Top 10 Greatest NFL Players of All Time

When you think about the NFL, it's impossible not to picture some of the most iconic athletes ever to step onto a football field. From mind-blowing touchdowns to game-saving tackles, these players have left their mark on generations of fans, teammates, and even future stars who grew up watching them. The question of who the greatest players are will always stir up debate because the NFL's history is full of game-changers who dominated in different ways.

In this list, you'll find the legends who redefined their positions and inspired countless others with their dedication and skill. Some revolutionized how we think about the quarterback position, while others set records as wide receivers or running backs that might never be broken. There are players who became the face of the franchise, carrying entire teams on their backs, and those whose dominance on defense made opponents rethink their entire game plan.

1. Jerry Rice

   

   Jerry Lee Rice is a former American football wide receiver who played 20 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. Rice holds numerous NFL records, including most career receptions, receiving yards... read more

   By far the greatest wide receiver of all time. I judge athletes not by team achievements, but by personal achievements and the eyeball test. He holds the hardest records to break in the National Football League (NFL). The best defenders in the world could not lay a finger on him. Wide receivers do not last twenty years like this man did. It's almost hard to name a record he did not break.

   He owned every major receiving record when he retired, and don't forget, that wasn't too long ago. He may be the reason for Joe Montana, Bill Walsh, Steve Young, and the 49ers' success.

   You could put Rice up against any cornerback in the history of the NFL, and he'd still catch two touchdowns in that game.

2. Tom Brady

   

   Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. is a retired American football quarterback who last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League. Brady is known for being the only quarterback in history to win seven Super Bowls and is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time... read more

   Tom Brady holds the most Super Bowl rings, seven AFC championships, the most Super Bowl MVPs, the most playoff wins, two MVPs, and is the first-ever unanimous MVP. He led the greatest comeback in history and holds most quarterback records, often playing with subpar teams.

   Some might argue about cheating and mention Joe Montana having less protection, but these points are not strong enough to discredit Brady's accomplishments. Furthermore, he is still playing consistently and will likely continue to prove himself as the best player in NFL history.

   Yes, he may not be undefeated in the Super Bowl, but he is undefeated against Father Time. It's only a matter of time before Brady is recognized as the greatest player in NFL history.

3. Joe Montana

   

   Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana Jr., nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "The Comeback Kid," is a retired American football quarterback. He is best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers, where he led the team to four Super Bowl championships. Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks... read more

   "The Comeback Kid" -- Joe Cool is the coolest quarterback ever! Just take a look at all of his Super Bowl rings and all those MVP awards! Those rings don't lie, agreed? Indeed, Joe was so awesome that throughout his career, he was the most lethal quarterback ever inside the fourth quarter, especially when his team was down with only minutes or seconds on the clock. That's when he would create his "magic" and score those legendary game-winning touchdown passes under extreme pressure. And that's what makes him legendary.

   Indeed, sometimes it seemed that time would stop just for him. While everybody else was frozen in time, he would take his time, and then -- Boom! Touchdown, Baby! "And the Niners win another Super Bowl" was the typical comment for four of those big games. Just take a look at the highlights of one of his biggest games ever -- Super Bowl 23. It was so memorable that today, his last play is simply known as "The Catch," a game-winning touchdown with only 30 seconds on the clock, thus winning the Super Bowl! Remember, he was 4-0 in the Super Bowl. Yep, he was undefeated in all of his Super Bowl appearances: 4 wins, zero losses. And undefeated with 3 MVPs added to his resume at the Super Bowl. How's that for greatness?

4. Barry Sanders

   

   Barry Sanders is a former American football running back who spent his entire professional career with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was known for his elusive running style and explosive speed. Sanders won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1997 and was inducted into the Pro... read more

   Barry Sanders was unbelievable. He was amazing and incredible. His flawless plays were breathtaking, like a musical piece. Every single play was a work of art - a masterpiece.

   I was not a Lions fan. In fact, I have been a lifelong 49ers fan. Nonetheless, my friends and I would always get together, turn on the TV and the speakers, fire up the grill, and enjoy a few beers with the BBQ. All of this was done while watching the great one do his thing. We would gather only to watch Barry Sanders play, not the Lions - just Barry Sanders. We would never miss a game.

   Watching him was like seeing Michael Jordan, not on the basketball courts, but on the green NFL fields. Barry Sanders was untouchable and unstoppable, just like Michael Jordan - legendary. He would create moves that simply do not exist because they are not humanly possible.

   Sanders was so fast and so good that he would juke one, two, three, and sometimes even four or five players. He would execute a single one-two combo-play, where he would rush, juke left and then spin right, sprint sideways a few feet, do another spin, and then he would burst forth like a runaway train, a missile, or a rocket. The next thing you know: touchdown!

