25. Matt Rhule — Nebraska
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Rhule’s run in the NFL did not go as expected. He signed on as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2020, hoping to bring the franchise some stability in the post-Cam Newton era. Rhule had a different Week 1 starter in each of his three seasons with the club, and failed to produce a single winning campaign. He was ousted midway through the ’22 season, and opted for a return to college football. Having gained notoriety for the turnaround at Baylor, Rhule hopes to resurrect a Nebraska program that has been relegated to a bottom-feeder in the Big Ten. Rhule has the credentials to get the job done, and he seems much more at home now that he’s returned to the college ranks.
24. Lane Kiffin — Ole Miss
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Kiffin knows how to coach offense — and he knows how to recruit. The former USC head man seemingly has gotten humbled in recent years. That’ll happen when you go from head coach of the (then) Oakland Raiders to running the Florida Atlantic program. This perspective seemingly has done Kiffin a ton of good. He’s now a more likable, seemingly down-to-Earth figure. In the process, he took the Ole Miss job with the hopes of turning it into a threat in the loaded SEC West. He’s led Ole Miss to Bowl Games in each of his three seasons, and has finished in the top-30 in scoring every year. With former USC passer Jaxson Dart at the helm, Kiffin and the Rebels are looking to make a run for the top of the toughest division in the nation.
23. Mike Norvell — Florida State
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Norvell went 38-15 at Memphis and capped off his tenure with an undefeated regular season before taking on the job at Florida State. The ‘Noles have been in a lull, but this is a program that has never struggled luring top recruits. And, in Year 4 with the team, it seems like Norvell is beginning to put the pieces in place. Last year, Florida State won six-straight to end the year including a win over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl. As a result, the ‘Noles entered the year ranked in the top-10 for the first time since 2017. An early statement win over LSU to begin the ’23 season announced to the country that the Seminoles are ready to compete yet again at the national level.
22. Jonathan Smith — Oregon State
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The Beavs could be having a moment, and that is thanks in large part to the job Jonathan Smith has done since taking over back in 2018. Smith won the 2000 Fiesta Bowl as a QB for the Beavers — throwing passes to two receivers you may have heard of, Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh. Oregon State is not an easy job, and could become even more difficult with the Pac-12 set to dissolve. However, Smith has built a roster that can win double-digit games and potentially contend for the last conference title in Pac-12 history. Don’t be surprised if the hungry Beavs knock off the top teams out West.
21. Mark Stoops — Kentucky
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Kentucky is no longer just known for basketball — and Mark Stoops is the primary reason why. Using his extensive recruiting ties in both Florida and Ohio, he’s built a very strong roster in Lexington. The Wildcats have seven bowl appearances with Stoops as the head coach — including two 10-win seasons. Considering the history of the program, and the fact they play in the SEC, this is essentially unheard of. Now, last year was a bit of a disappointment as the Wildcats were equipped with a top-tier QB in Will Levis and only managed to win seven games. But, the roster has been retooled and could very well be the second-best team in the SEC East.
20. Kirk Ferentz — Iowa
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Ferentz is the longest tenured head coach in D1 history. He took over the Iowa job in 1999 (going 1-10). Since then, the Hawkeyes have become a football factory — winning games, developing talent, and getting players drafted (particularly offensive linemen). Iowa routinely plays above its collective talent level. Ferentz is one of those guys getting the most out of his players. The Hawkeyes have a whopping 19 bowl appearances under Ferentz. Based upon the recent level of success, along with an uptick in recruiting, No. 20 seems like a formality at this point. The Hawkeyes have put together 10-straight winning seasons, and will look for an 11th consecutive this year.
19. Sonny Dykes — TCU
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TCU’s lousy title game performance should not be held over the job Sonny Dykes accomplished last year. In his first year with the team, Dykes led TCU to 12-0 regular season and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Horned Frogs knocked off Michigan in the semi-final, but were ultimately taken down in the title game by Georgia. Still, this is a program that hadn’t played in a national title game in over 80 years. Dykes was able to buck that trend in his first year on campus. There’s no telling how much he’ll be able to accomplish once his time in Fort Worth comes to a close.
18. Hugh Freeze — Auburn
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One thing we know for certain: Hugh Freeze knows how to win. He’s won at every stop, and is now trying to prove for a second time that he can compete in the SEC. Both of his SEC gigs weren’t exactly the most coveted jobs in the conference. Ole Miss and Auburn have each had its moments in the sun, but the programs typically fall in line behind the other SEC powers (Alabama, Georgia, and LSU) when it comes to recruiting. With Freeze at the helm, however, it feels like Auburn will compete at the highest level sooner rather than later. In Year 1, Freeze already has the Tigers on the right track following a few down years for the program.
17. Mike Gundy — Oklahoma State
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Gundy is an impressive example of consistency. The body of work crafted by the Oklahoma State head man has been nothing short of sensational. During his time in Stillwater, Gundy has led seven clubs that have won 10 or more games. They’ve qualified for a Bowl Game in each of the past 17 seasons. Gundy’s offense has always been particularly potent, consistently being among the top scoring outfits nationally. It’s pretty impressive for him to sustain this level of success considering the fact OSU is jockeying with the Sooners for supremacy of the state of Oklahoma.
16. Chris Klieman — Kansas State
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Taking over for a legendary coach in Bill Snyder was never going to be easy. But, Chris Klieman has done a fine job since taking over at Kansas State five years ago. The Wildcats struggled with consistency over Snyder’s final tenure. That hasn’t been quite as prevalent of an issue under Klieman. Kansas State has been ranked each year during Klieman’s run, and got as high as No. 9 in the polls in 2022. It should be no surprise that Klieman’s brand of coaching brings a certain level of sustained success. After all, he sported a sterling 69-6 record and won four FCS National Championships with North Dakota State.
15. Mack Brown — North Carolina
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Mack Brown’s resume ranks up there among the very best. He’s won at the highest level and has consistently produced talent that has gone on to play at the next level. We saw what he was capable of at a top-power with Texas, having led the program to nine-straight 10-win seasons at one point and the 2005 National Title. While he hasn’t been able to reproduce that kind of success at quite the same level at North Carolina, Brown has legitimized a Tar Heels football program that has always been in the shadow of its basketball team. He’s led the Tar Heels to four-straight Bowl Games and won nine games last year — the program’s second-best season since 1997 (Brown’s final year in his first tenure at UNC).
14. Josh Huepel — Tennessee
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In just two-plus seasons, Huepel has already brought Tennessee back to national prominence. The Vols are in a spot that they haven’t resided in since the late ’90s/early ’00s. And, Huepel can be credited for that turnaround. He joined Tennessee in the 2021 season after three winning seasons at UCF. Huepel’s Vols won 11 games last year and boasted the nation’s top-scoring offense. Though some of his biggest playmakers left for the NFL this past year, it doesn’t seem like Tennessee’s attack will slow down any time soon as long as Huepel is at the helm.
13. Kalen Debeor — Washington
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Following a quick rebuild at Fresno State, Kalen DeBoer was plucked by a Washington team in desperate need of a makeover. In his first year with the Huskies, DeBoer led the team to a 11-2 record and a win in the Alamo Bowl. Washington’s offense has been sensational ever since DeBoer came to town. Built around the arm of QB Michael Penix Jr. and WR’s Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan, the Huskies finished seventh in scoring nationally last season. Now, defense isn’t exactly DeBoer’s calling card, but any team that wants to compete with the USC’s and Oregon’s of the country need to be able to score. And, DeBoer’s offense has no trouble putting up points in bunches.
12. Chip Kelly — UCLA
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Every college football fan remembers Chip Kelly’s magical run at Oregon. The offensive savant was only in Eugene for four years (2009-12), but established a brand of football that completely took the nation by storm. His innovative tactics caught on across the country, and he eventually made the jump to the NFL after leading Oregon to a 46-7 record and wins in the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. Kelly’s NFL career didn’t go quite as well in stops in San Francisco and Philadelphia, but a return to the college football world seems to have reignited him. He has UCLA on the right path now as the Bruins are set to join the Big Ten.
11. Jimbo Fisher — Texas A&M
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Since joining Texas A&M, Jimbo Fisher has done an outstanding job of recruiting. With the windfall of money from the NIL ruling, the Aggies went out and secured the nation’s top class. We’re talking about elite players from all over the country — whether it be South Florida, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Texas. The next step for A&M is putting it together on the field. Even top recruits don’t always guarantee results on the field. Fisher and his Aggies were humbled a bit by a veteran Miami team at Hard Rock. However, based on Fisher’s track record when it comes to building contenders, we are certain that his efforts on the recruiting trail will eventually pay great dividends.
10. Lincoln Riley — Southern California
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After cementing himself as one of the top offensive gurus at Oklahoma, Lincoln Riley left for the beaches of Southern California. Taking over USC is no easy task. While recruiting on the West Coast becomes a bit easier, it comes with immense expectations and a giant target on one’s back. Having brought over the nation’s top QB certainly helped matters, as the Trojans were an explosive offense in Year 1 with Riley and Caleb Williams. Now, if Riley wants a true national contender, he’ll have to find a way to generate enough stops on the defensive side of the ball. Either way, all eyes will be on USC and Riley this year — as a potential jump to the NFL always looms for the gifted coach.
9. Ryan Day — Ohio State
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Ohio State is humming right now. In terms of program health, you can make an argument that the Buckeyes are set up better than nearly any other program in the country. Coming from Chip Kelly’s tree, Day is an offensive wizard. When you pair that brilliance with the athletes Ohio State gets on defense, the Big Ten really has a hard time staying competitive. Since taking over, Day has nearly a 90-percent win-rate and has consistently put the Buckeyes in a spot to compete at the highest level. The next step for Day is to win a National Title before potentially heading to the professional ranks.
8. James Franklin — Penn State
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The start of Franklin’s tenure in Happy Valley was by all accounts very good. The Pennsylvania native had six-straight years with bowl appearances — including three 11-win seasons. The sense is that the program hadn’t gotten completely over the hump as a title contender. Some believed that Franklin’s seat ran a little hot after two lackluster seasons (11-11 over the ’20 and ’21 campaigns). However, the Nittany Lions responded well last year, finishing the season 11-2 with a Rose Bowl win over Utah. Now, expectations are back as Franklin tries to lead Penn State to its first ever College Football Playoff berth.
7. Brian Kelly — LSU
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Brian Kelly’s decision to leave South Bend for the LSU job was a bit of a gamble. In his last five years at Notre Dame, Kelly won 54 games. He’s just over 10 years removed from having the Fighting Irish in the National Title game. Though, Kelly believed that making a move to an SEC power could be highly beneficial. In Year 1 with the Tigers, Kelly led LSU to a 10-4 record capped off with a dominating 63-7 Citrus Bowl victory over Purdue. The Tigers are still a step behind the elite teams in the conference, but Kelly’s impressive track record indicates that LSU could make that leap sooner rather than later.
6. Luke Fickell — Wisconsin
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What Luke Fickell was able to accomplish at Cincinnati was nothing short of remarkable. The Bearcats are essentially a mid-major program, and Fickell was able to build the team from the ground up while reaching a College Football Playoff. Though, there was always some certainty that Fickell would move on to a bigger, brighter job when the opportunity arose. And, he did just that last year after being hired by Wisconsin. Fickell is now tasked with bringing the Badgers back out of the Big Ten depths. Wisconsin is a school rich with history, but have just one 10-win season in the last five years. That could change quickly with Fickell at the helm.
5. Kyle Whittingham — Utah
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Kyle Whittingham simply knows how to build a football program. Utah teams are immensely tough. It shouldn’t be a surprise — as the team builds its identity around its head man. Whittingham is about discipline, energy, and organization. Rarely will you ever see Utah outplayed. It also maximizes the talent it has in the state, developing big, athletic Polynesian linemen into NFL players. With the Pac-12 fracturing, it’ll be interesting to see whether Whittingham follows the program during its move to the Big 12. We could also see a scenario in which he retires into the sunset.
4. Dabo Swinney — Clemson
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After going toe-to-toe with Alabama for years, Clemson — as weird as this is to say — has fallen off a bit. It’s sort of ridiculous to say that considering Clemson won 11 games last year — and haven’t won less than 10 games since 2010. However, based on the previous standard set, it’s a bit of downturn right now for the Tigers. With Miami surging and the rest of college football changing, we’re eager to see what happens to Clemson in the long-term. One thing is for sure…Swinney has to start adapting to/welcoming the new NIL rules.
