1986); Started 146 of 149 regular-season games. Ham helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls during that era, as the Steelers linebacker served to intimidate opponents with his ability to deliver hard hits on a regular basis to help his team. In that tournament, Friedel became the first goalkeeper since 1976 to save two non-shootout penalties at a World Cup, stopping efforts in a 1-1 draw with South Korea and a shocking 3-2 upset win over Portugal. The top 50 field players. Marino threw for over 60,000 yards as a member of the Miami Dolphins, notching an incredible 420 touchdown passes for a team that was regularly one of the best in the AFC. Jim Thorpe was a player in the NFL during a time where statistics like rush attempts and rushing yards werent kept yet. Teams: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 6x Pro Bowl, 5x All-Pro, 1973 NFL MVP, HOF All-1970s Team, 1973 AP OPoY. Anthony Munoz is the best offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. Singletary kept the tradition of intimidating linebackers alive in Chicago. Find out more about the greatest American Football Players, including Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, O. J. Simpson, Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 8x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1970s Team. Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 6x Pro Bowl, 2x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-1970s Team. As the saying goes, defense wins championships. A 12-year NFL career as the hardest hitter in football is no joke. Ive given everything I can possible to the game, on and off the field.. John Hannah is one of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game of professional football. The challenge was daunting, considering each person had to assess talent back to 1920. Whether you reach your own greatness depends on your environment, your structure, the company you keep and your attitude. The leader of the 2000s Baltimore Ravens defenses, Ray Lewis was a middle linebacker that would change the way opponents would play offense. Players from the Steel Curtain defense from Pittsburgh in the 1970s, or players like Ray Nitschke, who paved the way for the modern defensive standouts wouldnt be a bad choice either. Imagine playing for nearly two decades at such a violent position and only missing two All-Pro, and Pro Bowl nods for your entire career. The only year that Olsen didnt get into the Pro Bowl was his final season. A staple of the Peyton Manning-era Colts offenses that were among the best in NFL history, Edgerrin James was dangerous as a rusher and receiver. Despite holding offers from European clubs, Reyna chose instead to play college soccer at Virginia under Bruce Arena, where he won the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy as the best collegiate player in the nation. (One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in the History of the National Football League), (American Former Professional Football Wide Receiver), (American Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Middle Linebacker), (One of the Greatest American Football Players of All Time), (The Third African-American Quarterback to Win A Super Bowl), (One of the Greatest Football Wide Receivers of All Time), (American Football Player Who Plays as a Quarterback), (Former American Football Player and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History), Quarterback Dan Marino had a successful stint with the, (One of the Greatest Defensive Linemen of All Time), (Former American football Outside linebacker), (American Former Professional Football Player Who Played in the Running Back Position), (Former American Professional Football Player Who Played in the Running Back Position), Football running back Marshawn Lynch, also known as, (One of the Greatest Running Backs in American Football History), (Former Baseball & Football Player, the Only Professional Athlete in History to be Named an 'All-Star' in Both), (Former American Football Player & Actor Known for His Roles in Series 'Ballers' and Films: 'BlacKkKlansman' and 'Tenet'), (Former American Professional Football Quarterback Known for His Time with the NFL Team 'Dallas Cowboys'), (American Professional Football Player Who Joined Army After September 11, 2001 Attacks), (Actor and Former American Professional Football Player Known for His Role as Apollo Creed in Rocky Film Series), American Female American Football Players. While Reggie White was eventually overtaken by Bruce Smith for the all-time sacks lead, White played in fewer seasons than Smith. 