Top 25 Players in NFL History (Acc. to CBS Sports)
25) Don Hutson
Before modern passing, there was Don Hutson. Playing in the 1930s-40s, he led the league in receptions 8 times and receiving touchdowns 9 times. His innovative route running made him decades ahead of his time.
24) Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez transformed the tight end position into an offensive weapon. With 1,325 receptions and 111 touchdowns, he was a consistent mismatch for two decades. His durability and production changed the role forever.
23) Gale Sayers
Though his career was short, Gale Sayers’ brilliance was undeniable. In just 68 games, he scored 56 touchdowns, dazzling defenders with unmatched speed and agility. Injuries ended his career, but his legacy endures.
22) Rod Woodson
Woodson was the complete defensive back - fast, instinctive, and physical. With 71 career interceptions and 12 defensive touchdowns, he was a game-changer for both the Steelers and Ravens, earning a Super Bowl ring in Baltimore.
21) Alan Page
Before he became a judge, Alan Page was a dominant Viking lineman and the first defensive player to win NFL MVP (1971). His quickness and intelligence made him a nightmare for offensive lines throughout the 1970s.
20) Anthony Muñoz
Considered the greatest offensive lineman ever, Muñoz anchored the Bengals line for 13 seasons. His blend of size, agility, and technique set the gold standard for left tackles across generations.
19) Emmitt Smith
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards, Smith combined durability and consistency. He was the driving force behind the Cowboys dynasty, winning 3 Super Bowls and a league MVP in 1993.
18) John Elway
Elway’s arm strength and willpower carried Denver through the 1980s and 90s. After years of heartbreak, he retired with back-to-back Super Bowl wins, proving he could finish on top. His clutch comebacks are legendary.
17) Randy Moss
“Straight cash, homie.” Randy Moss made highlight reels routine. His 156 career touchdowns and freakish athleticism stretched defenses to their limits. When motivated, no receiver could change a game faster.
16) “Mean” Joe Greene
Joe Greene was the emotional and physical leader of Pittsburgh’s 1970s dynasty. A 4-time Super Bowl champion, his dominance in the trenches made the Steelers defense one of the most feared in history.
15) Aaron Donald
Few defenders have ever been this dominant. With 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, Aaron Donald redefined what an interior lineman can do. His strength, leverage, and relentless pursuit made double-teams useless.
14) Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis was the emotional core of the Ravens for 17 seasons. A 2-time Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, his leadership and ferocity defined the Ravens’ defensive identity for nearly two decades.
13) Johnny Unitas
Johnny U was the first true superstar quarterback. His record 47-game touchdown streak stood for over 50 years. Unitas brought leadership and precision passing to a league still learning to throw the ball effectively.
12) Dick Butkus
Dick Butkus embodied fear. The Bears linebacker struck terror into offenses throughout the 1960s and 70s. With vicious hits and unmatched intensity, Butkus set the standard for what it means to play defense in Chicago.
11) Patrick Mahomes
Still in his prime, Mahomes already boasts 3 Super Bowl titles and 3 MVPs. His creativity, arm angles, and leadership make him the face of the NFL’s new generation - and a surefire top-10 all-timer when his career is done.
10) Dan Marino
Dan Marino shattered passing records in an era before pass-heavy offenses. His 5,084-yard, 48-touchdown season in 1984 stood unmatched for two decades. Though he never won a Super Bowl, his quick release and rocket arm changed the game.
9) Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders turned broken plays into highlights. Despite retiring early, he rushed for 15,269 yards and never had a season below 1,100. His elusiveness, balance, and humility made him one of football’s purest talents.
8) Reggie White
Reggie White was both feared and respected. With 198 career sacks, he terrorized quarterbacks across two decades. A leader on and off the field, White was a cornerstone for both the Eagles and Packers, winning a Super Bowl at age 36.
7) Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor didn’t just dominate; he changed football forever. The only defensive player to win NFL MVP (1986), LT’s ferocity off the edge forced teams to rethink offensive schemes — and invent the modern left tackle role.
6) Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning revolutionized quarterback play with his pre-snap reads and surgical precision. With 5 MVPs and over 70,000 passing yards, Manning’s intellect and preparation made him the most cerebral QB of his era.
5) Joe Montana
Before Brady, there was Montana: 4-time Super Bowl champion, 3-time Super Bowl MVP, and master of late-game magic. His pinpoint accuracy and calm demeanor under pressure made him the face of the 49ers dynasty in the 1980s.
4) Walter Payton
Walter Payton did it all - running, catching, blocking, even throwing touchdowns. The 1977 MVP finished with 16,726 rushing yards and a reputation as one of the toughest competitors ever. His graceful style and relentless effort defined Chicago Bears football.
3) Jim Brown
Jim Brown was a force of nature in his nine seasons. Leading the league in rushing 8 times, Brown averaged over 100 yards per game, an NFL record that still stands. His blend of size, speed, and vision made him the prototype for every great running back after him.
2) Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice’s dominance is untouchable. The NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (1,549), yards (22,895), and touchdowns (197), Rice combined unmatched work ethic with precision route running. Even decades later, no receiver has come close to his consistency and production.
1) Tom Brady
No player in NFL history matches Tom Brady’s longevity, leadership, and success. With 7 Super Bowl rings, 3 MVPs, and over 600 career touchdown passes, Brady redefined greatness. From his underdog beginnings as a 6th-round pick to dominating in his 40s, he became the ultimate winner and leader.
