Best NFL Players of All Time: Top 20 Football Legends Ranked

Posted by author June 26, 2024 Football

In the early days of the NFL, the game was defined by raw talent and fierce competition. Over the decades, the league has seen incredible athletes rise to fame, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Key Takeaways

The list honors players who have excelled individually, significantly impacted the game, and achieved team success.
It includes players from various eras, showcasing the evolution of the NFL and the enduring greatness of these athletes.
Each player is celebrated for their unique contributions, including record-breaking performances and trailblazing achievements.

Ranking the Greatest 20 Players in NFL History

When compiling this list of the greatest 20 players in NFL history, several key criteria were considered:

Individual Success and Accolades: Achievements such as MVP awards and Pro Bowl selections.
Dominance During Their Era: How these players compared to their contemporaries.
Longevity and Career Milestones: The duration and consistency of their careers.
Enduring Impact and Legacy: Their influence on the game and its history.
Team Success and Championships: Contributions to team achievements and championships.
Ranking Relative to Their Position: How they compare to other players in their specific roles.

Top 20 Greatest NFL Players

Let’s have a look at the best NFL players of all time, including the best wide receivers, quarterbacks, and more.

1. Tom Brady (2000-2022)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Achievements:

7-time Super Bowl champion
5-time Super Bowl MVP
3-time NFL MVP

2. Jerry Rice (1985-2004)

Position: Wide Receiver

Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks

Achievements:

3-time Super Bowl champion
13-time Pro Bowl selection
NFL career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions

3. Jim Brown (1957-1965)

Position: Running Back

Teams: Cleveland Browns

Achievements:

8-time NFL rushing leader
NFL MVP
Highest career rushing yards per game

4. Walter Payton (1975-1987)

Position: Running Back

Teams: Chicago Bears

Achievements:

Super Bowl champion
9-time Pro Bowl selection
NFL career leader in rushing yards at retirement

5. Peyton Manning (1998-2015)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos

Achievements:

2-time Super Bowl champion
5-time NFL MVP
NFL career leader in touchdown passes at retirement

6. Lawrence Taylor (1981-1993)

Position: Linebacker

Teams: New York Giants

Achievements:

2-time Super Bowl champion
NFL MVP
10-time Pro Bowl selection

7. Reggie White (1985-1998, 2000)

Position: Defensive End

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers

Achievements:

Super Bowl champion
2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
13-time Pro Bowl selection

8. Barry Sanders (1989-1998)

Position: Running Back

Teams: Detroit Lions

Achievements:

4-time NFL rushing leader
NFL MVP
10-time Pro Bowl selection

9. Dick Butkus (1965-1973)

Position: Linebacker

Teams: Chicago Bears

Achievements:

8-time Pro Bowl selection
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Hall of Fame inductee

10. Joe Montana (1979-1994)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs

Achievements:

4-time Super Bowl champion
3-time Super Bowl MVP
8-time Pro Bowl selection

11. Johnny Unitas (1956-1973)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers

Achievements:

3-time NFL champion
NFL MVP
10-time Pro Bowl selection

12. Dan Marino (1983-1999)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: Miami Dolphins

Achievements:

NFL MVP
9-time Pro Bowl selection
NFL career leader in passing yards at retirement

13. Ray Lewis (1996-2012)

Position: Linebacker

Teams: Baltimore Ravens

Achievements:

2-time Super Bowl champion
Super Bowl MVP
13-time Pro Bowl selection

14. Aaron Donald (2014-present)

Position: Defensive Tackle

Teams: Los Angeles Rams

Achievements:

Super Bowl champion
3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
9-time Pro Bowl selection

15. Joe Greene (1969-1981)

Position: Defensive Tackle

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers

Achievements:

4-time Super Bowl champion
2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
10-time Pro Bowl selection

16. Randy Moss (1998-2010, 2012)

Position: Wide Receiver

Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers

Achievements:

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
6-time Pro Bowl selection
Second all-time in touchdown receptions

17. John Elway (1983-1998)

Position: Quarterback

Teams: Denver Broncos

Achievements:

2-time Super Bowl champion
Super Bowl MVP
9-time Pro Bowl selection

18. Emmitt Smith (1990-2004)

Position: Running Back

Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals

Achievements:

3-time Super Bowl champion
NFL MVP
NFL career leader in rushing yards and touchdowns

19. Anthony Munoz (1980-1992)

Position: Left Tackle

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals

Achievements:

11-time Pro Bowl selection
9-time All-Pro selection
Hall of Fame inductee

20. Alan Page (1967-1981)

Position: Defensive Tackle

Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears

Achievements:

NFL MVP
9-time Pro Bowl selection
148.5 career sacks

Celebrating the Legends Who Defined the NFL

The players on this list have shaped the NFL into what it is today. Their outstanding achievements, game-changing skills, and leadership have left a lasting legacy.

From Tom Brady’s unmatched success to Jerry Rice’s record-breaking career and Jim Brown’s dominance, these players have set the standard for excellence in football.

Each player brought something unique to the game, and together, they tell the story of the NFL’s rich history.

Celebrating these greats reminds us of the thrilling moments and incredible talents that make football so special.