3. Jim Harbaugh — Michigan
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Michigan is still a highly prominent program despite not winning a title under Harbaugh’s stewardship. For all of his quirks and somewhat odd behavior, the man knows how to coach the game of football. The Wolverines are one of the favorites to reach the CFP any given year. Getting over the hump won’t be easy. However, there’s more than enough talent/program support for Michigan to eventually break through and finally capture that elusive title.
2. Kirby Smart — Georgia
At only 47 years of age, Kirby Smart is sitting pretty. He will eventually take over as the de facto ruler of college football once Nick Saban hangs up his whistle. Smart is coaching a premium program in the heart of the most talent-rich region in the country. He’s winning recruiting battles versus Alabama, and can even stake the claim as the current best program within the SEC. Entering 2023, Smart and the Bulldogs have an opportunity to become the first team since Minnesota (’34-’36) to three-peat as National Champions. Georgia should find itself in the playoffs once again, and that’s thanks in large part to the job Smart has done building this program and establishing its identity as the current national juggernaut.
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1. Nick Saban — Alabama
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Nick Saban is one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of athletics at any level. Sure, he’s gobbled up National Championships akin to a movie goer munching on bonbons at the theater. He deserves immense praise for that. However, we ultimately give Saban the top billing based upon his ability to sustain levels of success at the very highest level over a long period of time.
It’d be easy for him to rest on his laurels a bit — whether that be in coaching or in recruiting. However, Saban still hustles as if he’s a coach looking to break a 15-game winless streak. This sort of drive and perseverance is a part of what makes him the best college football coach to ever live.
50. Drew Bledsoe
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Unfortunately for Drew Bledsoe, his career may be remembered most for losing his job to a man named Tom Brady. Before an injury allowed Brady to secure the job from Bledsoe, the talented quarterback started 123 games for the Patriots between 1993-2001.
Bledsoe was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Pats — twice leading the league in completions (’94, ’97). The Washington native would go on to earn a fourth Pro Bowl bid while with the Buffalo Bills before ultimately finishing his playing career with the Cowboys.
49. Doug Williams
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After spending the first five seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Doug Williams joined the Washington Redskins and promptly made NFL history. In 1987, Williams made two regular season starts — and lost both. Despite the losses, Williams was given the offensive reigns when the Redskins entered the playoffs.
Williams rewarded coach Joe Gibbs’ faith and led Washington to a 42-10 victory over John Elway and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Williams finished the contest 18-of-29 for 340 yards and four scores — making history as the first African-American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
48. Dave Krieg
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Before Russell Wilson arrived on the scene, Dave Krieg was arguably the franchise’s premier quarterback. From 1980-91, Krieg went 70-49 in 119 starts and earned three Pro Bowl nods. At the conclusion of a long 19-year career, Krieg had a record of 98-77 and tossed 261 touchdown passes versus 199 interceptions.
He may never have been the best quarterback in the league, but Krieg did enough to warrant the franchise adding him to its Ring of Honor.
47. Bert Jones
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Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck…Bert Jones? When the then-Baltimore Colts selected Jones with the No. 2 overall pick in 1973, the team believed they had found their next great quarterback to follow in Unitas’ footsteps. While that was never going to go as planned, Jones did have a great three-year stretch in the mid-70’s.
From 1975-77, Jones went 31-11 as a starter, completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 8,273 yards and 59 touchdowns. He was deemed the NFL MVP in 1976 and was selected to the Second-Team All-Pro squad the following year.
46. Bob Griese
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Two-time Super Bowl champ, two-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler — how could Bob Griese not make this list? Despite making two Pro Bowl’s through his first three seasons, Griese’s Dolphins struggled to a 10-20-2 record in his first 32 starts.
However, over the next five years, Griese flipped the switch. The quarterback led Miami to a 46-11-1 mark, was elected to four more Pro Bowl’s and won two Super Bowls. While his overall numbers weren’t great, there is no denying a quarterback who won 92-of-151 career starts.
45. Ken Stabler
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Let’s get this out of the way first — Ken Stabler had an electric mustache and a glorious mop of hair. The lefty from Alabama also had a rather nice career. Famous for his time with the Raiders, Stabler led Oakland to the playoffs six times. In 1976, Stabler led his squad to a Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
In addition to the win, Stabler led the NFL in passing touchdowns and passer rating in ’76 — two years removed from winning the MVP and leading the league in passing TDs for the first time. Stabler’s accomplishments led to his Hall of Fame induction in 2016.
44. Joe Theismann
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Joe Theismann enjoyed a very nice career before a devastating tackle by Lawrence Taylor permanently sent him to the sidelines. A Super Bowl champion in 1982 and MVP in ’83, Theismann suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg on that fateful play. Before the injury, Theismann had done it all.
After leading Washington to glory in ’82, he quarterbacked the ‘Skins to a 14-2 record the following year. For his career, Theismann went 77-47 and threw for over 25,000 yards.
43. Roman Gabriel
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Let’s take a moment to soak in the image above. Look how beautiful — and simple — Roman Gabriel’s uniform is (unlike the hideous logo the Rams are trotting out in 2020). Now that that is out of the way, let’s get into Gabriel the player. Spending most of his career with the Rams, Gabriel was elected to four Pro Bowl’s, led the league in passing touchdowns on two occasions (1969, ’73), passing yards in ’73, and took home the ’69 MVP.
During his MVP campaign, Gabriel threw for 2,549 yards and tossed 24 TDs and just seven interceptions. From 1967-69, the Ram great led the franchise to a 32-7-3 mark.
42. Phil Simms
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A majority of the younger football audience may recognize Phil Simms as ‘that guy on TV’. But long before Simms became a mainstay on network television, the Kentucky native led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory in 1986. In three games that postseason Simms completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 494 yards and eight touchdowns.
The two-time champ started eight games between 1991-92, but then had a triumphant comeback in ’93 — at 38 years old, Simms led the Giants to an 11-5 record and a Wild Card victory over the Vikings.
41. Mark Brunell
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Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1993, Mark Brunell would later become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ inaugural quarterback when the team entered the NFL in 1995. Brunell would lead Jacksonville to the postseason four times — reaching the Conference Championship twice. To this day, Brunell is Jacksonville’s all-time leading passer with 25,698 yards and 144 touchdowns.
40. Tony Romo
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Before his blossoming career in broadcasting began, Tony Romo was a highly-efficient quarterback for nearly a decade. Drafted in 2004, Romo spent two years on Dallas’ bench before taking over as the starting QB. Romo started 10 games in ’06 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. From ’07-14, Romo threw 223 TD passes to just 97 INT’s.
As a 34-year-old, No. 9 led the NFL in completion percentage (69.9), yards per attempt (8.5), passer rating (113.2) and QBR (79.7). Romo wasn’t able to win the biggest games, but there is no denying his talent.
39. Rich Gannon
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A fourth-round pick out of Delaware, Rich Gannon exceeded all expectations in the NFL. The first 11 years of Gannon’s career were mediocre. Splitting time between Minnesota, Washington and Kansas City, Gannon made 58 starts and threw 66 touchdown passes. However, upon joining the Raiders in 1999, Gannon turned into a stud.
Gannon went on a four-year tear in Oakland — accumulating 15,787 yards and 105 TD’s. Gannon was named MVP in ’02, thanks to 4,689 passing yards and an 11-5 record. Gannon would go on to lead the Raiders to the Super Bowl in what turned out to be his last healthy season as a pro.
38. Cam Newton
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Cam Newton is one of the most intimidating quarterbacks of all-time, hands down. Although Newton’s prowess through the air has been questioned at times throughout his career, you can’t argue with the results. Newton’s imposing 6-foot-5, 245 lb frame has tormented defenses since his debut in 2011. In ’15, Newton led the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season and a Super Bowl appearance.
That season, ‘Superman’ tossed 35 TD passes and netted 3,837 yards in the air — in addition to rushing for 636 yards and 10 scores. Through the ’22 season, Newton has rushed for 5,628 yards and 75 touchdowns, but enters this year as an unsigned free agent. Newton has changed the perception of what a quarterback can be.
37. Randall Cunningham
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It is truly remarkable Randall Cunningham lasted 16 years in the NFL. Drafted by the Eagles in 1985, Cunningham served as a punching bag for the first six years of his career. In his second year, the four-time Pro Bowler was sacked 72 times — despite making only five starts.
Over the next four years, Cunningham would lead Philadelphia to a 38-22 record. In lieu of being sacked 51 times per season, Cunningham connected on 98 TD passes and rushed for 18 more. One of the first true dual-threat QB’s, Cunningham rushed for nearly 2,700 yards between ’87-90.
36. Carson Palmer
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After winning the Heisman Trophy following his senior year at USC, Carson Palmer was selected No. 1 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. Almost immediately upon his arrival in Cincinnati, Palmer appeared destined for a great career. In Year 2, Palmer led the NFL with 32 TD’s and a 67.8 completion percentage.
Unfortunately for Palmer and the Bengals, Palmer suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Cincy’s playoff game against the Steelers. It took Palmer a few years to regain his form, but boy did he ever. In 2015, at the age of 36, Palmer threw for 4,671 yards and 35 TD’s for the 13-3 Arizona Cardinals. In total, Palmer threw for over 46,000 yards and 294 touchdowns.
35. Philip Rivers
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Upon joining the then-San Diego Chargers, Philip Rivers spent two years on the bench watching some guy named Drew Brees. Then, in ’06, Rivers was named the starting QB and promptly led the Bolts to a 14-2 regular season. Rivers spent the first 16 years of his career with the Chargers…
…but at the age of 39 joined the Indianapolis Colts for one final season. Rivers hung up his cleats with 63,440 passing yards, 421 touchdown passes, and eight Pro Bowl nods to his name. The only thing missing from Rivers’ resume is a Super Bowl win.
34. Boomer Esiason
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Drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984, Boomer Esiason quickly showcased his NFL potential. By the mid-80s, Esiason was lighting up defenses with his unique left-handed delivery. In 1988, his performance hit a pinnacle: Boomer led the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, a testament to his prowess.
While the Bengals narrowly missed out on Super Bowl glory against the 49ers, Esiason’s impact on the game was undeniable. After stints with the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, he returned to Cincinnati to cap off his career. Throughout his time in the league, Esiason amassed an impressive 37,920 passing yards and 247 touchdowns.
Known for his deep ball accuracy and ability to rally his team, Esiason remains one of the NFL’s iconic quarterbacks. Whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere, Boomer’s play consistently echoed his apt moniker: explosive and unforgettable.
33. Matt Ryan
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Emerging from Boston College as a hot prospect, Matt Ryan was snatched up by the Atlanta Falcons with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Right out of the gate, “Matty Ice” lived up to his nickname, bringing a cool, clutch presence to the Falcons’ offense. In his rookie year, he led Atlanta to the playoffs, signaling the dawn of a new era for the franchise.
Ryan’s apex came in 2016 when he not only spearheaded the Falcons to Super Bowl LI but also earned the NFL MVP award, thanks to a season where he threw for a whopping 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns. If he and the Falcons were able to hold on to their 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, Ryan’s legacy would be a lot stronger.
Over the course of his career, Matt Ryan has thrown for well over 55,000 yards, placing him among the league’s elite passers. While his lone season in Indianapolis can best be described as a disaster, in the heart of Atlanta, Ryan’s legacy as a consistent and commanding QB is firmly etched in NFL history.
32. Steve McNair
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Steve McNair parlayed a historic collegiate career at Alcorn State into becoming the No. 3 overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft. With the Titans, McNair quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game. In 1997, his first year as the starting QB, McNair rushed for 674 yards and eight touchdowns.
McNair would lead the Titans to four playoff appearances — including a run to the Super Bowl in 1999, in which the Titans came a yard short of forcing overtime. In ’03, McNair and Peyton Manning were named co-MVPs. McNair’s achievement was amplified by the fact that he became the youngest player in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards (22,637) and rush for 3,000 (3,172).
31. Y.A. Tittle
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Tittle’s Hall of Fame career began with the Baltimore Colts of the soon-to-be defunct All-America Football Conference. After three seasons with Baltimore, Tittle was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1951. Tittle spent 10 years in San Francisco, earning Pro Bowl honors four times and at one time sharing a backfield with three future Hall of Famers.