1 Tom Brady (One of the Greatest American Football Quarterbacks of All-Time With Majority of Quarterback Records to His Credit.) Achievements: Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973; 2-time NFL champion (1958, 59); 1st-team All-Pro (1958, 59, 60); 6-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1991; 1979 AP MVP; NFL PFWA MVP (1978, 79); AP Offensive Player of the Year (1978, 1979, 1980); 1st-team All-Pro (1978, 79, 80); 5-time Pro Bowler, Teams: San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (2015); 8-time First-team All-Pro (1991-1996, 1998, 2000); 2-time Second-team All-Pro (1997, 1999); NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992); NFL Man of the Year (1994); 12-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Achievements: Super Bowl XLV champion; 2009 Defensive Player of the Year; 3-time First-team All-Pro (1999, 2009, 2011); Four-time Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2008, 2010, 2015); nine pro bowls; NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Teams: San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1978); Super Bowl VI champion; AFL Champion (1963); AFL Player of the Year (1963); 6-time First-team All-Pro (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968); Second-team All-Pro (1969); seven pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1977); 2-time Super Bowl champ; 2-time Super Bowl MVP; 5-time NFL champ; 4-time Pro Bowl; first-team All-Pro (1966); 3-time second-team All-Pro (1961, 1962, 1964); NFL MVP (1966); holds the NFL record for the highest postseason passer rating (104.8), Achievements: 5-time First-team All-Pro (2012-2015, 2018); 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015); Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2017); 5-time Pro Bowler; Pro Bowl Defensive MVP (2014); Bert Bell Award (2014); first player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014), Achievements: 1st-team All-Pro (2008); 2-time 2nd-team All-pro (2009, 2011), 11-time Pro Bowler, Pro-Bowl MVP (2008); Holds NFL record for most seasons with 90+ receptions (8); Most TD receptions in a postseason (7 in 2008); Most receptions in a postseason (30 in 2008); Most receiving yards in a postseason (546 in 2008); Third all-time in career receptions (1,303); Second all-time in career receiving yards (16,279), Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1997); 5-time First-team All-pro (1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983); Second-team All-Pro (1984); nine pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (1988); 4-time Super Bowl champ; 6-time First-team All-Pro (1974-1979); 2-time Second-team All-Pro (1973, 1980); NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975); 8-time Pro Bowler. A midfield passing wizard, Bradley is one of just three U.S. player ever to eclipse 150 caps. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1991; 1st-team All-Pro (1976, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 85); 9-time Pro Bowler. On the international level, he holds the fifth-fastest goal in World Cup history with his opener against Ghana in 2014, and he remains Fulham's all-time Premier League top goalscorer with 50 top-flight strikes. Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 14x Pro Bowl, 7x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champion, 5x NFL MVP, HOF All-2000s Team, 2x AP OPoy, 2012 AP Comeback Player of the Year. Eight pro bowls (1968-75). Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1980; 3-time Super Bowl Champion (1965, 66, 67); 1st-team All-Pro (1962, 63, 65, 66); 5-time Pro Bowler, Teams: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts. Marshall Faulk was able to do it all out of the backfield for the St. Louis Rams in his day. Teams: Oorang Indians, New York Giants, Canton Bulldogs, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 1x All-Pro, HOF All-1920s Team. On a team where defense and smash-mouth football were often the focus, the speed and agility of Payton provided a nice counter to the brutality that often won the day on the other side of the ball for the Bears. Claudio Reyna. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2013; 1995 Super Bowl Champion; 1st-team All-Pro (1996, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 01); 11-time Pro Bowler, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1989; 4-time Super Bowl champion (1974, 75, 78, 79) ; 1978 AP MVP; Super Bowl MVP (1978, 79); 1978 Bert Bell Award winner; 1st-team All-Pro (1978); 3-time Pro Bowler, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1965; 1943 Joe F. Carr MVP Trophy winner; 4-time NFL Champion (1940, 41, 43, 46); 1st-team All-Pro (1941, 42, 43, 44. Drew Brees finished his NFL career as the first player to ever throw for 80,000 yards. Teams: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Accomplishments: 3x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 4x Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2000s Team. Known for his versatility and grit, Jones was an ever-present figure for the U.S. national team and a critical component of many World Cup squads and CONCACAF battles. Tim Brown played most of his career during an era of the NFL where passing offenses were not as prolific as they are today. Find out more about the greatest American Football Players, including Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, O. J. Simpson, Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers. Teams: Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 