American football has been an integral part of American culture for over a century, captivating fans with its intensity, strategy, and physicality. Throughout the years, the sport has produced iconic athletes who have left an indelible mark on the game. From quarterbacks with pinpoint accuracy to defensive juggernauts capable of changing the course of a match, the history of American football is studded with legendary players. In this article, we’ll explore the top 12 greatest American footballers of all time, showcasing the talent, dedication, and impact that have made them immortal in the annals of the sport.
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady, widely acknowledged as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time (GOAT), was born on August 3rd, 1977. Over his remarkable 23-season career in the NFL, he spent 20 seasons with the Patriots and 3 with the Buccaneers. Boasting a multitude of records, Brady stands out as the sole American football player to secure seven Super Bowl victories for his teams.
Throughout his illustrious career, Brady earned numerous accolades, including the NFL Most Valuable Player award three times, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice, and First Team All-Pro honors thrice.
Even in his 40s, Brady maintained his elite status, consistently drawing widespread attention and betting favor for his team in every match. This guide highlights our preferred NFL sportsbooks, perfect for accurate predictions in the league. Explore the page to discover top-notch NFL sportsbooks offering enticing bonuses and favorable odds, while also providing valuable insights to enhance your overall betting experience.
2. Jerry Rice
Rice unquestionably deserves a spot on the NFL’s Mount Rushmore of all-time great players. His extensive list of NFL records stretches beyond the length of a football field. A three-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers, Rice achieved the remarkable feat of catching his record-breaking eighth career Super Bowl touchdown with the Raiders at 40.
Boasting a career total of 22,895 receiving yards, Rice outshines the second-closest wideout, Larry Fitzgerald, by over 5,000 yards. Jerry is also known as one of the best American footballers of all time. In 1987, Rice set a monumental record by catching 22 touchdowns in just 12 games, a remarkable achievement that stood unbroken for two decades.
3. Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor, a two-time Super Bowl Champion (1986, 1990) and NFL Most Valuable Player (1986), boasts an impressive football legacy, marked by a remarkable 10-time Pro Bowl (1981-1990) and 10-time All-Pro (1981-1990) record. Additionally, he secured the title of three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986) and earned the distinction of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1981. As part of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, he was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Beyond his accolades, Lawrence Taylor’s impact extends far beyond statistics. Widely regarded as the greatest linebacker in history, he transcended the game by fundamentally altering defensive strategies. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in 1981 from North Carolina, Taylor played a pivotal role in leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories. His three-time recognition as NFL Defensive Player of the Year, coupled with being named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1986, sets him apart as the last defensive player to achieve such an honor.
Taylor’s influence reverberates through the sport, reshaping how football is played at every level. His dominance left an indelible mark on the game, revolutionizing offensive line blocking techniques and influencing the way teams instruct players in the art of rushing the quarterback. Lawrence Taylor’s legacy extends beyond his numerous accolades, solidifying his status not just as the greatest linebacker but as the preeminent defensive player in the history of football.
4. Jim Brown
It’s challenging to measure the extent of Brown’s dominance throughout his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He stands among the elite athletes who significantly outshone their competition, a distinguished group that encompasses legends like Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Wilt Chamberlain, Cheryl, Miller, Serena Williams, Jesse Owens, and Michael Phelps make the list.
Brown not only secured the NFL rushing title eight times but also propelled the Browns to their most recent league championship in 1964. To this day, his remarkable career yards-per-game average of 104.3 yards remains the highest in NFL history for any player. Jim Brown is also one of the best American footballers of all time.
5. Joe Montana
Among the elite players listed, Joe Montana stands out as a premier quarterback who excelled as one of the NFL’s top passers during his prime. Renowned for his knack for leading his team to victory in critical moments, Montana left an indelible mark on the league.
Born on June 11th, 1956, Joe Montana dedicated 14 seasons to playing the quarterback position for the 49ers, contributing significantly to their acquisition of four Super Bowl titles. His impact extended beyond his time with the 49ers, as he spent the final two seasons of his illustrious career with the Chiefs, guiding them to the Playoffs.
Joe Montana’s impressive awards include being named NFL Most Valuable Player twice, securing the NFL Offensive Player of the Year title, and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl on eight occasions. His legacy as a quarterback and his ability to perform under pressure make him a standout figure in NFL history.
6. Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion (2000, 2012) and Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (2000), demonstrated exceptional consistency on the defensive side of the ball throughout his 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He earned numerous accolades, including 13 Pro Bowl selections (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2006-11), 10 All-Pro honors (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2008-10), and two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (2000, 2003). Lewis was also named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ray Lewis played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl victories in 2000 and 2012, with the latter serving as his farewell game. Lewis is one of the best American footballers of all time. His 10 All-Pro selections matched the NFL career record, shared with Lawrence Taylor.
Off the field, Lewis faced significant adversity, overcoming a double-murder charge before the 2000 season. This legal challenge arose from a fight after a Super Bowl party in Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in the stabbing deaths of two men. Lewis successfully navigated this ordeal, allowing him to continue his illustrious football career.
7. Walter Payton
How remarkable was ‘Sweetness’? So remarkable that a compelling case can be put forward debating whether he stands as the greatest running back in NFL history. Walter Payton is one of the best American footballers of all time. Undoubtedly, he holds the title of the greatest back since the 1970 merger. Peyton, possibly the most fearless player in history, consistently faced eight-man fronts for less-than-stellar Bears teams.
As the Bears eventually rose to competitiveness in his later years, Peyton played a pivotal role in leading them to a championship, amassing over 2,000 all-purpose yards for the Super Bowl XX champions. Beyond his extraordinary running abilities, Peyton showcased exceptional skills as a blocker, receiver, and all-around football player.
8. Reggie White
Reginald Howard White, born on December 19, 1961, was a prominent American football player during the 1980s and 1990s. Throughout 15 seasons in the National Football League, he showcased his skills with the Eagles, Packers, and Panthers. Regarded as one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history, White earned numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career.
Among his notable achievements are two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, 13 Pro Bowl selections, and recognition as the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year. Tragically, Reginald Howard White passed away on December 26, 2004, at the age of 43.
9. Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders, a two-time Super Bowl champion in 1994 and 1995, boasts an impressive football career with eight NFL All-Pro selections spanning from 1992 to 1994 and 1996 to 1998. He earned the title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1994 and secured a spot on the prestigious NFL 100th Anniversary Team.
Renowned as the greatest defensive back of all time, Sanders brought a distinctive flair and infectious enthusiasm to the game, elevating it beyond mere competition. Recognized for his exceptional speed, he is arguably the fastest human ever. In addition to his football prowess, Sanders pursued a full-time career in Major League Baseball during his initial seven NFL seasons. Notably, he led the National League in triples in 1992 and later made comebacks to the MLB in 1997 and 2001.
Sanders achieved a rare feat by winning Super Bowls in consecutive years with two different teams—the 49ers and Cowboys. Following a three-year retirement from the NFL, he returned to the field for two seasons with the Ravens in 2004 and 2005. Sanders’s illustrious career is a testament to his versatility and enduring impact on both football and baseball.
10. Barry Sanders
If you haven’t witnessed Barry Sanders in action, articulating the thrill of watching him on the football field becomes a challenging task. The ex-Detroit Lions luminary possessed a distinctive running approach that remains unparalleled. Barry Sanders is one of the best American footballers of all time.
Sanders, a football sorcerer, effortlessly transformed seemingly inevitable five-yard setbacks into awe-inspiring runs, immortalized on continuous loops within the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His extraordinary running style propelled him to a remarkable career, marked by four rushing titles and an impressive 15,259 rushing yards over ten seasons.
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