Despite playing with one of the most decorated backfield of all-time, Tittle became a legend with his next team, the New York Giants. In 1961, the Giants acquired Tittle from the 49ers in exchange for a second-year guard. In his first three seasons in New York, Tittle led the Giants to the NFL Championship. After being demolished 37-0 by the Green Bay Packers in 1961, Tittle threw 33 touchdowns in 1962 en route to another meeting with the Packers. New year, same result. The Packers won 16-7.
Tittle’s penultimate season of his career, 1963, was his best. He threw for a single-season record of 36 touchdowns while earning league MVP honors. However, Tittle produced his worst performance of the year in the Championship, throwing five interceptions on a bum knee, resulting in a 14-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. While Tittle was never able to capture a championship victory, he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971.
30. Sid Luckman
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He may have played his last game in 1950, but Sid Luckman was a true beast. Spending the entirety of his career with the Bears, Luckman helped bring four NFL titles to Chicago. In totality, Luckman appeared in five championship games. In 1943, Luckman tossed 28 TD passes and averaged an astounding 11 yards per attempt, and 20 yards per completion.
That same year, Luckman found the end zone on an NFL-record 13.9 percent of his pass attempts. Five-time All-Pro, four-time NFL champion, Hall of Fame. Luckman may be the best quarterback you’ve never heard of.
29. Ken Anderson
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Seven years before Boomer Esiason won MVP honors and led the Bengals to a Super Bowl showdown against the 49ers, Ken Anderson accomplished the exact feat. A third-round pick in 1971, Anderson became Cincinnati’s starting QB in just his second year. Shortly after, Anderson found himself leading the league in passing yards (’74, ’75) and completion percentage (’74).
Anderson’s game peaked in ’81 when he led the Bengals to a 12-4 record and a narrow defeat in Super Bowl XVI. Still, Anderson’s 3,754 passing yards and 29 TD’s that year led to his lone MVP.
28. Len Dawson
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Perhaps the best quarterback to play in the AFL, Len Dawson was an absolute star. After throwing a total of 45 passes through his first five years in football, Dawson exploded in 1962 with the Dallas Texans. In addition to leading the AFL in completion percentage (61.0) and TD’s (29), Dawson led the Texans to the AFL title — his first of three.
From ’62-69, Dawson led the league in completion percentage seven times and TD’s four times. Dawson then capped his career with a Super Bowl MVP effort in Super Bowl IV.
27. Donovan McNabb
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Had a few games gone differently during McNabb’s career, there is a good chance he’d be pushing the top-20 of this list. In his first year as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback, McNabb finished second in MVP voting, leading the Eagles to the playoffs before being sent home by the Giants. The following year, McNabb led the Eagles to their first NFC Championship game since 1980.
From ’01-04, the McNabb-led Eagles reached the NFC Championship Game four consecutive years, ultimately falling short in their first three attempts. ’04 finally resulted in the breakthrough the Eagles were waiting for, as McNabb torched the competition on the way to Super Bowl XXXIX.
McNabb threw for 31 TD’s and had only eight INT’s during the regular season, becoming the first NFL quarterback to throw for more than 30 TD’s with less than 10 INT’s in a season. His talented Eagles squad didn’t win a championship, but advancing to four consecutive NFC Championships is no small feat. At the end of the day, McNabb should find himself in the Hall of Fame.
26. Eli Manning
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The lesser of the Manning brothers, Eli has still put himself in position to one day enter the Hall of Fame. There is a case to be made that without the two Super Bowl victories, Eli would be seen as a slightly above-average quarterback, but you can’t knock his durability and knack for clutch plays.
In Manning’s two Super Bowl appearances, he led last-minute game-winning drives against the New England Patriots. The drives will ultimately be remembered by the two miraculous catches, but Manning was able to keep plays alive and make all the necessary throws to win.
25. Kurt Warner
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One day, Kurt Warner’s story will likely be shared on the big screen. Undrafted out of Northern Iowa, Warner was working at a grocery store before the St. Louis Rams came calling. A 28-year-old, Warner left the store behind and led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999 — where he also earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
In the process, Warner won the MVP while leading the NFL in completion percentage (65.1) and TDs (41). In 2001, Warner won his second MVP and came within seconds of a second championship. At 37, Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl — a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the greatest postseason performers of all-time, Warner also has the 13th highest career passer rating and fifth-highest career completion percentage in NFL history. Quite the career, Kurt.
24. Russell Wilson
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Hailing from NC State and later Wisconsin, Russell Wilson entered the NFL as the Seattle Seahawks’ third-round pick in 2012. Despite doubts surrounding his height, Wilson quickly silenced critics, showcasing a dynamic playstyle that blended pocket presence with nimble footwork. By his second season, Wilson had led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier talents.
Wilson’s ability to extend plays and conjure moments of magic, often when it mattered most, became his trademark. In 2019, he threw for a career-high 4,110 yards, consistently ranking among the top QBs in touchdown passes year after year. With a deep ball that’s second to none and leadership qualities that rally the 12th Man, Russell was the heart and soul of the Seahawks for nearly a decade.
However, his arrival in Denver has been far less successful. Now facing a make-or-break season after struggling mightily last year, Wilson’s top 20 legacy hangs in the balance. At the very least, with over 33,000 passing yards, 260+ touchdowns, and countless last-minute heroics for Seattle, he’s already cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer.
23. Joe Namath
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“Broadway Joe” is easily one of the most recognizable players in the history of football. Known for his charisma, bold proclamations and his victory guarantee in Super Bowl III, Namath’s numbers don’t tell the whole story about his greatness.
Following a great collegiate career at Alabama, Namath led the Jets to an AFL Championship in 1968. The next year, shortly before the AFL/NFL merger, Namath made his famous guarantee. In 1969, Namath and the Jets, from the AFL, defeated Don Shula’s Baltimore Colts, from the NFL, in Super Bowl III.
While injuries played a big part in limiting the numbers Namath was able to achieve, there is no debating his legacy as one of the most gifted quarterbacks the sport has seen. The Jets’ Super Bowl III victory remains the franchise’s only Super Bowl title.
22. Dan Fouts
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Before settling into the broadcast booth, Fouts was one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Fouts became just the third player ever to pass for more than 40,000 yards in a career — leading the league in passing each year from ’79-82, which included a then single-season passing record with 4,802 yards during the ’81 season.
Although the Chargers never reached the Super Bowl with Fouts under center, he did lead them to two AFC Championship Games. Fouts had his #14 retired by the Chargers in 1988, and was enshrined in Canton as a part of the Class of 1993.
21. Ben Roethlisberger
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In one of the most confusing career arcs in NFL history, Ben Roethlisberger went from phenomenal to terrible and then back to phenomenal over the course of his 18 seasons. With two Super Bowl titles under his belt, Roethlisberger leaves the game a true Pittsburgh legend.
One of the best quarterbacks at extending plays and improvising in NFL history, Roethlisberger’s deceptive agility and incredible arm strength ensure a spot in Canton.
20. Otto Graham
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Dominating during an era that is often forgotten in the confines of NFL history, Otto Graham and the Cleveland Browns couldn’t be stopped from 1946-55. Reaching the league championship every year in that span, Graham was the biggest reason why.
He holds the record for highest win percentage of any starting quarterback in NFL history (0.814), with Cleveland finishing 114-20-4 in games started by Graham. As an efficient passer and the ultimate winner, Graham would have gained even more notoriety had he played during the Super Bowl era.
19. Sammy Baugh
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Sammy Baugh’s passing numbers certainly won’t blow anyone away, but it was his unmatched versatility that makes him worthy of this ranking. In addition to playing quarterback, Baugh also played defensive back and punted for the Washington Redskins. In 1943, Baugh led the league in passing, punting and interceptions (as a defensive back) – a feat that will never be repeated.
18. Bart Starr
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The winning quarterback of the first two Super Bowls in NFL history, Bart Starr was named the Most Valuable Player of both games. He owns the highest playoff passer rating (104.8) of all-time and finished his career 9-1 in the postseason.
Playing in the run-first era certainly deflated Starr’s stats, but there’s no denying his place as one of the best and winningest quarterbacks in NFL history.
17. Fran Tarkenton
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Fran Tarkenton played 18 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, finishing as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. When he retired in 1978, he was the all-time leader in pass attempts, completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing yards by a quarterback and wins by a starting quarterback.
Although Tarkenton was never able to bring a Super Bowl title to either franchise he played for, his individual excellence made him a no-brainer to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
16. Terry Bradshaw
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Contrary to the next player on this list, Terry Bradshaw cracks the top-15 for his ability to win on the NFL’s biggest stage. Bradshaw was far from a prolific passer during the days of Pittsburgh’s smash-mouth brand of football (only threw for more than 3,000 yards in a season twice), but he finished a perfect 4-0 in games with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
Despite the uninspiring touchdown-to-interception ratio (212:210) and a 51.9 percent completion percentage, Bradshaw’s induction into the Hall of Fame in 1989 is well deserved.
15. Jim Kelly
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While Jim Kelly will (unfairly) best be remembered for his 0-4 record in Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, Kelly was one of the premier quarterbacks during his 11-year career. Kelly teamed with Andre Reed to form one of the most potent quarterback-wide receiver duos in NFL history and finished with a 101-59 record in the regular season. In 2002, his first year of eligibility, Kelly was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
14. Roger Staubach
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After winning the Heisman Trophy following his junior season at Navy, Staubach’s NFL career was delayed while he served his four-year military commitment. First starting a game at 29, Staubach went on to lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories in five appearances from 1970-78.
‘Captain America’ captured the ’71 MVP and Super Bowl VI MVP, and is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
13. Warren Moon
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The first undrafted quarterback to make the Hall of Fame, Moon had an illustrious career in both the NFL and CFL. After winning five Grey Cups in the CFL, Moon started a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. Following nine Pro Bowl appearances, Moon retired finishing in the top-five in passing yards, TD’s, attempts, and completions.
If Moon’s statistics from the CFL and NFL were combined, his numbers would be almost unmatched in the history of football. In 2006, Moon became the first African American quarterback to be enshrined in Canton.
12. Troy Aikman
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The No. 1 pick out of UCLA in 1989, Aikman quarterbacked the great Dallas dynasty of the early 90s. Aikman led the Cowboys to a 32-17 trouncing of the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII, completing 22-of-30 passes for 273 yards and four TDs. Aikman then led the Cowboys to two more Super Bowls in the next three years, capped off by a 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
Aikman amassed over 32,000 yards and 165 TDs in 12 seasons, ending his career with a 3-0 record in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Aikman, his Hall of Fame career was cut short in 2001 following his tenth concussion.
11. Steve Young
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Known as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, Steve Young had the nearly impossible task of replacing Joe Montana in San Francisco. However, the BYU alum filled the void admirably, winning two MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP during his eight years as the franchise’s leader.
In addition to his prowess as a passer, Young sits third all-time among quarterbacks with 4,239 career rushing yards, but still falls just short of cracking the top-10 on this list.
10. Johnny Unitas
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Once the gold standard for NFL quarterbacks, ‘The Golden Arm’ was a 3-time MVP, 3-time NFL champion, and the winning quarterback of Super Bowl V. Unitas set the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47) between 1956-60 — a mark that stood until Drew Brees surpassed the record in 2012.
Unitas still ranks 10th all-time with 290 touchdown passes. His performance in the two-minute drill garnered him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch,’ and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
9. Drew Brees
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Playing in the same era alongside Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Brees went underappreciated throughout his brilliant career. Brees is one of only five quarterbacks to throw for at least 5,000 passing yards in a season, and he has accomplished the feat five times (no other quarterback has done it more than twice).
Despite being short for the position, Brees’ combination of impeccable footwork and precision makes him a surefire Hall of Famer. In addition to 13 Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring, Brees currently stands as the second all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
8. Patrick Mahomes
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Having just turned 27 and having just completed his fifth year as a full-time starter, it is hard to determine Mahomes’ place in history. Still, even after just 80 regular season starts, it is reasonable to deduce that Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks to play in the NFL.
As a first-year starter in 2018, Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns — resulting in an MVP award. While Mahomes’ second season was a bit more reserved, the Kansas City gunslinger still put up incredible numbers and led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory. In 2023, the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl for the third time in four years, resulting in Mahomes’ second Lombardi Trophy. As the current top threat to Tom Brady’s seven titles, it’s hard to picture Mahomes not cracking the top 3 by the time his career is over.
