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There have been countless star players over the years. While some franchises may have greater representation comparatively speaking, there’s not been an NFL team without at least one elite athlete. This piece will aim to look at the best player for each franchise. While many of these stars have already retired, a handful are currently playing in today’s NFL…
Miami Dolphins: Dan Marino
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Larry Csonka, Dwight Stephenson, and Jason Taylor certainly deserve mention here. However, Marino is the clear best player in the history of Miami’s franchise. The gunslinger out of Pitt had the arm strength few possessed and everybody wanted. He could legitimately make throws to all portions of the field. It’s a shame Marino’s teams weren’t better throughout his career. In a sense, it feels like we were all robbed of seeing Marino truly shine when it mattered most.
New York Jets: Joe Namath
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Broadway Joe is a true legend. Mink coats aside, he was pivotal in the team’s historic victory in Super Bowl III. His guarantee of victory and subsequent performance against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts solidified his status as an iconic figure in football history. Namath’s charisma, swagger, and undeniable talent not only elevated the Jets to their first and only Super Bowl win but also helped popularize the AFL-NFL merger. To this day, Namath remains the Jets’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Buffalo Bills: Bruce Smith
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Bruce Smith is truly in a class all by himself. The feared defensive end notched 200.0 career sacks over the tenure of his time in the NFL. He sits atop the list as the player with the most sacks in league history. Smith had a rare blend of abnormal strength and short-area quickness. He was built like a Greek God, and by the time he was a veteran, Smith turned the act of sacking quarterbacks into a refined art. All young pass rushers should pop in some Smith tape and tune in attentively.
New England Patriots: Tom Brady
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Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T.
End of story.
Washington Commanders: Darrell Green
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Darrell Green was one of the most electrifying defensive backs of his generation. Aside from helping Washington win two Super Bowls, he was a 4-time All-NFL First Team selection AND a 7-time Pro Bowler. To this day, Green demonstrated some of the best acceleration and unadulterated speed we’ve seen from the defensive back position. In the rare instances he’d get beat off the line of scrimmage, Green’s recovery skills enabled him to reestablish his chance at defending the play.
New York Giants: Lawrence Taylor
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In a league chock-full of intimidating, athletic, mean defenders, LT was the best of them all. He legitimately was a one-man wrecking crew. It didn’t matter if the opposition double or even triple-teamed the mercurial figure. Without fail, he’d find his way into the backfield and normally in a situation where he’d notch either a sack or a tackle-for-loss.
Philadelphia Eagles: Reggie White
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Reggie White was another elite defensive line stud with dominant traits upfront. He is second all-time with 198.0 sacks. A better person than he was a football player, one can make the argument White is among the most prolific leaders the sport has seen. You could line White up on the edge or in the interior, and he’d still be walloping offensive linemen with ease.
Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith
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There are a host of Dallas players that could technically qualify for this honor. From Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman to Roger Staubach, Deion Sanders, Larry Allen, and Bob Lilly, there’s no shortage of elite talent emanating from this franchise. Ultimately, Emmitt Smith has to be the choice. He was a key cog in the Cowboys’ dynasty during the 90’s. Smith is also the all-time leading rusher in NFL history.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Joe Greene
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Greene was the cornerstone of the Steelers’ famed “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s. He anchored a unit that led the team to four Super Bowl victories. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism revolutionized the defensive tackle position. Beyond his on-field prowess, Greene was a respected leader and mentor, setting a high standard of professionalism and work ethic for his teammates. The blue-collar nature with which he played was emblematic of the city of Pittsburgh — which is probably why he endeared himself to the fan base so well.
Cleveland Browns: Jim Brown
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Jim Brown was one of those rare athletes who could’ve translated to any era. His resume statistically speaks for itself. Stylistically as a player, he was running over anyone in his path. There were times when he’d often be the fastest player on the field despite being as big (or bigger) than some of the offensive and defensive linemen he’d be competing with/against. Throw a prime Brown in an NFL game today, and you’d have a Pro Bowl back.
Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Ogden
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Some may find this choice controversial. Ray Lewis is an iconic leader of men. He also played the middle linebacker position at an exceptionally high level. With all of that said, he wouldn’t necessarily be considered the best middle ‘backer ever. Jonathan Ogden has a case for being the best-left tackle in the history of professional football. At 6’9″ and north of 340 pounds, he was immensely nimble and borderline graceful on the football field. Ogden engulfed defensive ends aiming to get to the quarterback with ease. From the sheer power and force to his unusual athletic ability, Ogden is the choice here.
Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Muñoz
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Anthony Muñoz is widely regarded as the best Cincinnati Bengals player in franchise history. The former USC Trojans star helped revolutionize his position both in pass protection and run blocking. His athleticism, technique, and strength made him virtually unbeatable, earning him 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and 9 First-Team All-Pro honors. He’s another player who, regardless of era, would’ve been among the best at his position.
Chicago Bears: Walter Payton
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“Sweetness” played the game in a way that captivated audiences around the country. Payton’s footwork was sublime. He’d be able to twist his way for extra yardage with regularity. We’re talking about gliding past defenders, juking them out of their shoes, outrunning them, and being the most talented guy on the field. Other Bears who should be mentioned on this list include Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers, Sid Luckman, and Mike Ditka.
Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders
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There’s not a huge history of elite players representing this franchise. Most recently, you would point to Calvin Johnson as an all-timer in Detroit. However, the undisputed G.O.A.T. player in the Motor City was unequivocally Barry Sanders. Diminutive in size, he was akin to a human pinball machine. Defenders seemingly were never able to get a clean hit on him. Sanders had otherworldly talent when it came to utilizing lateral quickness and agility. He was simply a transcendent football player for his era.
Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre
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Favre smashed numerous passing records when he was a member of the Green Bay Packers. As a host of quarterbacks emerged throughout the 90s into the 2000s, Favre remained atop the sport for years. He was a gunslinger with the propensity to throw ill-timed interceptions. With that said, he was somewhat of an early archetype of Patrick Mahomes from the standpoint he’d terrorize opposing defenses with his elite playmaking ability. Favre won three league MVP Awards in a row and led the Packers to a Super Bowl win.
Minnesota Vikings: Fran Tarkenton
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John Randle, Alan Page, Adrian Peterson, Cris Carter, and Randy Moss would’ve been contenders for the top spot here in Minnesota. However, it’s difficult to go against Tarkenton in this situation. The Hall of Fame QB was a 9-time Pro Bowler — with the lion’s share of those selections coming with the Vikings. Tarkenton was a First Team All-Pro with Minnesota and was also the 1975 MVP.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
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Even though Mahomes hasn’t even reached age 30, you’d be hard-pressed not to have him as the best player in Kansas City Chiefs history. In no way is that disrespecting the likes of Derrick Thomas, Will Shields, or Travis Kelce. Mahomes is simply that good — and his trajectory figures to skyrocket even further. You’re potentially looking at the best quarterback in NFL history. With three Lombardi Trophies to his name already, he certainly has Tom Brady nervous
Los Angeles Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson
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LT was a monster during his playing days with the Chargers. He was a virtual walking touchdown — finishing his career with 145 rushing TDs in 11 seasons. This included a monster 2006 campaign in which he accrued 1,815 rushing yards and 28 rushing TDs. Tomlinson essentially was the perfect embodiment of sustained production at the highest level. He still doesn’t get nearly the respect he should as an all-time great.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jim Otto
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As a center, Otto’s impact helped in shaping the very identity of the Raiders during their glory years. His unmatched toughness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence served as a beacon of inspiration for teammates and fans. Otto’s unparalleled durability, highlighted by a remarkable streak of 210 consecutive games played, solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ storied legacy. Beyond his achievements, including 12 Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Otto’s unwavering dedication to the Silver and Black is a large reason why he’s such a beloved figure for the fanbase.
Denver Broncos: John Elway
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As the face of the franchise for over a decade, Elway transformed the Broncos from a struggling team into perennial contenders. The two Super Bowl wins came toward the end of his career, but these victories were essential in increasing his standing as an all-time great quarterback. His extraordinary talent, highlighted by his cannon arm and sneaky-good athleticism, redefined the quarterback position as someone beyond just a statue pocket passer. The penchant for fourth-quarter comebacks and clutch performances also further solidify his status as the Denver representative.
