Who are the greatest NFL players ever?
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by user Shrubbery
As I deal with the debilitating symptoms of football withdraw I thought I could get my fix and have some fun listing the greatest players in NFL history. So here’s a lament’s view on the best players of all time position by position.
QB-This debate begins and ends with three names; Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, and John Elway. A compelling argument could be made for all three. Unitas had an air about him where you just knew he was going to win. Montana was the smartest and most accurate passer ever and his four Super Bowl rings don’t hurt. Elway is probably the most physically gifted quarterback to ever play. He could run, throw, throw on the run, run on the throw, you name it he could do it.
When you put this debate into context the picture still remains fuzzy.
Unitas had Hell-of-Famer Raymond Berry to throw to and was the first QB to throw for over 40,000 yards. Unitas owns what may be the most unbreakable record in football and maybe all of sports (DiMaggio’s 56 game consecutive hit streak and Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points in a game rank up there); 47 straight games in which he threw a touchdown pass. Only Brett Favre at 36 and Dan Marino at 30 have even come close. Unitas led the Colts to a pair of NFL Championships in ’58 & ’59 and was easily the best quarterback ever until…
Montana won four Super Bowls playing for one of the best coaches ever. Bill Walsh put Montana into a perfect system for his talents. Montana never made bad decisions, was arguably the most accurate passer ever, and ran a difficult offense like Beethoven on a piano. He also had the best receiver ever to throw at and had a vastly underrated Roger Craig as a running back. Montana threw for 40,000 yards and led his team to the playoffs eleven times. Montana was an eight time Pro Bowler and three time MVP. His toss to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship game known simply as “The Catch” may be the most famous play in NFL history.
Elway is one of only two QB’s to ever throw for 50,000+ yards and is only the third ever to toss 300 TD passes. He remains the only quarterback to start five Super Bowls winning two. Elway has the most fourth quarter game-winning or game-tying drives of any QB ever (47), a stat that was literally inspired by his mythical comebacks. Elway’s 334 career TD’s (300 throwing, 33 rushing, 1 receiving) accounted for 82.2% of the broncos’ scoring during his sixteen year tenure. Elway accomplished all this despite not having a single Pro Bowl receiver prior to ’95. In fact, Ed McCaffrey is only the second Pro Bowl receiver Elway ever had. However, Elway did have maybe the best TE ever in Shannon Sharpe and never came close to winning the Super Bowl prior to the arrival of Terrell Davis.
The verdict-because of the numbers he put up, the two Championship rings, and the fact that he won 148 games in his career, another record, John Elway, in my estimation and with as much impartiality as I can muster, is the best QB ever. If this were just a statistical competition Dan Marino would be the best ever and Warren Moon would be in the top five. But you have to take championships into account. Admittedly, if Elway had never won a Super Bowl his name would never enter this discussion but neither would Montana nor Unitas.
Honorable mention: Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Steve Young, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, and Dan Fouts.
RB-There only twon guys worthy for consideration…Barry Sanders and Jim Brown.
Barry Sanders redefined the term play maker. He made cuts that would have resulted in compound fractures of the leg for mere mortals. His career per carry average is second all-time and Sanders is one of only two backs with more than 750 carries to average 5+ yards per touch. His retirement in 2000 derailed what should have been an all-out assault on the record books. In ten years he rushed for over 15,000 yards and had 99 touchdowns. Had he played four or five more years he could have put the career rushing mark over 20,000. His 1,500 yard per season average is the best in NFL history and he was never held below 1,000 yards in his entire career. Only Emmitt Smith and Curtis Martin have as many consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. All this on top of the fact he may be the classiest player ever to set foot in a stadium and Sanders’ legacy is complete.
Jim Brown owned nearly every rushing record in the book for over twenty years. Brown has been retired for forty years but is still the only back in history to average over one hundred yards per game and his 5.2 yard per carry career average is still the best ever. Brown rushed for 106 touchdowns in 118 games. He is still number eight on the all-time list despite having over 500 FEWER career carries than anyone else in the top ten. Brown led the league in rushing eight times (the next best is four seasons held by five different backs), including five straight years, both are still records. He led the league in rushing TD’s five times, yet another record. Brown is also generally regarded as the best lacrosse player Syracuse ever had and maybe the best in the history of the NCAA. At 6’2” and 232 pounds Brown had blinding speed and a ferocious running style. He ran over, around, past, and through defenders and even by today’s standards would be considered a big back.