7. Brett Favre
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The ultimate gunslinger, Favre holds NFL records for most pass completions, attempts, interceptions, starts, and wins. The only quarterback to win three consecutive MVPs, Favre is one of only two quarterbacks to win a playoff game over the age of 40.
A Super Bowl champion, Favre ranks fourth all-time with 508 TD passes. For all of the personal accolades, Favre’s most impressive achievement might be his durability, as seen during his NFL-record 321 consecutive starts.
6. Dan Marino
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The greatest quarterback to never win a Super Bowl, Marino held the record for most touchdown passes (420) and most career completions (4,967) when he retired. In Marino’s 1984 MVP season, the Dolphins made their only Super Bowl appearance under Marino, losing to the Joe Montana-led 49ers 38-16.
During his MVP season, the nine-time Pro Bowler became the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season, as well as the first to surpass 40 touchdown passes in a season. To go along with his rocket arm, Marino arguably possessed the quickest release the league has ever seen.
5. Aaron Rodgers
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Aaron Rodgers’ nimbleness in the pocket, unbelievable precision, and rocket arm might make him the most talented quarterback the NFL has ever seen. In 15 seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed over 55,000 passing yards and 475 passing touchdowns (with only 105 interceptions).
However, that production hasn’t necessarily translated into postseason success. With only one Lombardi Trophy over his 15 seasons, it led to plenty of friction with the Green Bay front office, and ultimately, a trade to the New York Jets. Though Rodgers was being touted as the Jets’ savior, he tore his Achilles in Week 1 versus the Buffalo Bills — thus ending his 2023 season abruptly.
4. Peyton Manning
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Arguably the greatest regular season quarterback ever, Manning cemented his place among the game’s elite by capturing his second Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl 50. Manning retired a five-time MVP, holding the NFL records for most touchdowns (539) and passing yards (71,940) — which have since been eclipsed. Manning came off serious neck surgery to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2012 with the Denver Broncos.
A 14-time Pro Bowl selection, Manning’s one knock has always been his play in the postseason. And although his performance in Super Bowl 50 was rather underwhelming, the second ring will go a long way in helping elevate his legacy.
3. John Elway
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The storybook ending to a Hall of Fame career, Elway capped his legacy by winning back-to-back Super Bowls — defeating the Packers and Falcons. The ultimate dual-threat, Elway rushed for four touchdowns in his Super Bowl appearances. Tom Brady is the only quarterback to best Elway’s five Super Bowl appearances, and he ranks among the top five in the four major passing categories (completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns).
His 14 playoff wins stand amongst the best in the game, and his all-time winning percentage of .641 shows his greatness. Elway has followed his Hall of Fame career by leading the Broncos to four division titles, two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl title as Executive VP/GM of the Broncos.
2. Joe Montana
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Four Super Bowl appearances, four victories, three MVPs and 11 touchdown passes — Montana’s performances in the Super Bowl are nothing short of spectacular. And with these victories coming against Dan Marino and John Elway, the Super Bowls look even better.
The master of the West Coast offense is arguably the most clutch player in NFL history. Montana holds Super Bowl records for most passes without an interception (122 in four games) and a quarterback rating of 127.8.
Montana led his teams to 31 come-from-behind victories in his career, including all-time moments such as “The Catch” and his touchdown pass in the closing moments of Super Bowl XXIII. And while he safely held the title of G.O.A.T for two decades, the next player’s excellence leaves Montana at No. 2.
1. Tom Brady
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Two miraculous plays away from being 9-1 in Super Bowls, Tom Brady’s case as the greatest quarterback of all-time is strong. With more Super Bowl appearances (10) and playoff victories than any quarterback in NFL history, Brady’s ability to win without dominant supporting casts is nothing short of incredible.
Finishing his career as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP and three-time NFL MVP, it’s hard to picture any quarterback surpassing him. With legendary performances in countless high-pressured games — none better than his masterful comeback performance against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI — Brady has safely asserted himself as the greatest quarterback of all-time.
The 40 Greatest Running Backs In NFL History, Ranked
T-40. Lenny Moore
Selected No. 9 overall out of Penn State in the 1956 NFL Draft, Lenny Moore is one of the more accomplished players from back in the day. Moore earning Rookie of the Year honors was just a sign of things to come. The Nittany Lion would proceed to make five First-Team All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls. A two-time champion with the Baltimore Colts, Moore led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1964 with 20 scores. A recent inductee to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Moore’s legacy will live on for years to come.
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T-40. Ricky Watters
A second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991, Ricky Watters was an instant sensation in the NFL. Fresh off a successful career at Notre Dame, Watters was selected to the Pro Bowl five years in a row to start his professional career. A threat both rushing and catching passes out of the backfield, Watters tallied over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. The Pennsylvania native eclipsed 1,000 yards seven times — including six-straight years from 1995-2000.
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39. Christian McCaffrey
Six years into his promising career, Christian McCaffrey has already blossomed into one of the most dangerous players the NFL has ever seen. In Year 2, the Stanford great rushed for 1,098 yards and hauled in 107 passes for 867 additional yards. In 2019, McCaffrey exploded for 1,387 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, and hauled in 116 passes for 1,005 yards and four scores. Only 26, McCaffrey has plenty of time to improve his legacy. The only thing that will hold CMC back from moving up this list is bad luck.
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38. Eddie George
The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, Eddie George parlayed a Hall of Fame collegiate career into a very successful life in the NFL. From his rookie year in 1996 through 2000, George rushed for at least 1,294 yards. An All-Pro in 2000, George rushed for 1,509 yards and 14 touchdowns in helping Tennessee to a 13-3 regular season.
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37. Tiki Barber
Tiki Barber’s career made little to no sense. In his first five seasons, Barber’s best single-season rushing mark was 1,006 yards. During that time, Barber had 15 rushing touchdowns and 26 fumbles. Then, Barber turned into a sensation the last five years of his career. The Giant rushed for over 1,200 yards each year — peaking at 1,860 in 2005 — and scored 40 rushing TD’s.
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36. Fred Taylor
Arguably the best player in Jacksonville franchise history, Taylor is often overlooked when compared to his peers. Making just 12 starts as a rookie, Taylor averaged 4.6 yards per carry — finishing the season with 1,223 yards and 14 scores. In 2000, Taylor made 13 starts and tallied 1,399 yards on the ground. His 107.6 yards per game led the NFL. Taylor would go on to rush for 1,100 yards a total of seven times.
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35. LeSean McCoy
Has there been a more consistent RB than McCoy over the past decade? The former Pitt Panther took a bit of a tumble over the final few years of his career, but was considered (at worst) a top-10 back for roughly eight seasons. Peak McCoy was a true dual-threat equipped to eviscerate NFL defenses through the air or on the ground. His agility and quickness out of breaks was virtually unparalleled as he made defenders look silly on a weekly basis. A six-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and a member of the 15,000-yard-from-scrimmage club, McCoy has cemented himself as an all-time great back.
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34. Ottis Anderson
Anderson isn’t nearly as heralded as some of his peers, but the two-time Super Bowl winner likely doesn’t have an issue with that. His career numbers matchup with all of the all-time greats – 10,273 rushing yards (13,335 from scrimmage), 81 touchdowns, and an All-Pro nod — and his longevity was certainly impressive (34 of his rushing touchdowns came after Anderson turned 30 years old).
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33. Ricky Williams
Coming out of Texas, expectations were sky-high for Williams who was selected fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Saints. Williams was a solid producer during his time in New Orleans, but didn’t truly breakout until he was traded to the Dolphins. In his first year in Miami, Williams rushed for a league-high 1,853 yards (plus 363 yards receiving) and scored 17 touchdowns. His career was cut short due to a short-lived retirement and a year-long suspension, but Williams was undoubtedly one of the most feared backs of his era.
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32. Herschel Walker
To modern fans, Walker is simply known as the player who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for an absurd amount of draft picks which were used to essentially kick-start the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty of the 90s. However, we cannot fault Minnesota for this decision as Walker was a truly dominant player during his time in Dallas. Walker rushed for a career-high 1,514 yards during his last full season with the Cowboys, earning All-Pro second-team honors in the process. Minnesota’s front office overvaluing the former Heisman Trophy winner shouldn’t cover for the fact that Walker was a beast during his prime.
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31. Bo Jackson
Though his career only spanned 38 professional games, there’s no denying the impact Jackson had on the sport of football. To this day, Jackson is arguably the greatest athlete to ever play the game. An inhuman blend of size, speed, and strength allowed Jackson to dominate at every level. While juggling two sports, Jackson managed to become the only player to be named an NFL Pro Bowler and an MLB All-Star in the same year. He also holds the record for most runs of 90-plus yards (tied with Chris Johnson) with two. Had it not been for several lower-body injuries, there’s no doubt Jackson would have cracked the top-10 of this list.
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30. Ollie Matson
Ollie Matson was a ridiculous athlete. How ridiculous, you may ask? Aside from being a six-time Pro Bowler and a seven-time first-team All-Pro running back, Matson also represented the United States as an Olympian in the 400-meter sprint and the 4×100 relay (he won two medals). One can make the argument that Matson is one of the most athletic players in league history.
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29. Jim Taylor
The Louisiana native is one of the best fullbacks in NFL history. Taylor was an absolute masher when it came to run blocking and pass protection. However, he was ahead of his time as physical yet nimble rusher. Taylor accumulated five-straight seasons with at least 1,000 yards rushing — including a career-high 1,474 yards and 19 touchdowns in 1962. Taylor was a four-time NFL champion, and a five-time Pro Bowler.
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28. Larry Csonka
Csonka is often synonymous with the Miami Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season. It’s for good reason, as the Ohio native was a vital cog in the Miami machine. The fullback made five-straight Pro Bowls for the Dolphins during the 1970’s. A winner of two Super Bowls, Csonka was also a three-time first-team All-Pro. Without question, Csonka is a pure winner with a competitive streak few have matched.
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27. Marion Motley
Motley was one of the most impressive running backs of his time for the Cleveland Browns. At nearly 240 pounds, the Ohio native routinely chugged forward for positive yardage. Though he enjoyed only one Pro Bowl year, Motley was a two-time first-team All-Pro. Aside from rushing for an outstanding career average of 5.7 yards-per-carry, Motley also won the NFL rushing title in 1950.
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26. John Henry Johnson
Before Jim Brown, there was John Henry Johnson. The gigantic running back (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) was bigger than many of the linemen he played with. A physically imposing player, the Northern California native made four Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro squads. To this say, Johnson holds the record for being the oldest rusher (34) to accumulate a 1,000-yard season.
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25. Frank Gore
At 38 years of age, Gore still produced as an NFL back. This fact alone is highly impressive. Gore currently ranks No. 3 all-time in most rushing yards for a single career (16,000 — as of August 2022). The Florida native paired short, choppy steps with above-average agility. He consistently demonstrated an immense patience in seeking out running lanes. In 2019, Gore passed Barry Sanders to become No. 3 on the all-time rushing list.
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24. Marshawn Lynch
Putting his proclivity for Skittles aside, Lynch was simply a fantastic football player. His stop-and-start style of running makes the knees of defenders buckle. Another aspect of Lynch’s well-rounded game is the power with which he ran. There’s an anger seeping through in virtually every carry he gets.
Lynch led the league twice in rushing touchdowns. He also can be categorized as a five-time Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro selection, and a Super Bowl Champion.
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23. Shaun Alexander
The former Alabama star is one of only eight NFL players to have accumulated at least 100 rushing touchdowns. During his MVP season in 2005, Alexander accrued 1,880 rushing yards. He also rushed for an eye-popping 27 touchdowns — which totals the second-highest mark for a single season in NFL history (with the record being 28). Alexander’s brutish running style led to a career in which he rushed for 9,453 yards and 100 touchdowns.
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22. Joe Perry
As part of the iconic ‘Million Dollar Backfield’, Perry relished in being the San Francisco 49ers’ primary offensive threat. Perry was a one-cut and go type of runner. Once he hit the hole and got to the second level, it was virtually impossible to stop him in the open field.
