Throughout the NFL’s 104-year history, numerous iconic players have left an indelible mark on the game. Among them was the late Dick Butkus, a revered figure in the Chicago Bears’ legacy, who recently passed away at the age of 80. Butkus, whose football career concluded in 1973, boasts one of the most illustrious resumes in league history. There are many best NFL players but here are the top 12 best NFL players of all time:
1. Emlem Tunnell
A trailblazer in multiple aspects, Tunnell achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first Black player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Serving as a key member of the New York Giants, he played a vital role in securing the team’s 1956 NFL title.
Tunnell retired after the 1962 season, leaving an enduring legacy as the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions with 79 and interception return yards with 1,282. His remarkable feat of participating in 158 consecutive games also stood as an NFL record.
2. Don Hutson
A player well ahead of his time, Hutson emerged as the NFL’s inaugural prolific wide receiver. Referred to as an “end” in that era, Hutson led the league in receiving seven times, receptions eight times, and touchdown catches on nine occasions. Garnering multiple league MVP honors, he played a pivotal role in leading the Green Bay Packers to three championships.
Hutson etched his name in NFL history as the first player to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season. Don Huston was one of the best NFL players. Despite concluding his career in 1945, his 99 career touchdowns still rank as the 11th-highest total in NFL history.
3. Dick Butkus
From 1965 to 1973, Dick Butkus served as the middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most formidable and hard-hitting defensive players. His intimidating style of play earned him the moniker “The Monster of the Midway,” striking fear into opponents. Known for growling and snarling at rivals, Butkus employed a combination of aggression and verbal intimidation, often forewarning them of impending destruction.
Beyond his intimidating demeanor, Butkus showcased remarkable speed, finesse, and awareness, making him one of the league’s premier turnover generators. In just nine years, he forced an impressive 49 turnovers, comprising 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries.
4. Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez, Tight End (1997-2013): Over his impressive 17-year career, Gonzalez consistently demonstrated excellence. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection at the age of 23 in 1999 and his last at 37 in 2013.
In that span, he secured a total of 14 Pro Bowl nods, solidifying his status as the most prolific tight end in NFL history. Tony Gonzalez was also one of the best NFL players in the NFL history. Gonzalez ranks third all-time in receptions, sixth in career receiving yards, and eighth in career touchdown receptions.
5. Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers, Running Back (1965-1971): Despite a relatively brief career, Sayers made a significant impact. Known as the “Kansas Comet,” he accumulated 9,435 combined net yards and scored 336 points in 68 games with the Chicago Bears.
Sayers, one of the greatest running backs in history, retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards. His rookie season in 1965 saw him scoring an impressive 20 touchdowns in just 14 games, including a memorable single-game record of six scores against the 49ers.
6. Reggie White
Reggie White stands out as one of the most formidable linemen in the history of football. For his 15-year career, he consistently achieved double-digit sack seasons 13 times, twice leading the league in this category. His impact extended beyond statistics, as evidenced by his two-time recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year. Notably, in Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots, White played a pivotal role in securing victory by recording an impressive 3 sacks, setting a Super Bowl record that stood solely in his name until later tied by three other players.
A pinnacle moment in White’s illustrious career occurred in 1987 when he delivered what could be considered the greatest season for a defensive player. Despite the NFL season being shortened to 12 games due to a strike, White managed an astounding 21 sacks, accompanied by 4 forced fumbles and a memorable defensive touchdown. This touchdown involved a remarkable strip-sack of a quarterback, followed by a 70-yard run with the ball. Regardless of the circumstances, White consistently proved himself as the premier pass rusher on the field.
Although Reggie White concluded his career as the second all-time leader in sacks, trailing only Bruce Smith by a slim margin and having played four fewer seasons, his impact on the game remains indelible.
7. Anthony Munoz
Regarded as the premier left tackle in NFL history, Munoz secured 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and achieved All-Pro status in nine out of his 13 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
A key figure on the Bengals’ inaugural two Super Bowl squads, Munoz’s adept pass protection significantly contributed to the league MVP victories of both Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason. Anthony Munoz was also known as one of the best NFL players.