The verdict-Both are worthy of the title best ever and both retired in their primes and far too soon. If you project out there numbers another four or five years and give Brown sixteen game seasons throughout his career both would have put up mind boggling numbers. Had both played for fifteen seasons with an equal number of games Sanders could have rushed for 21,600 yards and Brown for 22,500. No one could have touched those marks. When you consider that Sanders NEVER had a good offensive line or a run oriented offense the numbers he put up are doubly amazing. But Brown is still the only back to average 100+ yards a game and 5.2 yards per carry. For his first four years the NFL had a twelve game season and a fourteen game slate for Brown’s final five. Brown owns records that have been on the books for forty years and may never be touched. Both left the game far too early and both were as good as they get but the ever-so-slight nod goes to Jim Brown.
Honorable mention-OJ, Gale Sayers, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Eric Dickerson
WR-Only one player in NFL history has 22,000 yards receiving, 23,000 yards from scrimmage, 1,500 receptions, 200+ touchdowns, 280 consecutive games with a reception, 1,800+ receiving yards in a season, and 22 TD catches in a season...Jerry Rice. To put his numbers into perspective Rice's 22,000 yards receiving are 8,000 more than second place Tim Brown. His 200+ touchdowns are 60 more than Emmitt Smith's who sits at number two and Rice's 197 TD receptions gives him a 67 TD gap between him and Chris Carter who's second all-time. The consecutive game streak with at least one reception is 100 more than Art Monk's 183 game mark. Not to mention the three Super Bowl rings, the MVP in '87, 11 Pro Bowls, Rookie of the Year in '85, and ten All Pro selections. Rice's legacy as maybe the best to ever strap on shoulder pads is safe and his selection to the Hall of Fame may be the biggest slam dunk in NFL history. Rice put up ungodly numbers that may never be touched and is the gold standard by which all other receivers will from here after be compared.
Honorable mention-none, there is no one even close.
TE-This is at first glance a close race. But as you look at the numbers the best tight end picture comes more clearly into focus. First we'll examine the principles then give the verdict.
Kellen Winslow was the best tight end of his era. Winslow finished up a Hall of Fame career with 541 catches, 6,741 yards receiving, and 45 TD's. Winslow was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was a three time All Pro. Knee injuries cut his career short but not before Winslow turned in one of the gutsiest performances in NFL history. In 1981 the Chargers and Dolphins pushed there playoff game to overtime after Winslow blocked a last second field goal that would have won the game for Miami. Winslow finished the game with 13 catches for 166 yards. At the end of the game the severely dehydrated tight end had to be helped off the field in what is still one of the most stirring images in NFL history.
Ozzie Newsome was a two-time All Pro and three-time Pro Bowl participant. His 662 career reception, 7,980 yards, and 47 TD's are second all-time amongst tight ends. Newsome had a catch in 150 straight games and was the unquestioned leader of a Cleveland Browns team that played in three AFC Championship games.
Shannon Sharpe came out of Savannah State as a special teams wide receiver and wasn't a full time starter at tight end until '92. His 815 catches, 10,060 yards, and 62 touchdowns are by far the best ever from the position. Sharpe won three Super Bowls and was the crutch John Elway leaned on throughout much of his career. Sharpe is generally regarded as the greatest pass catching TE ever and was a surprisingly effective blocker despite only weighing 230 pounds. Sharpe's stellar play was out done only by his mouth. A memorable Monday not game saw Sharpe taunt Derrick Thomas mercilessly to the point of ejection. Another infamous moment came during a game in Foxboro where the Broncos were trouncing the home-town Patriots. Sharpe mocked a hostile crowd and feigned a call to the National Guard because the Broncos were "killing the Patriots". No one could talk like Sharpe.
Verdict-Sharpe's numbers say it all. He played with maybe the best quarterback ever and was the man's security blanket. Sharpe is the most prolific pass catching tight end ever by far and backed up his trash talking with spectacular reliability. Sharpe should be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer and is the best tight end ever.