He was known for becoming the first NFL player to rush for at least 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Duly, he retired as the NFL’s All-Time leading rusher (though that mark has since been broken). The three-time First-Team All-Pro was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
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21. Edgerrin James
“The U” has churned out countless All-Pro NFL running backs. James is among the best to have every played at Miami… and that’s saying something. Over the course of his career, James rushed for 12,246 yards and 72 touchdowns. He also caught 433 passes for 3,364 yards and 11 scores.
The 4-time Pro Bowler led the league in rushing twice, and was named as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. James appears to be a lock for an induction into Canton one day.
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20. Derrick Henry
29 years old, Henry is approaching the age where running backs tend to fall off the proverbial cliff. Let’s be real about one thing: The Florida native is a physical freak. He’s essentially a fridge on wheels out there when defenders bounce off of him. The Titan star led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 2019 (1,540 yards, 16 TD) and 2020 (2,027 yards, 17 TD) — and was leading the league once again in 2021 before an injury ended his regular season after eight games.
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19. Terrell Davis
Davis has a laundry list of personal achievements. His MVP season came in 1998 — where he accumulated career highs in rushing yards (2,008) and touchdowns (21). The three-time Pro Bowler shined most during the playoffs. In both of Denver’s Super Bowl years, Davis combined for 11 touchdowns and 1,049 yards on the ground during postseason play. He was truly instrumental in helping the franchise win at the pinnacle of the sport.
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18. Jerome Bettis
Bettis was a freakish athlete in the best sense of the term. He looked more suited to play along the defensive line than he did as a running back. It’s what made Bettis such a revered and likable figure. Generously listed at 252 pounds during his career, Bettis was an exceptional runner of the football. The six-time Pro Bowler racked up numerous accolades en route to a 2015 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He currently sits at No. 7 All-Time in career rushing yards (13,662).
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17. John Riggins
Spanning over the course of his 14-year career, Riggins is only one of seven running back to have rushed for at least 10,000 yards (11,352) and 100 touchdowns (104). The Kansas native led the Redskins to a victory in Super Bowl XVII over the Miami Dolphins. Riggins garnered MVP honors with a 38-carry, 166-yard performance (which included one touchdown).
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16. Franco Harris
To this day, Harris is the All-Time career rushing leader in Pittsburgh Steelers franchise history (11,950). The nine-time Pro Bowler’s career can also be marked by a ridiculously fantastic postseason mark. Harris helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls. He was the MVP of Super Bowl IX — as he rushed for 158 yards and one touchdown on 38 carries. Few can compare to Harris in terms of winning at the highest level.
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15. Thurman Thomas
Thomas was the bell-cow back for the franchise that infamously lost four-straight Super Bowls. Though the Bills failed to bring a Super Bowl title home to Buffalo, it was not due to Thomas’ play on the field. Thomas made the Pro Bowl five-straight times during this overlapping period. He also had an eight-year stretch in which he rushed for at least 1,000 yards every season.
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14. Curtis Martin
Martin made Pro Bowl appearances in three of his first four years in the league. After a relatively solid three-year stretch, Martin came out of nowhere to garner two First-Team All-Pro denotations (2001, 2004). At 31 years of age, Martin impressively led the league in rushing yards (1,697). Consistency-wise, Martin’s quickness and vision enabled him to rush for at least 1,000 yards in 10-straight seasons.
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13. Marcus Allen
The stormy relationship with Al Davis led to Allen being jettisoned on the Oakland bench for years during his prime. At 33 years of age, Allen finally left for rival Kansas City — where he led the AFC in rushing touchdowns (12). He then led the Chiefs in rushing for four-straight seasons.
For his career, Allen notched 12,243 yards and 123 touchdowns. He ranks No. 14 All-Time in career rushing yards — right behind James and narrowly in front of Harris.
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12. Tony Dorsett
To this day, Dorsett still holds the NFL record for the longest rush in history (99 yards). The faithful in Dallas will always have a soft spot for Dorsett — as he rushed for at least 1,000 yards in eight of 11 seasons with the franchise.
His time with the Cowboys included four Pro Bowl appearances, an Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and three separate occasions in which he was an all-league player. Dorsett currently ranks No. 10 All-Time in career rushing yards (12,739).
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11. Adrian Peterson
The seven-time Pro Bowler set an NFL record (as a rookie) for the most rushing yards in a single game (296). On seven different occasions, Peterson’s garnered All-League honors — including an MVP Award in 2012.
Despite having a taller frame, Peterson is excellent at ‘making himself small’ when bursting through the line of scrimmage. His acceleration is simply mind-boggling — as is his penchant for warding off defenders with stiff-arms and quick cuts. Peterson is currently the No. 5 rusher all-time with 14,918 yards (as of August 2022).
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10. Earl Campbell
For his career, Campbell made five Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pro teams, and was the 1979 MVP. He led the league in rushing three times, and rushed to an impressive 4.3 yards-per-carry clip. Campbell’s style of running limited his career to eight years. However, he clearly established himself as an all-time great. Campbell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
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9. Eric Dickerson
Dickerson still holds a record which has yet to be broken. In 1984, he rushed for 2,105 yards. This equates to an unbelievable 131.6 yards-per-game average. Dickerson garnered a place within the Hall of Fame in 1999.
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8. Gale Sayers
Sayers starred for the Chicago Bears as both a running back and as a returner. Sayers impressively averaged 30.6 yards per kick return. If we toss away the final two injury-riddled years of his career, Sayers averaged 5.18 yards per carry. This would place Sayers fourth All-Time in this capacity for a running back. His rookie season was fantastic — as Sayers accumulated 22 total touchdowns and 2,272 all-purpose yards.
Sayers became the youngest inductee (34) into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For the four-time Pro Bowler, it’s simply a situation of ‘what if’ when it came to Sayers’ injury history.
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7. Marshall Faulk
Faulk won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award in back-to-back-to-back seasons. He also took home the 2000 MVP Award after accumulating 26 touchdowns and 2,189 yards of total offense. Though he was an every-down player, Faulk’s ability to act as a dual-threat rusher/pass-catcher opened the door for other players to carve out niches as third-down backs (such as Darren Sproles and Kevin Faulk).
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6. O.J. Simpson
Though he will be largely known for his involvement in the famed 1994 criminal murder trial, one cannot forget Simpson’s brilliance as a football player. He led the league in rushing on four separate occasions, and was an first team all-pro on multiple occasions. Simpson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
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5. LaDainian Tomlinson
LT reached double-digit touchdown totals in each of his first 10 seasons in the league. The five-time Pro Bowler won the 2006 MVP Award based upon a season in which he rushed for 1,815 yards and an NFL record 28 touchdowns. In fact, Tomlinson had a stretch in which he scored at least one touchdown in 18-straight contests.
The TCU product is second All-Time in career rushing touchdowns (145). He also ranks seventh in career rushing yards (13,684) and third in receptions for a running back (624).
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4. Emmitt Smith
There might not be another back boasting Smith’s resume. Aside from the fact that he was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a four-time First-Team All-Pro, and a league MVP, Smith also led the NFL in both rushing yards and touchdowns on four separate occasions. To top it all off, he played on three Super Bowl-winning teams. To this day, Smith is the NFL’s All-Time leader in rushing touchdowns (164) and rushing yards (18,355).
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3. Walter Payton
The nine-time Pro Bowler held many individual records at the time of his retirement in 1987. Payton accumulated 10 seasons with at least 1,200 yards rushing. In addition, he was a fantastic receiver out of the backfield — finishing his career with 492 receptions. Though the likes of Jordan, Butkus, Banks, Sosa, Chelios, and Ditka are core staples within the Windy City, there may not be a more respected athlete in Chicago than Payton. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Six years later, he passed away at the age of 45.
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2. Barry Sanders
Sanders did things on the field that were utterly perplexing in nature. At only 5-foot-8, 203 pounds, he shouldn’t have been an every-down back. Duly, it’s insane to believe that a player of his stature would lead the NFL in rushing in four separate seasons. Sanders essentially was a human pinball — as he rarely took a clean hit. His ability to evade defenders in short spaces was akin to making someone miss in a phone booth. Sanders’ agility remains second to none.
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1. Jim Brown
Brown was as great a force as anyone’s seen on the professional football level. Standing 6-foot-2 and roughly 230 pounds, Brown had the size of a defensive lineman with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. He bowled over defenders as if they were parking cones. The opposition was essentially rendered useless whilst Brown was carrying the rock.
Brown made Pro Bowl appearances in every season of his nine-year career. In eight of these seasons, he led the NFL in rushing. This level of sheer domination is simply mind-numbing. Brown retired at 29 years of age to pursue other avenues. Upon retiring, he finished with 12,312 yards, a 5.2 yards-per-carry average, and 106 touchdowns. All were NFL records at the time (though they’ve since been broken).
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25 Best Linebackers Of All-Time
25. Zach Thomas
Thomas was a fire hydrant of a football player. He didn’t have ideal size for the linebacker position. Generously listed at 5-foot-11, Thomas made up for his lack of size with raw passion. He threw himself into virtually every single tackle with elite amounts of physicality and enthusiasm. It’s a reason why Thomas became one of the most prolific linebackers from the period of the late ’90s-early 2000’s. You often hear about players playing with a proverbial chip on their shoulder. Thomas embodied that premise as well as anyone.
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24. Chuck Bednarik
The Bednarik Award is named after the former defensive stud. It’s given annually to the best defensive player in college football. This speaks to how good Bednarik truly was as a player. Playing his entire career with the Eagles, Bednarik was a freak of nature during the 1950’s. He made the Pro Bowl eight times during his professional career (in addition to winning two NFL titles) Making Bednarik more special was the fact that he was bigger than most linemen playing the linebacker position (at 6-foot-3 and over 230 pounds).
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23. Dave Wilcox
Wilcox is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the San Francisco 49ers franchise. Considering the players who’ve performed in the Bay Area for the team, that’s surely saying something. Wilcox was known for having a very dominant personality. He loved to physical impose himself on the opponent. This sort of persona grew to the point where he earned the moniker “The Intimidator.” The 7-time Pro Bowler earned four All-Pro honors during his career in the NFL.
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22. Rickey Jackson
Before the days of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, we had Rickey Jackson. The Florida native was one of the inventive defenders who played the hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end role at an extremely high level. The 6-time Pro Bowler was an absolute monster when attacking quarterbacks off the edge. He registered a whopping 128.0 sacks throughout his entire career — including five Second Team All-Pro honors. Relentless in nature, Jackson’s style of play turned out to be quite transcendent as well.
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21. Robert Brazile
“Dr. Doom” had a rather fitting nickname. Similar to Jackson, Brazile was said to be a pioneer in the movement to make an outside linebacker equally as threatening as a pseudo defensive end rushing opposing passers. A former first-round pick out of Jackson State, Brazile spent his entire 10-year career with Houston Oilers. During this 10-year run, Brazile made seven Pro Bowl appearances, won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and was a 5-time First Team All-Pro member. Among his many impressive skills, Brazile had a tremendous nose for the football. He pursued ball carriers like a predator going after its prey in the wild.
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20. James Harrison
James Harrison got every ounce of ability out of his body. The decks were stacked against Harrison from the jump. Undrafted out of Kent State, scouts thought he was too small to play along the defensive line, and too slow to play linebacker. After short stints in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and NFL Europe, Harrison eventually earned a spot with the Steelers. Not only did he help the franchise win two Super Bowls, but he developed into arguably the most feared defensive player in the league. Harrison is known for his brilliance in the weight room — though he’s also renowned for his ability to take care of his body. It allowed for Harrison to mitigate size issues — and instead dominate the opposition with sheer force. He is one of the most prolific defensive players to ever play for the Steelers’ franchise.
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19. Mike Singletary
Undersized and feisty, Singletary made the most of his career as an integral member of the Chicago Bears. During the height of its defensive prowess, Chicago relied heavily on Singletary for energy, leadership, and accountability. He knew how to line teammates up before the play was launched. Additionally, he exploded towards ball carriers with a tremendous burst. Singletary’s value crested when being able to pin his ears back and aggressively attack the line of scrimmage. He made 10 Pro Bowls before later entering the realm of coaching.