   Indeed, Barry Sanders is most certainly not human. I am convinced he is from another planet. He is like a piece of iron - so explosive and so elusive that I do not think anybody ever tackled him or touched him. This man was incredible. Barry Sanders is not human. He is a machine.

5. Lawrence Taylor

   

   Lawrence Julius Taylor (born February 4, 1959), nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame American former professional football linebacker. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, spending his entire career with the New York Giants.... read more

   He just dominated, giving huge, fierce hits. He was a defender and was named NFL MVP in 1986. Nobody has done it since. Tell me that isn't something! He was a sack machine. The NFL has never seen a defender like him, and probably never will again.

   Without a doubt, the best defensive player ever. He was insane! Quarterbacks feared him. Literally, people would get interviewed before the game they were playing against Taylor. The players would say, "He is the scariest player I've played against."

   I'm picking Taylor first if I'm starting my All-Time Team. This guy was the premier defensive player in the league's history. He defended against some of the all-time greats and came away from those battles as a champion.

6. Walter Payton

   

   Walter Jerry Payton was born on July 25, 1954, and died on November 1, 1999. He was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Nicknamed Sweetness, Payton is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history... read more

   As far as running backs go, it's Walter Payton or Jim Brown as the greatest. My favorite is Walter Payton. He is the most complete running back in NFL history. The guy did it all. Emmitt Smith will tell you Walter is the man because Walter Payton earned his yards. Walter didn't have the greatest offensive line like Emmitt Smith did.

   It's funny, when I was a kid and saw the Super Bowl Cowboys vs. Steelers, I noticed how wide the holes were. You could drive a train through the defense because the blockers were blocking so well. It does feel weird to say that Emmitt is the all-time leading rusher. The Cowboys' offensive line deserves the rushing record. You could take a guy who never played football, and he would have a career like Emmitt Smith.

   They said Payton's smiling in heaven. The reason Payton is smiling in heaven is because he knows Emmitt Smith is a joke. Payton knows himself as the true rushing champion.

7. Jim Brown

   

   James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 to May 18, 2023) was an American professional football player and actor. He played as a fullback for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 1957 to 1965. Brown led the league in rushing yards eight times, was selected to the Pro Bowl every year of his career, earned... read more

   What is Jim Brown doing all the way down here? I mean, I get Tom Brady being above him, winning seven Super Bowls, and Jerry Rice, playing for however many years with his super skills, but number 7? He should be like number three! Barry Sanders and Walter Payton are also extremely good running backs, but Jim Brown is next level. He also changed the game because he was Black, and most other famous players of his time were white, so he is also an extreme icon.

   There are a few you can argue are the GOATs: Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, Peyton Manning, Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith, but I went with Jim Brown. So far ahead of his time and like Barry Sanders (who I really think it's a tie between Brown and Sanders), he retired in his prime. He could've continued to add to his legacy. Jim Brown is the man.

8. Peyton Manning

   

   Peyton Williams Manning is a former American football quarterback considered one of the greatest in NFL history. He played 18 seasons in the league, 14 with the Indianapolis Colts (1998-2011) and four with the Denver Broncos (2012-2015). Manning retired after leading the Broncos to a victory in Super... read more

   Why is Peyton Manning only number 9 on this list? He is a better leader than Randy Moss, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders. Not only is Peyton a better leader than Brady, but if that is not enough to surpass him on this list, then here are some more points to consider.

   Manning has a better passer rating than Brady: Manning's is 65.2%, while Brady's is 63.7%. That's one point for Manning and zero for Brady. Manning also has the second-most completions in a single season with 450, while the most Brady had in a season was 401. That makes it Manning 2, Brady 0.

   In terms of completions in a single-season playoff, Manning has the second-most with 97, behind only his brother, who had 106. While Brady does have more completions in a playoff career with 553, Manning is the third highest with 481. That takes the score to Manning 3, Brady 1.

   Manning has more completions in a single game with 33, compared to Brady's 32. This makes it Manning 4, Brady 1. Brady has just one more touchdown in a single season with 50, making the score Manning 4, Brady 2. Manning has more passing touchdowns in a career with 436, while Brady has 334. This takes us to Manning 5, Brady 3.

   In single-season playoff wins, Manning leads with 9, while Brady has 8. This brings the score to Manning 6, Brady 3. Brady has more career playoff touchdowns with 42, whereas Manning has 32. Brady also has more passing yards in a single season with 5,235, while Manning's high is exactly 4,700. The score now stands at Manning 6, Brady 3.