Honorable mention-Tony Gonzalez, Mike Ditka, Dave Casper.
OL-All you need to know is that Anthony Munoz broke the weight machine at his rookie combine. The third pick overall in 1980 Munoz erased any and all reservations about his alleged brittle and injury proned college career. He was an All Pro and Pro Bowl selection eleven straight years. Munoz was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team and won Offensive Lineman of the Year honors three times. As a sophomore in college Munoz pitched for Southern Cal's national title winning baseball squad. Few players ever dominated their positions like Munoz did and that's why he's the best O-lineman ever.
Honorable mention-Gary Zimmerman, Orlando Pace, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, John Hannah, Dwight Stevenson, Mike Webster.
DE-Since sacks weren’t kept as an official statistic until ’82 it’s hard to say who was the best pass rusher ever but a compelling argument can be made for…
Reggie White was elected to a record 13 straight Pro Bowls, was Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. His 198 sacks are second all time and his ferocious play on the field belie a gentle and dignified off-the-field demeanor. This deeply religious man was even better off the field as he was a mentor to inner-city youth and an ordained preacher at Inner City Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. White played in two Super Bowls and set a record with three sacks in SB XXXI when the Packers crushed the Patriots. ESPN’s Tom Jackson called White the greatest defender he’s ever seen. White died January 2, 2005 at the age of 43. The “Minister of Defense” will be sorely missed.
At 6’2” and 272 pounds Deacon Jones was the most feared and dominant defensive player of his time. The term and statistic “sack” was literally invented by Jones. Though unofficial, it’s been estimated that Deacon had 174 sacks during his fourteen year career. That equates to nearly one sack per game. Jones was an eight time Pro Bowl participant, including seven straight starts. He was all NFL six straight times and was Defensive Player of the Year twice. Jones teamed with fellow Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen to form one of the most devastating D-line combos ever seen. Jones & Olsen were half of the legendary “Fearsome Foursome” that was arguably the best defensive line unit in league history. Not bad for a 13th round draft pick who barely made the Rams roster as a rookie.
Bruce Smith owns the career sack record and was the first overall pick by Buffalo in the ’85 draft. He’s the only player in NFL history with more than 200 sacks. Smith has 575 career tackles and 45 forced fumbles. Smith played in four Super Bowls and 11 straight Pro Bowls. He also sacked 75 different quarterbacks throughout his career and owns the records for most seasons with double-digit sacks and playoff sacks.
The verdict-Because of his career sack total and status as perhaps the best defensive player ever Reggie White is the best DE ever. Though I like Deacon Jones better as a player I can’t ignore the fact that many former NFL players and coaches regard White with such high esteem. Deacon was great but Reggie was just a skosh better.
DT-This one’s even tougher to call.
The 6’4” 275 pound “Mean” Joe Greene possessed uncanny quickness for his size. The number one overall pick in 1969 by Pittsburg anchored what many feel was the best defense ever. Greene played in ten Pro Bowls and was all NFL five times. He also owns four Super Bowl rings and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Alan Page played in 236 straight games and was part of the infamous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings that played in four Super Bowls. Page was NFL MVP in ’71, was Defensive POY three times, and was named to ten straight Pro Bowls. He blocked 28 kicks, recovered 23 fumbles, and unofficially recorded 173 sacks. Page was All NFL nine times, six first team and three second team, and was appointed to the Minnesota State Supreme Court.
Randy White had over 1,100 career tackles and an unofficial 111 sacks. White missed one game in 14 seasons and was named All Pro and to the Pro Bowl nine straight times. As a member of the Dallas Cowboys White played in three Super Bowls and was the game’s co-MVP in SB XII when they beat the Broncos 27-10.
The verdict-Alan Paige was a sack machine and a run stuffer. He’s arguably the most complete D-lineman ever.
Honorable mention for DE and DT-Leroy Selmon, Merlin Olsen, Howie Long, Carl Eller, Bob Lilly.
LB-There are two backers who stand head and shoulders above the rest and are undoubtedly two of the best players in NFL history.