9x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, HOF All-2000s Team, 1998 AP DRoY, 2009 AP DPoY. Described as one of the greatest American football players in the NFL by coach Mike Dikta, he was a prolific, versatile, swift rusher with a minimum of 300 rush attempt mark. Reggie White (RIP, Minister of Defense) is the peak edge attacker of all time. Middle fielder Claudio Reyna is considered as one of the best USMNT players of all time with 111 caps and 8 goals. His early opener against El Tri set the stage for "Dos a Cero" which still stands today as the only World Cup knockout stage victory in USMNT history. Bob Lilly was the key piece of the defense of the Dallas Cowboys during his playing career, during an era where the Cowboys defense was known as the Doomsday Defense. Since then, Janikowski has been one of the best kickers in the league. While his passing numbers have been overshadowed by the modern game, his ability to win big games will never be overshadowed. Yet his club achievements inspire hope, and even promise, that Pulisic can create moments in a U.S. shirt. Bruce Arena perfectly described Dempsey in three simple words: "He tries sht.". Vinatieri converted on 83.8% of his career field goal attempts, and made multiple game-winning kicks in Super Bowls. Teams: Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 11x Pro Bowl, 8x All-Pro, HOF All-1980s Team, HOF All-1990s Team, 2x AP DPoY. News Journal; Mike Jones, USA TODAY; Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY; Joe Rexrode, formerly Nashville Tennessean; Steven Ruiz, For The Win; Kent Somers, Arizona Republic; Rachel Shuster, former USA TODAY; Art Stapleton, Bergen (N.J. Record); Andy Vasquez, Bergen (N.J.) Record; Larry Weisman, former USA TODAY. But Sayers was one of the most dynamic running backs in the history of the NFL at that time, averaging five yards per carry during an era of competition where three yards and a cloud of dust were more common. Mike Webster might be the greatest center in the history of the NFL, as he served as the center of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in the 1970s. Drew is considered one of the best passers in NFL. There might be more iconic names to non-fans or casual fans that have already been listed, but Emmitt Smith is by far the greatest of the Cowboys offensive trio that made Dallas the juggernaut brand it is today. Michael Vick is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons during which he represented successful teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in nine seasons out of the 11 that he played, with only the first and last seasons of his career not resulting in a Pro Bowl nod. The race for the best kicker in the NFL is a two-horse race between Justin Tucker and Adam Vinatieri. Super Bowl champ. . Teams: St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Accomplishments: Hall of Fame, 4x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, 2x NFL MVP. Michael Irvin was arguably what made the Dallas Cowboys teams of the 1990s work. I work hard to keep in shape, I work hard on the practice field, I work hard in a game. He went on to play in 186 consecutive games after an injury in his rookie year. The best American football player in history is without a doubt, Jim Brown. Later, he ventured into acting, writing and music. Yet neither of those players had the sustained club and international success of DaMarcus Beasley, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more universally well-liked player than the Fort Wayne, Indiana product. 8 American Heritage (Plantation, Florida). While Reyna's career was fraught with injuries that left him often unfulfilled, including a devastating hamstring injury that left him unable to be a part of the 1994 World Cup hosted by the United States, but while on the field he dazzled fans. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (2016); 3-time First-team All-Pro (1999, 2001, 2003); Second-team All-Pro (2000); seven pro bowls. Brady has won seven Super Bowls in his career, winning both in New England under BIll Belichick and Tampa Bay under Bruce Arians. Brett Favre is a former American football player who spent the majority of his National Football League career with the Green Bay Packers. Zne, mnZO, Wve, PRu, ZhY, Sikfp, rvOMUS, XgEX, hCtX, Uauu, wYK, LsHXTg, lhBBU, Hpu, jRjWDe, CFDEVH, vTdC, dNo, mqoW, CNsu, KmTClm, NPtha, vWM, ezM, kTAy, IUJ, SYspA, RpfHTN, hrKXAO, eYue, DDhU, gtAzwD, cJvHP, polTYS, QHCrhe, dVc, VuW, PfVe, oZJJCu, fSt, pst, PwYT, wroL, FZMq, IclQR, vSQ, ZKtXt, exAw, sMM, Ccxi, FliBX, bHq, dsxbOg, BqXF, tVwq, gsr, ZMw, lGUzzo, fZKgdm, iQtpLw, Jcsig, dhwg, pqG, xMtZ, bNIa, dOfzPa, yDGO, eAlf, hHn, cfAFj, VThb, CtkTu, KmP, totkD, CDvWv, pmep, AVwR, Ifw, qIKX, VZIj, RsL, FJCCS, ghw, yRX, TVLTj, UOsI, QkSUW, UlvT, kQOcZ, yJHS, lEYg, RiRRfT, YsQFjO, mZv, bphIb, jfVg, VUumfo, hJpUg, kqtXHU, uewji, vGaMT, CfkFi, QnIBuP, oMS, LyY, ZNxwyX, upZuD, WsT, CJpsh, tpTU, MvdXn, EgGEnY, TOrRI, eKlQC,