The Top 10 NFL Players of All Time

The [NFL] leads the way as a national pastime sport in the United States, followed by major league baseball[MLB], the National Basketball Association[NBA] and the National Hockey league[NHL]. For many American households this 104-year old sport has captivated them, thus becoming enshrined in their day to day lives, with families building a cult-like following that is passed down to different generations. School curriculums across all states have different age group levels of football competitions via leagues and tournaments, and it’s through such initiatives that the growth of a world class talent pool has been achieved. 

The top 10 NFL players of all time are gifted individuals who have emitted grace and poise on the field, which is truly unbridled. Nostalgic memories are triggered by the mention of remarkable figures such as the ever competitive Tom Brady, the clutch Patrick Mahomes, the ever green Jerry Rice, Walter Payton the fitness freak, the graceful Joe Montana, Reggie White “the minister of defense”, the enigmatic Peyton Manning, the revolutionary Lawrence Taylor, Emmitt Smith the running back beetle, and the dominant Jim Brown. 

10. Emmitt Smith, Running Back(RB) (1990-2004)

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While there might be more Iconic names in the history of American football, Emmitt Smith is by far the greatest of the Cowboys offensive trio that made Dallas the Juggernaut brand that it is today. The small but strong running back was the engine behind the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty. From 1991-95, Smith won four rushing titles, league and Super Bowl MVPs and three Super Bowls. Smith continued to churn out 1,000-yard seasons after the Cowboys' championship years and remains the NFL's all-time career leader with 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns.

9. Joe Montana, Quarterback(QB) (1979-1994)

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The original Joe Montana stylishly known as ‘Joe cool’, exuded Hollywood star quarterback energy. Synonymous with the peak of the San Francisco 49ers, Montana was the undisputed GOAT quarterback until a few years ago. He had the name, looks, stats and charisma that captivated football fans. He won 4 Super Bowl titles and was the 1st 3-time Super Bowl MVP. He has the highest career passer rating in Super Bowl history of 127.5 and also boasts 2 regular season MVPs, 8 Pro ball selections and 3-time 1st All Pro nods. He is often credited with popularizing the West Coast offense; a system that emphasizes short precise passes and quick decision making. Montana was spectacular in crucial games having thrown zero interceptions in the 4 Super Bowls he played.

8. Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback (QB) (2017-present)

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Mahomes has more than justified his top-10 spot. During Mahomes' first seven years as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, Kansas City played in the AFC Championship Game each year. The Chiefs also won three Super Bowls and four AFC titles over that span. Individually, Mahomes is a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP. The brilliant and clutch Mahomes is the main reason why the Chiefs have a chance in the 2024/2025 season to become the first franchise to win three straight Super Bowls. Expect him to move up this list in the coming years. 

7. Reggie White, Defensive End(DE) (1985-1998, 2000)

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The greatest edge-rusher of all time known by the moniker the "Minister of Defense" compiled a Hall of Fame career with both the Eagles and Packers and only missed 2 all Pro and Pro ball nods for his entire career. Along with being a menacing pass rusher, White made history when he became the first star player to sign with a new team in free agency after joining the Packers in 1993. Three years later, White hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy after recording three sacks in Green Bay's first Super Bowl win in 29 years. 

6. Walter Payton, Running Back(RB) (1975-1987)

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Arguably Walter Payton is the greatest running back in NFL history, or rather the greatest back since the 1970 merger. The player nicknamed “Sweetness’’ won the MVP award in 1977 as well as the Super Bowl in 1985 on feasibly the greatest team in NFL history. The Fitness freak rushed for at least 1200 yards in 10 of the 13 seasons he played for the Chicago Bears. He was selected to the Pro bowl 9 times and was named 1st team all Pro 6 times. Along with his running prowess, Payton was an exceptional blocker, receiver and overall football player. 

5. Peyton Manning, Quarterback(QB) (1998-2015)

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Payton Manning took a dead in the water franchise with the Indianapolis Colts and turned it into a billion-dollar Super Bowl winner, receiving a record five league MVPs along the way. Arguably the most talented quarterback ever, Manning is the 1st starting quarterback to win Super Bowls with two different clubs, the Colts and the Denver Broncos. He holds the record for the most career touchdown passes with 539 and the most career passing yards with 71,940. On top of that, he is a 14-time Pro baller and a 10 time NFL all Pro with 7 of them being 1st team all Pro selections. After his retirement, he has gone on to serve as a significant ambassador for the NFL.

4. Lawrence Taylor, Linebacker(LB) (1981-1993)

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Taylor is not only the greatest Linebacker of all time, he is also the greatest defensive player of all time backed by his 3 defensive player of the year awards. One of the most famous football players to ever live, he was so dominant as a rookie that he won both Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Five years later, Taylor won league MVP while leading the Giants to their first Super Bowl title. Taylor's ferocious pass rush revolutionized the game while making left tackle one of the league's most important positions. He holds the record for the most forced fumbles with 46 and the most career safeties with 9.5. The lifelong New York Giant won 2 Super Bowl titles on route to becoming just 1 of 2 defensive players to receive an MVP award. Taylor is a 10-time Pro Ball and also a 10-time All Pro.

3. Jim Brown, Running Back(RB) (1957-1965)

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It's hard to quantify how dominant Brown was during his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Brown led the NFL in rushing eight times and carried the Browns to their last league title in 1964. His career yards-per-game average of 104.3 yards remain the highest of any player in NFL history. Known for his combination of speed, power and elusiveness, Brown was selected to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career and named 1st team all Pro 8 times.  He shockingly retired at age 29, citing a desire to pursue an acting career and indeed became a successful actor. 

2. Jerry Rice, Wide Receiver(WR) (1985-04)

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Rice belongs on any Mount Rushmore regarding the NFL's all-time greatest players. His list of NFL records spans longer than a football field. A 3-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers, Rice caught his record 8th career Super Bowl touchdown with the Raiders at age 40. His career tally of 22,895 receiving yards is over 5,000 yards more than the second-closest wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald. In 1987, Rice caught 22 touchdowns, a record that stood for 20 years, despite playing in only 12 games. Simply the greatest Wide receiver in NFL history, Rice won 1 Super Bowl MVP and 1 regular season MVP. 

Among his impressive records are: touchdown receptions leader with 197, receptions leader in a single season with 122, receiving yards’ leader in a single season with 1848, all-time in touchdowns with 208, all-time receptions with 1549 and consecutive 1-plus receptions with 274. Rice known for his speed, rip running and ability to make acrobatic catches. He won the NFL offensive player of the year twice, besides having 13 Pro Bowl selections and 10-time 1st All Pro nods. What makes Rice’s case unique is his longevity and extended excellence.