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18. Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner is one of the few players on this list still actively competing in the league. At 30 years old, the Los Angeles native has already accomplished quite a bit. Wagner has been named as a First Team All-Pro on five separate occasions. He’s notched at least 104 tackles in every single year of his career. Wagner has supreme anticipatory skills. Seattle gives Wagner the ability to roam freely simply based upon the responsible nature of his game. He’s seemingly always around the ball (which isn’t by coincidence). Once his career is finished, Wagner is a stone-cold lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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17. DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware was one of those physical marvels that rarely comes around. Built like a defensive end, Ware primarily played outside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. The former No. 11 Overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft dominated the competition both with his hand in the dirt and when standing up as an edge rusher. The 9-time Pro Bowler was one of the NFL’s very best sack artists for nearly a decade. To this day, Ware ranks No. 9 all-time in career sacks (138.5).
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16. Jack Ham
Ham teamed with Jack Lambert to form a very potent one-two punch behind the defensive group known as ‘The Steel Curtain.’ While Lambert brought the physical component of the duo, Ham was buoyed by ridiculous speed and the ability to process things on the field virtually faster than anyone else. Ham was quite gifted in diagnosing the play before it unfolded. It made his world-class speed that much more sudden when exploding into the backfield for big plays — or even when tracking runners downfield. Ham helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls. He also played in eight Pro Bowls before retiring in 1983.
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15. Von Miller
At only 31 years of age, Miller still has some juice left before hanging up his cleats. There’s reason to think he could vault himself into the top-10 depending upon how the rest of his career goes. Miller has already made eight Pro Bowls to go along with one Super Bowl ring and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Miller’s pursuit of quarterbacks off the edge has been unmatched since entering the league in 2011. A player reliant upon leverage and agility, Miller is one of the most technically gifted rushers we’ve seen in recent memory.
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14. Junior Seau
Junior Seau was the heart and soul of the San Diego Chargers for over a decade. It was fitting he ended up with his hometown team, as the Oceanside native played his college ball at USC before heading back down south. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Seau represented the prototype middle linebacker. Aside from being immensely strong, he was also quick — whether dropping in coverage or crashing down in run lanes. He made 12 Pro Bowls and 10 All-Pro teams during his illustrious career.
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13. Kevin Greene
Greene had a very successful professional career which saw him play for the Los Angeles Rams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers. Formerly a walk-on at Auburn, Greene kept that underdog mindset for the bulk of his career. He was a player who relied on physicality, preparation, and mental acuity rather than solely on athleticism. In the end, Greene finished his career with 160.0 sacks (which ranks him No. 3 all-time behind only Bruce Smith and Reggie White). After spending six years coaching NFL linebackers, Greene sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 58.
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12. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher was quite unique as a football player. Originally a safety, he bulked up and became a highly athletic linebacker at New Mexico. The Bears recognized his talents — and selected him No. 9 Overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. From Day 1, Urlacher immediately flashed as a legitimate talent. Playing both inside and outside linebacker, Urlacher quickly established himself. He led the team in tackles as a rookie (124) and only got better as the years went on. There was even a season in which a 24-year-old Urlacher finished with 153 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 19 tackles-for-loss. The former Rookie of the Year/Defensive Player of the Year finished his career with 8 Pro Bowl appearances in 13 years.
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11. Joe Schmidt
Believe it or not, there was a time in which the Detroit Lions were actually a good football team. Joe Schmidt was the reason behind the Lions winning two NFL titles in the 1950’s. The fierce linebacker out of Pittsburgh was one of those players who clearly outperformed their expected level. Formerly a seventh round pick, Schmidt quickly proved to be a hidden gem of a player. He made 10 Pro Bowls throughout his career, and often relied upon a dogged determination when bringing ball carriers to the ground.
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10. Bobby Bell
In the earlier iterations of American Football, Bobby Bell was among the very best when it came to rushing the passer. After dominating play collegiately at Minnesota, Bell flourished during his 12-year career with the Kansas Chiefs (both in the NFL and the AFL). A player with a real nose for the ball, Bell scored nine total defensive touchdowns throughout his career. His athletic ability — coupled with his versatility as a player — allowed Bell to line up all over the field.
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9. Bill George
Bill George was one tough son of a gun. He wasn’t flashy — nor did he seek the constant publicity. Instead, George went out and did his business in a very workmanlike manner. As some have mentioned, typical schemes back in the ’30’s and ’40’s often had a five-man front with two linebackers behind the line. George had been a lineman initially — though dropped in coverage upon seeing some sort of schematic advantage during a game one afternoon. By doing so, he not only created the patented 4-3, but he also created the middle linebacker position. George’s proclivity for dropping in coverage enabled him to both knock down passes at the line of scrimmage and also intercept passes at a high clip. By the time his career ended, George had 8 Pro Bowl appearances and eight First Team All-Pro honors to his name.
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8. Luke Kuechly
Some people might be surprised to see Luke Kuechly inside the top-10. He called it quits to his professional career at the age of 28 (due to concussion issues). However, Kuechly was one special athlete. As a rookie, he notched 164 tackles and 12.0 TFL. From there, he enjoyed seven-straight seasons with Pro Bowl appearances. The run included one Defensive Player of the Year award and seven All-Pro mentions (five First Team and two Second Team). When breaking it down, seven of Kuechly’s eight years in the league were considered to be absolutely elite. Fast, aggressive and immensely smart, it’s a shame his career ended so quickly.
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7. Ted Hendricks
Few players in the history of the NFL have been as unique as Hendricks. Aside from being the first player ever to have been born in Guatemala, Hendricks played the OLB position standing at 6-foot-7. Even in today’s NFL, you don’t see players that tall operating at a position where constant knee bend, short-area quickness, and change-of-direction skills are needed. Hendricks ticked every one of those boxes with flying colors. As the defensive anchor, he helped the then-Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders win four Super Bowls. Hendricks was highly productive when it came to knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage. When looking back at history of the Raiders’ franchise, Hendricks is right up there among the best to every don the silver and black.
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6. Derrick Brooks
The vaunted ‘Tampa 2’ defensive scheme is completely due to Brooks and his ability to cover in space. The speedy linebacker had the versatility to be a beast when stopping the run. Additionally, Brooks offered enough speed and athleticism to drop in coverage for obvious passing situations. No one else during the late ’90’s/early 2000’s had a player possessing this skill-set. With a smaller yet quicker frame, it allowed Brooks to also track running backs and receivers off the line of scrimmage. In total, the Florida native racked up 11 Pro Bowl appearances. He also was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame a short time after Brooks had retired.
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5. Jack Lambert
Playing right behind the vaunted ‘Steel Curtain’ was linebacker Jack Lambert. Prowling on the second level like a tiger, Lambert was often tasked with cleaning up the play should a running back escape from Pittsburgh’s elite defensive line group. Lambert was gigantic for the middle linebacker spot (6-foot-4). However, he was far from a lumbering athlete. He’d chase down running backs, tight ends, and even receivers when pursuing the ball. Aside from making eight All-Pro teams and nine Pro Bowls, Lambert was an integral member in the Pittsburgh dynasty which hoisted four Super Bowl trophies.
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4. Derrick Thomas
The late Derrick Thomas took the mantle from Lawrence Taylor as being the next premier linebacker for essentially the entire decade of the 1990’s. Starring for the Kansas City Chiefs, Thomas terrified the opposition from his right outside linebacker spot. He accrued 10.0 sacks as a rookie — followed by 20.0 sacks as a second-year player. In fact, Thomas averaged 11.5 sacks per year for his entire 11-year career. Had a car accident not taken his life, Thomas likely would’ve continued to perform at a very high level. Even then, he set a number of Kansas City records during his time as a player.
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3. Dick Butkus
Butkus was an absolute monster during his playing days. A physically intimidating player, he knocked players around for fun during his lengthy career with the Bears. Upon entering the NFL from Illinois, Butkus immediately became one of the better players in the league. He’s seek out contact when destroying people from the middle linebacker spot. Not only was he excellent against the run, but Butkus also had the athletic ability to rush the passer with terrific effectiveness. The 8-time Pro Bowler made six First Team All-Pro teams. He also was a 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
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2. Ray Lewis
The most inspirational leader in the history of American professional sports finds himself as the No. 2 linebacker of all-time. Lewis was a human magnet; Teammates and coaches alike were enthralled by the Florida native. He knew exactly which buttons to push when wanting to extract the best out of his teammates. As a player on the field, Lewis was a complete player. He paired elite quickness with violent aggression and a nuanced ability to read the play before reacting. He’s exactly the type of player you’d want to build your defense around.
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1. Lawrence Taylor
It would be easy to rattle off a list of accomplishments, achievements, and statistics as they pertain to Lawrence Taylor. Simply put, there’s never been a more disruptive player — regardless of position — in the history of the NFL. He was far too quick for offensive tackles to deal with. Not only that, but Taylor was stronger than most of them, too. Forget trying to have a tight end chip him at the line of scrimmage. Taylor would shuck tight ends out of the way as if they were 10-pound bags of flour. Taylor was dominant to the point that NFL teams had to scheme their game plans completely around him. Taylor’s best statistical season came in 1986. He accrued 20.5 sacks as an outside linebacker.
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Ranking The 40 Greatest Wide Receivers in NFL History
40. Mike Evans
Career Stats: 122 games played (121 starts), 606 receptions, 9,301 yards, 75 TD
Entering the ninth season of his career, Mike Evans could retire tomorrow and be very satisfied with his production. The Texas A&M product has been an above-average wideout from Day 1. A big target at 6-foot-5, Evans has finished all eight years with more than 1,000 receiving yards — his current career-high is 1,524 yards in 2018. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the league’s top threats in the red zone. In addition to utilizing his large frame, Evans excels at meeting the ball at its highest point. As a result, Evans has scored 75 touchdowns — including 27 in two seasons with Tom Brady as Tampa’s quarterback. Only 29 entering the 2022 season, Evans has plenty of time to move up this list.
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39. Charlie Joiner
Career Stats: 239 games played (211 starts), 750 receptions, 12,146 yards, 65 TD
From a fourth-round pick to the Hall of Fame, Charlie Joiner. A 5-foot-11 wideout hailing from Grambling State, Joiner slipped to the fourth round of the 1969 NFL Draft before the Houston Oilers called his name. Initially, Joiner played defensive back for the Oilers before making the switch to receiver late in his rookie year. After playing a few years with the Oilers and Bengals, Joiner became a member of the San Diego Chargers in 1976. That year, Joiner produced 1,056 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on just 50 catches. In 1980, Joiner earned All-Pro honors — 71 receptions, 1,132 yards, four TDs. Joiner retired following the 1986 season, at the age of 39, as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
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38. Cooper Kupp
Career Stats: 71 games played (57 starts), 433 receptions, 5,517 yards, 40 TD
Cooper Kupp may only be gearing up to play his sixth season in the NFL, but the former Eastern Washington standout has made a lasting impact on the record books. Playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp has gone from a solid wideout to a superstar in a few years. In 2021, Kupp won the receiving triple crown — leading the NFL with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Kupp was just as potent in the playoffs, as well. Kupp scored a touchdown in all four of Los Angeles’ wins — including two in both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl. Kupp went for 183, 142, and 92 yards in the Rams last three contests. Oh, and he was named Super Bowl MVP.
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37. Charley Taylor
Career Stats: 165 games played (157 starts), 649 receptions, 9,110 yards, 79 TD
In 1964, the Washington Redskins selected Charley Taylor with the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. From the moment he joined the franchise, Taylor was a star. En route to being named the AP Rookie of the Year, Taylor caught 53 passes for 814 yards and five touchdowns — in addition to rushing for 755 yards and five scores. In Year 3, Taylor led the NFL with 72 receptions. He accomplished the feat once again the following year (70 catches), and finished the two-year burst with 2,109 yards and 21 receiving TDs. By the time Taylor retired in 1977, he was the NFL’s all-time receptions leader.
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36. Tyreek Hill
Career Stats: 91 games played (73 starts), 479 receptions, 6,630 yards, 56 TD
Through the first six seasons of his career, Tyreek Hill solidified his place in history. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in in the fifth-round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Hill became an All-Pro as a rookie. Deemed ‘Cheetah’ due to his elite speed, Hill made a habit of burning by even the quickest defenders from the very start of his career. While in Kansas City, Hill combined with superstar QB Patrick Mahomes to form one of the most feared QB/WR duos in league history. In six years with the Chiefs, Hill earned All-Pro honors three times and made the Pro Bowl each year. Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2022 season. We shall see how he does with Tua Tagovailoa as his quarterback instead of Mahomes.