8. Randy Moss
Moss’ nickname, “The Freak,” was fitting as he possessed talents that at times appeared to be otherworldly. Moss catapulted into the limelight as a rookie sensation, dazzling fans by snatching an impressive 17 touchdowns for the unstoppable 15-1 Vikings.
Nine years later, Moss enjoyed a historic partnership with Tom Brady that included both players setting individual records (Brady with 50 touchdown passes, Moss with 23 touchdown catches) for the NFL’s only undefeated team in a 16-game regular season. Moss trails only Rice in the all-time list for career touchdown receptions, securing the second spot, while simultaneously claiming the fourth position in total receiving yards.
9. Walter Payton
Walter Payton was chosen as the fourth overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft and devoted his entire career to the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. The origin of his nickname “Sweetness” is attributed to two tales – one highlighting his graceful running style, and the other emphasizing his higher-pitched voice and amiable demeanor. Regardless of the nickname’s origins, Payton, contrary to the sugary connotation, was a formidable force on the field.
Renowned as a powerful and elusive runner, he earned praise from the legendary Jim Brown, who dubbed him a “warrior” for never shying away from contact, even avoiding running out of bounds. Remarkably durable, Payton rebounded from an injury in his rookie season and played in 186 consecutive games.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Payton exhibited remarkable qualities off the field. Throughout his career, he initiated a children’s literacy program and founded various charitable organizations. Additionally, he became a vocal supporter of organ donation until his unfortunate demise at the age of 45 due to liver disease.
In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, the NFL named the Man of the Year award after Walter Payton in 2000. This esteemed award honors one player from each of the 32 teams who demonstrate exceptional skill on the field coupled with excellence in off-field endeavors. Winners receive $250,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
10. Tom Brady
Determining the exact moment when Brady solidified his status as the NFL’s greatest player is challenging. He first entered the discussion after orchestrating a comeback for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle. The label of “arguably the greatest” became more pronounced following the Patriots’ historic comeback against Atlanta in the Super Bowl.
His last two championships, particularly the one with the Buccaneers at the age of 43, conclusively established his legacy as the sport’s unparalleled winner and player.
11. Jerry Rice
Rice stands as an indisputable figure on the NFL’s Mount Rushmore of all-time great players. His extensive list of NFL records stretches further than a football field. As a three-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers, Rice made history by securing his eighth career Super Bowl touchdown with the Raiders at the age of 40.
His remarkable career total of 22,895 receiving yards surpasses the second-closest wideout, Larry Fitzgerald, by over 5,000 yards. Notably, in 1987, Rice set a record with 22 touchdowns in just 12 games, a feat that remained unmatched for two decades.
12. Jim Brown
In our view, Jim Brown stands as the premier running back in the history of the sport. Despite arguments favoring Barry Sanders, who is often considered superior but retired prematurely, it’s crucial to recognize that Brown also exited the game earlier, and at a pinnacle in his career. Departing football at the age of 29 after a remarkable 9-season tenure, Brown’s decision stemmed from a dispute with owner Art Modell, leading him to pursue a career in movies. At retirement, Brown not only possessed every major rushing title but continues to hold numerous records over 50 years later.
Brown’s era in football comprised seasons with only 12-14 games, yet he remains the sole player in NFL history to boast career averages exceeding 100 yards per game and over 5 yards per carry. Throughout his 9-year career, he claimed the NFL rushing title 8 times and led in touchdowns 5 times. Garnering Pro Bowl selections annually and earning First-Team All-Pro distinctions in 8 of his 9 seasons, Brown was unparalleled during his time in the NFL. Even with his early departure, his records, including an MVP season with 1,544 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, may have been insurmountable.
Jim Brown’s dominance in his nine NFL years remains unmatched. Brown was one of the best NFL players. While his career lacked the longevity of some peers, his impact on the game solidifies his status as one of the greatest to have ever graced the field.
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