Dick Butkus played middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears from ’65-’73 when his brilliant career was cut short by knee injuries. For the eight years he played Butkus was the most feared and dominant defensive player in the game. His ferocious, take no prisoners style was reflective of the fact Butkus admittedly played every game as if it were his last. He was named to eight straight Pro Bowls and was an All Pro six times. Enshrined in Canton in ’79 Butkus was also named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team in ’94. The former two-time All American from Illinois has been generally regarded as the best middle linebacker in NFL history for the last thirty years.
Lawrence Taylor terrorized the NFL for thirteen seasons. His ferocious no-holds-barred style revolutionized the way the position was played. In his career Taylor amassed 1,088 tackles, 132.5 quarterback sacks (and 9.5 unofficially in ’81), and 33 forced fumbles. He made 10 Pro Bowls, was All Pro in each of his first nine seasons, and was named part of the 75th Anniversary Team. Taylor also won Defensive Player of the Year honors three times and won two Super Bowls. This maniacal defender cut a path of destruction through the NFL and his intensity was undeniable. Joe Montana, one of the best QB’s ever, once admitted Taylor was the only player he genuinely feared. Every quarterback who ever played against him can attest to Taylor’s ferocious nature. Just ask Joe Thiesman.
The verdict-these two are equals in every sense.
Honorable mention-Mike Singletary, Jack Hamm, Jack Lambert, Ray Nitzke, Willie Lanier, Ray Lewis, Derrick Thomas, Derek Brooks.
CB-there are several worthy candidates for the best corner back ever.
As an undrafted free agent Willie Brown’s career was nearly over before it even got started when he was cut by the Houston Oilers in ’63. Fortunately, the Denver Broncos gave him a shot and he didn’t disappoint. Blessed with size, 6’1” and 195 pounds, Brown was a fast, tough, smart, and savvy defender. He was named either All-AFL or All-NFL seven times, played in nine AFL and AFC title games and two Super Bowls, and scored on a 75 interception return in SB XI. Brown also had 54 career interceptions and was one of the most aggressive and intense CB’s in league history. Bronco fans cringe at the thought that the team traded away its best player to the hated Oakland Raiders in ’67 where he became a super star.
Deion Sanders is and has always been “Prime Time”. One of the most flamboyant and quotable players ever Deion was constant fodder for the highlight reel. His kick and punt return ability is the stuff of legend as is his cover ability. Sanders has been continually labeled as a soft player but opposing quarterbacks rarely, if ever, threw in his direction. So far in his career Deion has 51 interceptions and 19 combined kick/punt/int/fumble return touchdowns, an NFL record. The seven time Pro Bowl player was part of two Super Bowl champions, the 49ers in (4 and the Cowboys in ’95. Sanders is perhaps the greatest “shut down” corner back in league history.
At 5’9” and only 184 pounds soaking wet many league observers felt Darrell Green was too small to play in the NFL. Not only did he make it he played for the Washington Redskins for 20 years. Green made seven Pro Bowls, was the NFL’s fastest man four times, and has two Super Bowl wins under his belt. He had 54 career interceptions and 129 pass deflections. One memorable moment came on a Monday night when Green caught Eric Dickerson, one of the best and fastest running backs ever, from behind. Green, who is truly one of the classiest players ever, continues to shine off the field as well as he heads several charitable organizations and he was recently selected to serve as Chair of President Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The verdict-Because football is a physical game and tackling is part of being a great defensive player Willie Brown is the best CB ever. Now I would never deny Deion’s cover skills but Brown was the more complete player.
S-there is only one player who’s worthy in this category…Ronnie Lott. The only defensive back to earn All Pro honors at three different positions Lott was a tenacious defender who instilled dread in opposing receivers. The eight time All Pro also played in ten Pro Bowls. Lott grabbed 63 career interceptions and had over 1,000 career tackles. Lott was named to the 75th Anniversary Team and played on four Super Bowl Champs. The most defining moment in Lott’s career came when he injured his pinky and was forced to choose between season-ending surgery and having the tip of his finger cut off. Lott chose the latter.
Honorable mention CB &and S-Rod Woodson, Steve Atwater, Mel Blount, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Mike Haynes, Ken Houston.
Date
Sat 06/17/06, 6:57 am EST