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35. Andre Reed
Career Stats: 234 games played (217 starts), 951 receptions, 13,198 yards, 87 TD
A fourth-round pick in 1985, Andre Reed made the most out of his opportunity with the Buffalo Bills. Over the course of 15 years in Buffalo, Reed rewrote the record books and became a franchise legend. The star wideout peaked at the same time Buffalo did as a team. From 1990-1993, during Buffalo’s streak of reaching four-straight Super Bowls, Reed hauled in 269 passes for 3,825 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. Between 1988-94, Reed was elected to seven Pro Bowls in a row.
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34. Anquan Boldin
Career Stats: 202 games played (198 starts), 1,076 receptions, 13,779 yards, 82 TD
In the history of the National Football League, only eight wideouts have caught more passes than Anquan Boldin. After playing his collegiate ball at Florida State, Boldin was a second-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. Boldin spent the first seven years of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. During that time, Boldin was a three-time Pro Bowler, scored 44 touchdowns, and notched over 7,500 yards. As a third-year player, the former Seminole led the NFL with 100.1 receiving yards per game and set a career-high with 1,402 receiving yards. Boldin remained a threat throughout his 14-year career.
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33. Davante Adams
Career Stats: 116 games played (109 starts), 669 receptions, 8,121 yards, 73 TD
For the first eight years of his career, Davante Adams was receiving passes from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time — Aaron Rodgers. While in Green Bay, Adams finished three seasons with more than 1,300 yards. In 2021, his final season with the Packers, Adams finished with a career-high 1,553 receiving yards. Immensely skilled, Adams has five double-digit touchdown seasons to his name — and hauled in a career-high 18 TDs in 2020. A two-time All-Pro, Adams will now continue to add his to resume as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.
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32. Hines Ward
Playoff Stats: 217 games played (190 starts), 1,000 receptions, 12,083 yards, 85 TD
Hines Ward was simply a winning football player. The Steelers went to the playoffs eight times during his illustrious career, which included a pair of Super Bowl wins. He was a highly-effective player in all facets of the game. Ward doesn’t have some of the same eye-popping numbers of his peers. Most of that has to do with him featuring for a defensive-minded Pittsburgh team which relied heavily on the run game. As such, Ward made his impact felt regularly as a run blocker. Perhaps most importantly, Ward always saved his best for the biggest moments. Ward is ninth all-time in playoff receiving yards and notched 10 postseason touchdowns in his career — including two in the Super Bowl.
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31. DeAndre Hopkins
Playoff Stats: 136 games played (136 starts), 789 receptions, 10,581 yards, 68 TD
DeAndre Hopkins has already put together a Hall of Fame career and just turned 30. The Houston draft pick eclipsed 10,000 receiving yards in 2020 after just eight seasons in the league. Among players currently on NFL rosters, Hopkins ranks second in career receiving yards (10,581) behind just Julio Jones. His 77.8 yards per game ranks sixth all-time. And, consider the caliber of quarterback Hopkins dealt with before playing with Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray. Hopkins finished fourth in Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2017 — a year in which Tom Savage and T.J Yates started 10 of Houston’s 16 games.
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30. Elroy Hirsch
Career Stats: 127 games played (102 starts), 387 receptions, 7,029 yards, 60 TD
Hall of Famer Elroy Hirsch was undoubtedly one of the best athletes of his time. He showcased his skills all over the field for both the Chicago Rockets and Los Angeles Rams. Though he began his career as more of a do-it-all type player (Hirsch rushed for 226 yards and caught six interceptions as a rookie), he spent the latter half of his career as one of the league’s top wideouts. In ’51, Hirsch set an NFL record with 1,495 receiving yards — a mark that would not be broken for another 20 years.
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29. Chad Johnson
Career Stats: 166 games played (135 starts), 766 receptions, 11,059 yards, 67 TD
A unique character with a dynamic skill-set, the receiver formerly known as “Ochocinco” set the league ablaze in his time. Johnson registered 1,100-plus receiving yards each year from 2002-2007, earning five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro First-Team nods along the way. Though he talked a big game, Johnson could back it up on the field. He was a precise route-runner with a sure set of hands. His confidence was unparalleled, and he used it to get the upper-hand against the league’s best defensive backs.
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28. Paul Warfield
Career Stats: 157 games played (152 starts), 427 receptions, 8,565 yards, 85 TD
A premier big-play threat, Paul Warfield was a threat to score from anywhere on the field. To this day, Warfield boasts the NFL’s highest yard per reception average (20.1) among players with at least 300 receptions. Warfield was a speedster who could take the top off of defenses at will. From 1968-1974, Warfield averaged 1,025 yards and 11 touchdowns per season while being named a Pro Bowler each year. He was Miami’s top receiving option during its undefeated 14-0 campaign in ’72. The 1972 season ended with Warfield earning a Super Bowl ring — one of three NFL championships he won in his career.
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27. Drew Pearson
Career Stats: 156 games played (143 starts), 489 receptions, 7,822 yards, 48 TD
One of the best wideouts in Dallas Cowboys history, Drew Pearson finally earned the ultimate recognition when he was named a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2021. Pearson was a career-long Cowboy, wearing the coveted “Star” on his helmet from 1973-1983. During that time, the New Jersey native was named to three All-Pro teams. His 1,105 playoff receiving yards ranks 12th all-time — Pearson notably helped the Cowboys triumph in Super Bowl XII over the Denver Broncos.
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26. Don Maynard
Career Stats: 186 games played (159 starts), 633 receptions, 11,834 yards, 88 TD
Originally a New York Giants draft pick, Don Maynard spent the majority of his career with the New York Titans (later became the Jets). The Hall of Fame wideout surely made the Giants ever regret letting him go. From 1960-1968, Maynard played in 123 games and caught 499 passes for 9,351 yards and 78 touchdowns. Maynard ended his career as the game’s all-time leader in receiving yards (11,834). Among the 50 wideouts with at least 10,000 career yards, Maynard is one of just seven whose career began before 1980 (he was drafted in ’58). Maynard set the original standard for great WR play, and dominated the league throughout the ’60s.
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25. Reggie Wayne
Career Stats: 211 games played (197 starts), 1,070 receptions, 14,345 yards, 82 TD
Although Reggie Wayne was well-regarded coming out of Miami in 2001, the talented wideout fell to the bottom of the first round — No. 30 overall — and into the Colts’ laps. Playing alongside Marvin Harrison, it was easy to overlook Wayne early on. It wasn’t until his fourth season that he truly began to take off. After hauling in 77 passes for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2004, Wayne rattled off six more 1,000-yard seasons in a row. Thanks to picture-perfect technique and unmatched body control, Wayne transformed into a potential Hall of Famer while catching passes from Peyton Manning.
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24. Andre Johnson
Career Stats: 193 games played (187 starts), 1,062 receptions, 14,185 yards, 70 TD
The Houston Texans have not enjoyed much success during their first two decades as a franchise. Unfortunately, that means that the talents of Andre Johnson were largely wasted. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Johnson was an absolute force for much of his career. Johnson possessed a rare combo of size and speed — corners often struggle to stay with the receiver when he took off. A two-time All-Pro, Johnson twice led the league in receptions (2006, 2008) and receiving yards (2008-09). It is a shame Johnson never played with an elite quarterback.
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23. Fred Biletnikoff
Career Stats: 190 games played (161 starts), 589 receptions, 8,974 yards, 76 TD
There’s a reason why the best collegiate receiver is awarded the Biletnikoff Award — and that’s because of this Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer. A four-time Pro Bowler, Biletnikoff was the recipient of 76 touchdown passes throughout his career. His sure hands led to a plethora of acrobatic catches that would make Odell Beckham Jr. jealous.
Biletnikoff’s production in the postseason is also cemented in Raider lore. During a six-game span early on in his career, Biletnikoff recorded eight touchdowns – including a game in which he amassed 180 yards and three touchdowns against the long-time division rival Kansas City Chiefs. He finally captured that elusive Super Bowl ring in 1976, playing for arguably the greatest Raider team of all-time.
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22. Lynn Swann
Career Stats: 116 games played (96 starts), 336 receptions, 5,462 yards, 51 TD
In college, Lynn Swann became an All-American at the University of Southern California and left as one of the Trojans’ all-time greats. Unsurprisingly, Swann’s production and winning ways — 1972 National Champion — followed him to the NFL. Swann’s numbers do not do him justice. Playing in an era where keeping the ball on the ground was the norm, Swann still managed to score 11 touchdowns on two occasions and played a huge role on his team. With track-speed and incredible control of his body, Swann could catch anything in his vicinity and take it to the house. The Hall of Famer was also a clutch player, finishing his career with nine postseason touchdowns — including seven during Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowl-winning seasons in the 70s.
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21. Sterling Sharpe
Career Stats: 112 games played (112 starts), 595 receptions, 8,134 yards, 65 TD
Sharpe hit the ground running after being selected No. 7 overall in the 1988 NFL Draft. On an upstart Packers team, Sharpe was featured heavily from the start of his career. In just his second year, Sharpe led all receivers in receptions (90) and finished second in the league in both receiving yards (1,423) and touchdowns (12).
He was exceptional at beating press coverage, and was virtually unstoppable once he got in the open field. After a pair of forgettable years in which the Packers struggled to put together winning seasons, the addition of Brett Favre helped bring Sharpe and the franchise back to prominence. In their first year together, Sharpe enjoyed the best season of his career — 108 receptions for 1,461 yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, after posting a 94/1,119/18 season two years later, Sharpe’s career ended prematurely due to a neck injury. After earning three All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl nods in seven seasons, Sharpe’s playing days were over at 29.
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20. Steve Smith Sr.
Career Stats: 219 games played (198 starts), 1,031 receptions, 14,731 yards, 81 TD
Had it not been for an untimely Achilles tear at the age of 38, the future Hall of Famer could have possibly played until the age of 40. A top wideout for a number of years, Smith proved that height isn’t the most important attribute for a receiver. The longtime Panther played with a chip on his shoulder at all times. He could evade defenders with his quick feet or go right through them because he flat-out wanted it more.
Only 5-foot-9, Smith never stopped moving his feet, and was an all-time great chain mover with a knack for converting on third downs. In 2005, just one year after breaking his leg, Smith came back in a roaring fashion and led the league in all major receiving categories — 103 receptions, 1,563 yards, 12 touchdowns. That season was Smith in a nutshell — perseverance, grit and toughness.
Image Source: AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt
19. Art Monk
Career Stats: 224 games played (194 starts), 940 receptions, 12,721 yards, 68 TD
Defensive backs playing in the 1980s had nightmares about having to cover Monk. A 6-foot-3, 220-pound specimen of a wideout, Monk utilized his body and innate athleticism to overwhelm DB’s on his way to the end zone. The longtime Washington Redskin was physical at the point of attack. He would bully smaller defenders in the red zone, boxing them out like a basketball player looking for a rebound.
Monk was essentially the anti-receiver — he didn’t talk a lot of trash and he even loved to block. In a lot of ways, Monk could have been moved to tight end given his skill set, but he was far too great of an athlete to keep inside the numbers. The three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer was a uniquely gifted player.
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18. Isaac Bruce
Career Stats: 223 games played (201 starts), 1,024 receptions, 15,208 yards, 91 TD
The least heralded member of the Greatest Show on Turf, Bruce was a steady performer that helped cultivate one of the greatest offenses the league has ever seen. Bruce was essentially the best No. 2 receiver ever — and that’s a testament to his greatness. It takes a special type of player to consistently play at a high level when they aren’t the team’s top option.
When Bruce first joined the Rams, he was heavily featured. The Memphis product was targeted 199 times in his second season — the fifth-highest total in NFL history since targets started being recorded in 1992. But in 1999, the Rams spent a first-rounder on the sensational Torry Holt. Bruce settled into a secondary role, and proceeded to thrive on short-to-intermediate routes. His professionalism and tremendous longevity led him to finishing fourth all-time in career receiving yards.
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17. Julio Jones
Career Stats: 145 games played (144 starts), 879 receptions, 13,330 yards, 61 TD
When it’s all said and done, Julio Jones may find himself in the top-15. Blessed with tremendous athleticism, Jones has been a star since he first entered the NFL in 2011. A two-time All-Pro, the Falcon icon paced the league in 2015 with 136 receptions and an absurd 1,871 yards. Between 2014-2019, Jones caught at least 83 passes and gained no worse than 1,394 yards. For as talented as Jones is, it is bizarre that he hasn’t scored more touchdowns throughout his career. His current season-high is 10 scores, achieved in his second season. Jones has battled injuries in recent seasons, but there is hope that he can rediscover his form in Tampa Bay alongside Tom Brady.