   Manning has more career passing yards with 59,487, while Brady has 44,807. That's Manning 7, Brady 3. Manning also has more single-season playoff yards with 1,034, compared to Brady's high of 878. This takes us to Manning 8, Brady... read more

9. Brett Favre

   

   Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He is a three-time NFL MVP and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Favre also played for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets... read more

   Let's see his records. Longest pass in Super Bowl history (99 yards), Super Bowl MVP. The oldest quarterback ever in his 40s and was still playing until 2014.

   Favre is the number one gun in a "town" full of gunslingers. Nobody can deny his greatness or talent. 4 forever!

   I don't think Favre is the GOAT, but he is surely one of the best.

10. Randy Moss

    

    Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Moss is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL.

    Only shadowed by Jerry Rice in the receiver category. Rice himself said that Moss had the most talent out of any receiver to ever play the game.

    Moss carried the Vikings. They should have won multiple championships.

    Randy Moss is a great WR and he is one of the best. He should be ranked higher than 11. You're crazy! And why do you have Tim Tebow at number 26? What? He sucks?

The Newcomers
11. ?

    C.J. Stroud

    
12. ?

    DeAndre Hopkins

    

    DeAndre Rashaun Hopkins (born June 6, 1992), nicknamed "Nuk," is an NFL wide receiver who has played for the Houston Texans (2013-2019), Arizona Cardinals (2020-2022), and Tennessee Titans (2023). He has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and led the league in receiving yards in 2017. Hopkins is known... read more

The Contenders

13. Reggie White

    

    Reginald Howard White (December 19, 1961 - December 26, 2004) was an American professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. White played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, earning unanimous All-American honors. After playing two seasons... read more

    He was a machine, just unstoppable. He could probably get around anybody: Anthony Munoz, John Hannah, anybody. It would be mortifying to see Reggie White looking at you across the line of scrimmage. There would be no use in trying to block the destructive Reggie White.

    Reggie White should be number 7. He should at least make the top ten. Also, where are Ray Lewis and Tony Gonzalez? For me, Lewis is 2 and Gonzalez is 5.

    Reggie White was the best on the Eagles!

14. Johnny Unitas

    

    John Constantine Unitas, nicknamed "Johnny U" or "The Golden Arm", was an American professional football quarterback. He played from the mid-1950s through the early 1970s, primarily with the Baltimore Colts. Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the National... read more

    Johnny U was amazing. If you look at his stats, you'd never guess he was, though. Pass interference wasn't invented (my proof: it's called the Mel Blount rule), and very few penalties against the defense were. There were no doubters that Unitas would make the Hall of Fame.

15. Deion Sanders

    

    Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. (born August 9, 1967) is a former professional athlete who played both American football and baseball. He is one of the few individuals to have competed in both the Super Bowl and the World Series. Sanders currently works as a college football coach and serves as an analyst for... read more

    Probably the greatest athlete on the field at the time that he played. Best to ever play the hardest position on the field.

    Deion was the fastest NFL player ever! He has to be in the top ten! Actually, I think Joe Haden can be like that someday.

    A great cornerback who played for the Cowboys.

16. Adrian Peterson

    

    Adrian Lewis Peterson is a former American football running back who played primarily for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. He later joined several other teams, including the Washington Redskins. Peterson won the NFL MVP award in 2012 after rushing for over 2,000 yards that season... read more

    Everyone gives him crap because he abused his child, but this guy deserves top 10.

17. Ray Lewis

    

    Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. is a former American football middle linebacker who played his entire 17-year career for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000 and 2003). Lewis also won Super Bowl XXXV... read more

    Not only do I think that he is the best linebacker of all time, but I also think he is the second-best player ever behind Jerry Rice. He was awesome. Huge impact on the game.

    Best heart of all time. Greatest leader of all time. Best defensive player of all time. Ray Lewis. Two-time champion.

    Greatest defensive end of all time. An absolute monster all around.

18. Drew Brees

    

    Drew Christopher Brees is a former American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League, primarily for the New Orleans Saints. He holds the NFL record for the most 5,000-yard passing seasons, achieving this milestone five times (2008, 2011-2013, 2016), including three... read more

    Think about this for a sec. Drew broke Tom Brady's record for the most consecutive touchdown passes by 52. Plus, he has a 5000+ season average and was considered the most accurate quarterback of all time.

    This one is a no-brainer and should obviously be higher on the list.

    One of the most accurate of all time! He's not my favorite, but he is one of the best at his position.

    It's funny that he's been playing less than Tom Brady, but yet he is way, way better in my mind.

