There have been some amazing NFL players in its history, but with so many seasons, it’s not surprising that many of us have forgotten the Greats. We might be obsessing over Tom Brady now, but what about the golden oldies like Joe Greene or the ones that should have made it further, like Gable Sayers.
Knowing the past can help you prepare for the future, so consider this a study session for Fanduel’s NFL odds.
1. Jim Bro
wn – 1957 to 1965During his time on the field, Brown was the biggest, fastest and strongest player bar none. He was so fast that most linemen and linebackers shouldn’t lay a finger on him. To take down this powerhouse of a man, was an achievement in itself.
Before he retired, Brown earned 8 rush titles and won every title available to him.
2. Jerry Rice – 1985 to 2004
Jerry Rice was a player who got the numbers! Rice earned a ton of records with his time on the field, and he still holds many of them today!
Some of his most famous records are his 205 touchdowns, 1,519 receptions, and 22,466 receiving yards!
3. Tom Brady – 2000 to Present Day
Some people might think that Tom Brady should be higher up on our list, but his career is still ongoing, and no one knows what the future holds. We cannot deny his skill, though, as Brady has been to the Super Bowl in around half of the seasons he has played in. That is a ridiculous accomplishment that speaks for itself!
4. Joe Montana – 1979 to 1994
Montana was the most decorated quarterback of his generation after winning the national championships for Notre Dame. He was also the first player ever to be named Most Value Player in the Super Bowl three times!
5. Walter Payton – 1975 to 1987
Payton, otherwise known as “Sweetness,” was an absolute brute on the field and the sweetest man alive off it. He would bruise the runners and punish the defenders until someone blew a whisper to make him stop.
Payton was one of the best runners in Chicago Bears history.
6. Gale Sayers – 1965 to 1971
In his rookie season alone, Sayers scored 22 touchdowns and ran through a total of 2,272 yards (all-purpose). His most significant achievement was his 6 touchdowns against the 49ers, which is still remembered today!
We could have seen more from this outstanding player if it wasn’t for his untimely knee injuries.
7. Lawrence Taylor – 1981 to 1993
When you see a defensive player, you don’t tend to think of anything other than strategy, but Lawrence Taylor made his opponents stop in horror. Many quarterbacks lost their nerve when Taylor came charging at them, and some players admitted to pre-game sweats just at the thought of him being on the field.
8. Peyton Manning – 1998 to 2016
Again this is another player you could argue should be higher on our list. He has so many records that he could write a book about them. For one, he was the first quarterback to reach 200 wins in his career! The only reason he isn’t further up is because of his low Super Bowl appearances.
9. Johnny Unitas – 1956 to 1973
Unitas is one of four players in the history of the NFL to earn the title Most Valuable Player three times. This legend was also added to the Pro Bowls 10 times and the All-Pros team 7 times!
10. John Elway – 1983 to 1998
Elway is known as the greatest quarterback to ever come out of a college background. He played for Stanford University, where his legend began, and then powered through to become one of the best quarterbacks of all time on the NFL fields.
To this day, he is still only one of 6 quarterbacks to throw 3,000 yards in 12 seasons.
11. Reggie White – 1985 to 1998 and against in 2000
Reggie White earned the title of “Minister of Defense” due to the unbreakable wall he created season after season. White was named Defensive Player of the year 2 times, and he dominated whenever he was on the field!
12. Dick Butkus – 1965 to 1973
Butkus wasn’t just a formidable opponent, he was also filled with philosophy. He gave us the fantastic quote, “If you can get someone who you’re competing against either fearful or intimidated, it’s going to make my job easier.”
13. Ronnie Lott – 1981 to 1994
Lott was arguably the most well-rounded defensive player in all of NFL history. In 3 different positions, Lott was voted an All-Pro secondary! This is all due to his talent, headstrong personality, and his ability to see three steps ahead.
14. Joe Greene – 1969 to 1981
Joe Greene or “Mean Greene” is widely regarded as the most outstanding lineman in NFL history. Also dubbed the “Steel Curtain,” none could get past him.
15. Barry Sander – 1989 to 1998
Sanders was everyone’s biggest threat. Whenever he touched the ball, the opposition didn’t have a chance. He was quick and evasive enough to pass through any barrier.
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