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16. Antonio Brown
Career Stats: 146 games played (110 starts), 928 receptions, 12,291 yards, 83 TD
It’s been long enough for us to start calling Brown an all-time great. Coming out of Central Michigan, Brown wasn’t a highly-touted recruit. He fell to Pittsburgh in the sixth round, and played sparingly in his first season. In 2011, Brown kicked it up a notch putting together the first of multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Between 2013-18, Brown hauled in at least 100 receptions each year — leading the league in the category on two occasions.
Unfortunately for Brown, multiple legal problems and overall questionable behavior have stalled his career. First, the Steelers shipped Brown to Oakland ahead of the 2019 season. Brown was cut by the team before the start of the season, only to be scooped up by the New England Patriots. After just one game, the Pats cut Brown due to more legal issues. Brown caught on with the Buccaneers and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl win, but his questionable behavior ultimately led to his release.
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15. Torry Holt
Career Stats: 173 games played (158 starts), 920 receptions, 13,382 yards, 74 TD
The drafting of Holt in 1999 marks the birth of a prolific Rams offense dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf.” St. Louis would go on to score over 500 points each season for the next three years. Holt was the home run hitter of the group. He was a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Double teams never bothered him because he was such a great route runner.
Every aspiring receiver that’s looking to work on their double moves should study tape of Holt’s exquisite footwork and deceptive cuts. After winning the Super Bowl in his rookie year, Holt would go on to record six consecutive seasons of 1,300-plus receiving yards (tied for an NFL record with Julio Jones). A bit overshadowed by other receivers during the time, Holt never truly received the praise he deserved. However, he will always be remembered as a major piece in an all-time great offense.
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14. Raymond Berry
Career Stats: 154 games played (140 starts), 631 receptions, 9,275 yards, 68 TD
If you ever saw Berry, you wouldn’t think he was a football player. He was rail thin, had terrible eye sight, and was painfully slow for a receiver (4.8 40-yard dash). What he did have, however, was the best pair of mitts in the league. Anything thrown Berry’s way was getting caught. If it hit his hands, the ball was getting hauled in regardless of how difficult the catch may have been.
Over his career, he developed a special on-the-field chemistry with Johnny Unitas, as the pair went on to win two NFL Championships together. Individually, Berry was a six-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and led the league in both receptions and receiving yards on two separate occasions. Not bad for a guy who was selected in the 20th round of the NFL Draft.
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13. James Lofton
Career Stats: 233 games played (212 starts), 764 receptions, 14,004 yards, 75 TD
Speed kills in the NFL, and Lofton had wheels like no other. The collegiate long jumper was a tremendous athlete across the board, and was selected No. 6 overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 1978 NFL Draft. Lofton electrified crowds with his top-end speed, routinely leaving defenders in the dust on go routes.
Once he got his long legs going, nobody in the NFL could keep up with him. It was nearly impossible to overthrow him — quarterbacks would simply loft the ball in his direction as far as they could, and Lofton would burn his defender and comfortably settle under the ball for big gains.
From the very start of his career, he was a major fan favorite. In his first eight years with the Packers, Lofton was selected to seven Pro Bowl teams. He’s currently ranked 12th all-time in receiving yards, and top among players that started their professional career in the 1970s.
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12. Tim Brown
Career Stats: 255 games played (202 starts), 1,094 receptions, 14,934 yards, 100 TD
The first receiver to ever win the Heisman Trophy, Tim Brown rightfully deserves a spot on this list. Brown was as reliable as any receiver of his time, checking in with nine Pro Bowl nominations and two First-Team All-Pro honors. After his historic final season at Notre Dame, Brown immediately became a contributor for the Los Angeles Raiders by setting the rookie record for most combined yards gained (2,317).
He was initially used primarily as a return specialist, and he was very good in that role. Brown was deadly in the open field and possessed vision akin to a running back which allowed him to make huge plays on special teams. Once he eventually took over as the team’s No. 1 receiver on offense, Brown began to build his Hall of Fame resume. Brown is the current franchise leader in touchdowns (204), receiving yards (14,734), receptions (1,070), and all-purpose yards (19,431). When taking into consideration how many all-time great players donned the Silver & Black, these are quite impressive accomplishments.
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11. Michael Irvin
Career Stats: 159 games played (147 starts), 750 receptions, 11,904 yards, 65 TD
The Playmaker simply won everywhere he went. At the University of Miami, Irvin lost a grand total of three games over three seasons. In that time, the Hurricanes won the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and a National Championship. He would go on to be selected by the Dallas Cowboys, and his Miami Coach (Jimmy Johnson) would soon follow. The duo helped cultivate the Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s.
Irvin was good enough in the regular season to make five Pro Bowls, but he always saved his best performances for the playoffs. Currently ranked third all-time in career postseason receiving yards, Irvin made plays when it mattered most en route to three Super Bowl rings.
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10. Cris Carter
Career Stats: 234 games played (209 starts), 1,101 receptions, 13,899 yards, 130 TD
Before making his debut in the studio as a Fox Sports analyst, Carter made a living as a human highlight-reel with the Minnesota Vikings. The eight-time Pro Bowler was a catching machine, able to make the most difficult of grabs look utterly effortless. At times, it seemed like he only used one-hand to complete his catches simply because he was bored. His catch radius made him tough to defend in the red zone, as he would routinely score touchdowns despite tight coverage.
In 1998, the Vikings would draft Randy Moss and the duo created one of the deadliest combinations in the league. During Moss’ first two seasons, Carter hauled in 25 touchdown passes. By the time he retired, CC was second all-time in both receptions (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (130).
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9. Marvin Harrison
Career Stats: 190 games played (188 starts), 1,102 receptions, 14,580 yards, 128 TD
It’s absolutely terrifying to think of what kind of numbers Harrison could have put up in today’s pass-happy league. Peyton Manning’s favorite wideout was the ultimate security blanket over his prominent 13-year career. Reserved and stoic, Harrison didn’t have to talk trash to get the edge over his opponents — he simply let his play do the talking.
The shifty receiver was both fast and nimble with an expansive route tree. He and Manning hold the record for the most QB-WR touchdown hookups (114) and second place isn’t all that close (92). Harrison’s consistency is what set him apart from his peers. From 1999 to 2006, Harrison had over 1,100 yards and at least 10 touchdowns in each season. He helped Indy secure their second Super Bowl ring in 2007, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
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8. Calvin Johnson
Career Stats: 135 games played (130 starts), 731 receptions, 11,619 yards, 83 TD
There have been a lot of athletic players to come and go in the NFL, and Johnson is arguably the most athletic of them all. Aptly nicknamed “Megatron,” the 6-foot-5, 240-pound wideout resembled more of a machine than a human being. He could beat defenders in every way imaginable. Johnson was huge, fast (4.3 40-yard dash), and could leap like a basketball player. Even if defenders were draped all over him, Johnson was still open because he could explode like nobody else and make a jaw-dropping play on the ball.
After being touted as the next big thing, Johnson finally put everything together in a decisive 2012 campaign. That year, Johnson caught 122 passes for a record-breaking 1,964 yards. He holds almost all of the Lions’ receiving records and is surely on his way to Canton in the near future.
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7. Steve Largent
Career Stats: 200 games played (197 starts), 819 receptions, 13,089 yards, 100 TD
Prior to a successful political career as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Largent was a standout receiver with the Seattle Seahawks. Largent didn’t have the measurables that teams looked for in a receiver. He wasn’t particularly tall, fast or strong, but he was incredibly sure handed and played with a high amount of swagger.
Before Jerry Rice, Largent was the gold standard for receivers, holding the record for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He won the hearts of a die-hard Seattle fan base with his gritty play and hands of glue.
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6. Lance Alworth
Career Stats: 136 games played (127 starts), 542 receptions, 10,266 yards, 85 TD
Any fan of the vertical offense has Alworth to thank for its inception. The dynamic Charger receiver showed the league during the 1960s how effective a spread attack can be with the right set of weapons. Alworth was a dynamo on the outside, averaging nearly 19 yards per catch over his career. Anytime he got his hands on the ball it could have gone for six points.
Alworth holds the record for the most 70-plus yard touchdown receptions over a career with 12. He led the AFL in all three major receiving categories on three separate occasions, and remains one of the greatest Charger players in the franchise’s history.
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5. Larry Fitzgerald
Career Stats: 263 games played (261 starts), 1,432 receptions, 17,492 yards, 121 TD
Larry Fitzgerald simply doesn’t drop passes. If it hits his hands, it’s coming down for a catch. A member of the Cardinals since 2004, Fitz has played in 250 games. In those 250 contests, the legend has been targeted 2,263 times. Unfathomably, Fitzgerald has only 29 drops to his name — he is so sure-handed that he has more career tackles (39) than drops. Let that sink in.
Fitzgerald successfully reinvented himself as he aged. The former No. 3 overall pick came into the league as an outside receiver that could blow the top off defenses. After he hit 30 years old, he moved closer to the ball and became a crafty short route runner. Fitz’s most impressive accomplishment came in the 2008 playoffs, where he set the record for the most receptions (30), receiving yards (546), and receiving touchdowns (7) for a player in a single postseason.
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4. Terrell Owens
Career Stats: 219 games played (201 starts), 1,078 receptions, 15,934 yards, 153 TD
It was an absolute joke that Owens had to wait three years to gain admittance to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The brash receiver had a number of verbal spats with the media, but his play on the field speaks for itself. Most receivers begin to falter after a certain number of years, while a select few are able to recognize this decline early and retire before it ever happens — Owens was the exception to both of these scenarios.
At 46 years old, Owens looks like he could be on an NFL roster right now. In 2010 (his 15th career season), he led the Bengals in receiving yards and touchdowns. In his hey-day, he was the early version of Julio Jones with his bodybuilder physique and eruptive first-step.
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3. Don Hutson
Career Stats: 116 games played (60 starts), 488 receptions, 7,991 yards, 99 TD
Anytime you have a stadium named after you, there’s probably a good reason for it. Hutson was revolutionary for his time — a downfield threat with make-you-miss wiggle and legit top-end speed. He lived in the end zone during the 1930s and 40s. On average, Hutson recorded a touchdown every 4.9 receptions — a rate that far exceeds all-time greats like Jerry Rice (7.8), Randy Moss (6.2) and Terrell Owens (7.04).
By the time Hutson called it quits, he was the all-time receiving touchdowns leader by a wide margin — every player that has since passed him didn’t start their career until 1976. He held a slew of other records at the time of his retirement. His most remarkable moment took place during his last season, when he accounted for four touchdowns in A SINGLE QUARTER against the Detroit Lions.
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2. Randy Moss
Career Stats: 218 games played (193 starts), 982 receptions, 15,292 yards, 156 TD
Moss’ nickname — “The Freak” — tells you everything you need to know about his game. He was a video game character brought to life. 4.3 speed and a 40-inch vertical inside a 6-foot-4 body is simply unfair. Off-the-field issues forced him to slide in the draft, but few players had a larger impact in their rookie year than Moss. The Marshall standout snagged 17 touchdowns in his inaugural year, setting the precedent for a monumental career.
Moss was eventually paired with gunslinger Daunte Culpepper which made for a dynamic duo, but it wasn’t until 2007 that his true potential was realized. Alongside Tom Brady and the potent New England offense, Moss set the record for touchdown grabs in a season (23). His care-free attitude and ability to convert long passes made him a fan favorite and an eventual Hall of Famer.
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1. Jerry Rice
Career Stats: 303 games played (284 starts), 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards, 197 TD
Rice is the end-all be-all for receivers. Every WR in the league over the past 20 years has attempted to mold a little part of their game after him. He wasn’t the fastest, the tallest, or the most athletic, but he didn’t need to be. Rice had the surest hands in the history of football and ran crisp routes that created easier passing lanes for his quarterbacks.
Over his career, he completely shattered every record. He’s 171 receptions, 5,812 yards, and 41 touchdowns ahead of second place in each respective category. His sheer dominance over the rest of the position is why many consider him to be the greatest player — regardless of position — ever.
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