19. Calvin Johnson

    

    Calvin Johnson Jr. (born September 29, 1985), nicknamed Megatron, is a retired American football wide receiver who played his entire nine-season career with the Detroit Lions from 2007 to 2015. He led the NFL in receiving yards twice, set the single-season receiving yards record in 2012, and was a six-time... read more

    Speed, size, strength, catching, and jumping. Not only is this receiver good, he is amazing! Not only is he the best player at wide receiver today, but he is also one of the best players today and ever.

    The only or one of the only reasons the Lions are winning games anymore is because they have Calvin Johnson. Without him, I think they would always be out of the playoff picture.

    He is unguardable with his hands, strength, and speed. He was breaking records left and right with Matthew Stafford! So, it all balances out like this: Greatest of All Time.

20. Dick Butkus

    

    Richard Marvin Butkus, born December 9, 1942, and passed away on October 5, 2023, was a legendary American football linebacker. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973 and was known for his aggressive style and dominant presence on the field. After retiring, Butkus worked as a commentator and... read more

    Roses are red, violets are blue, you better keep Butkus away from you. If you've seen him, you've seen players lying on the ground, defeated. He was the hardest hitter in the history of the game, period. More players would be in the medical facility after facing the Bears with Butkus on their team than anywhere else.

    The best defender of his time, with a memorable personality. If you saw him live or on TV back in the day, there's no question.

    He is awesome. He should be higher in the ranks. He schooled everybody on defense.

21. Michael Irvin

    

    Michael Jerome Irvin, born March 5, 1966, is a retired American football player, actor, and sports commentator. He played as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, where he was a key figure in their three Super Bowl victories during the 1990s. After retiring from the NFL, Irvin became a sports analyst... read more

22. LaDainian Tomlinson

    

    LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is a former professional American football player. He was a running back in the National Football League for eleven seasons, primarily with the San Diego Chargers. Tomlinson is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football... read more

23. Larry Fitzgerald

    

    Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. is an American football wide receiver regarded as one of the most consistent and respected players in NFL history. He spent his entire 17‑season career with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. Though he never won a Super Bowl, he... read more

    Most consistent hands ever, tall, extremely athletic, blazing fast in his prime, and played the game like no other. When Larry Fitzgerald changed positions into more of an inside receiver instead of a wing player because of his age and the decrease in speed, he still remained one of the best receivers in the league.

    The only thing that he lacks (as well as the Cardinals) is a Super Bowl ring.

    Honestly, he is my favorite player, and 19th! That's all? At least in the top ten, come on! He is amazing on the field and will never stop until he gets a Super Bowl ring. His hands can catch anything and everything.

    This is probably my longest complaint here. Make Larry number 2, behind Jerry Rice, of course.

24. Steve Young

    

    Jon Steven Young is a former professional American football quarterback. He played 15 seasons in the National Football League, most notably with the San Francisco 49ers. Young is remembered as one of the league's most efficient passers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

    Steve Young started his NFL career too late. Otherwise, he might have been the greatest player of all time. His seven-year span from 1992-1998 was incredible. Such a fun player to watch. He was basically as accurate as any quarterback there had ever been, and then you add in that he was one of the best running quarterbacks as well. Amazing!

    When Joe Montana left, Steve Young replaced him and dominated. One of the best 49ers.

25. Terrell Owens

    

    Terrell Eldorado Owens is a former American football wide receiver who played for teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League. He is known for his exceptional talent, athleticism, and controversial celebrations. Owens was inducted into... read more

    He should be in the top five. Don't be mad at a person for speaking his mind. When he found out he was wrong, he came out and said it. Stop hating people. Terrell Owens.

    He was a wide receiver and played for the Cowboys, the Eagles, and the 49ers.

26. Aaron Rodgers

    

    Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He signed a one‑year deal with Pittsburgh in March 2025 after being released by the New York Jets. Rodgers is a four‑time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion... read more

    He is easily the most dangerous QB of all time. Brady, Montana, and Rice all have rings because it's a team game. He has also been practically carrying the Packers, including a Super Bowl victory.

    A person I can compare him to is Dan Marino, but with more mobility.

    No one can throw the deep ball like my boy Aaron Rodgers! He is definitely going to go down as one of the best. Number 26? Are you kidding me?! More like top 10 material we are working with here. At least better than Brett Favre. We don't see Rodgers leading the league in interceptions. Go Pack Go!

27. Dan Marino

    

    Daniel Constantine Marino Jr. is a former American football player who was a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He played 17 seasons from 1983 to 1999 and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Marino was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of... read more

    Dan Marino is probably the most accurate QB of all time. Marino played in an age when QBs were not very protected, nor were the WRs. Despite the lack of protection rules, he still completed 4,967 of 8,358 passes, with 420 TDs and 252 INTs, 20 rushing TDs, 61,361 yards, and 253 YPG.

    How many passing yards? Marino is the best QB not to win the big game.