Los Angeles Rams: Aaron Donald
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Merlin Olsen, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, and Deacon Jones all should be mentioned here. Each of them was a genuinely special player for this franchise. However, when looking at the best player representing the Rams in their history, Aaron Donald has to be the choice. Some people think he’s the best defensive tackle of all time. Some view him as the most disruptive defensive player ever — and that includes Lawrence Taylor among others. Donald has won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award on three separate occasions. He was named a Pro Bowler in all 10 of his NFL seasons and helped the Rams win a Super Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks: Walter Jones
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Jones is the prototype tackle in several ways. As a staple of the team’s offensive line for over a decade, Jones exemplified the left tackle position with a terrific combination of size, strength, and athleticism. His dominance in pass protection and run blocking earned him countless accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and six First-team All-Pro honors. Jones didn’t get a ton of pub playing up in the Pacific Northwest, but ask Mike Holmgren and Matt Hasselbeck how much he meant to the franchise.
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald
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There’s no question that Larry Fitzgerald is among the most prolific pass-catching athletes of all time. He has everything you want in the perfect receiver when factoring in height, size, strength, quickness off the line of scrimmage, and perhaps the best set of hands the NFL has seen. The 11-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in receiving yards twice. He also was the league leader in touchdowns on two separate occasions.
San Francisco 49ers: Jerry Rice
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When you have a franchise featuring the likes of Joe Montana, Terrell Owens, and Steve Young (among others), it’s difficult to think there’d be another player capable of bypassing all three. In this case, Jerry Rice holding the top spot is a no-brainer. He’s the best receiver in the history of the game, and is easily among the best players to ever play the game of football.
Tennessee Titans: Earl Campbell
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Campbell performed with the Houston Oilers before the team was relaunched in Nashville. The powerful running back was an absolute load to take down. He ran behind his pads perfectly — often operating with tremendous balance and agility not seen in a running back close to 230 pounds. Campbell racked up every individual accolade you could think of — including an MVP Award and three NFL Offensive Player of the Year denotations.
Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning
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The fortunes of the franchise in Indianapolis changed as soon as Manning was drafted. Possessing the pedigree to succeed, Manning tore up the NFL with supreme mental acuity and a riffle of an arm. He was excellent at changing the play at the line of scrimmage due to the looks he was given by defenses. Manning picked you apart ruthlessly if he exploited a weakness on the field. Without a doubt, Manning is the top dog here for the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Tony Boselli
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As the first-ever draft pick in Jaguars history, Boselli immediately became the face of the franchise and a symbol of hope for what was at the time a fledgling team. With his imposing presence and dominant play at left tackle, the former USC Trojans star quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three First-team All-Pro nods during his tenure in Jacksonville. While injuries cut his career short, Boselli’s legacy as a trailblazer and cornerstone of the Jaguars franchise remains indelible.
Houston Texans: JJ Watt
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There was a stretch where Watt was the most dominant defensive player in the league…and it wasn’t all that close. The Wisconsin native notched a whopping 20.5 sacks in his second season as a pro with the Texans. From 2012-15, Watt had a combined 69 sacks and 119 tackles for loss. It’s unsurprising to learn he won three Defensive Player of the Year awards during that period.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks
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Every great defense boasts a fierce captain, and that’s exactly what Brooks represented for the Bucs. As the heart and soul of the Bucs’ renowned defense, Brooks epitomized excellence with his unparalleled instincts and leadership on the field. A pillar of the legendary Tampa 2 defense, Brooks’s versatility and playmaking led to 11 Pro Bowl selections and five First-team All-Pro nods. Brooks’s impact extended far beyond statistics, as he served as a mentor and role model for his teammates. Without a doubt, he ushered in a culture of accountability, preparation, and resilience within the organization.
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees
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After coming over from San Diego, Brees ingratiated himself as well as anyone possibly could have in the New Orleans community. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Brees helped in reviving the city from the atrocities that took place. He gave those in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana something to cheer for. Taking down Peyton Manning and the Colts to win a Super Bowl was a massive development for Brees and his career. He then began racking up stats and is now poised to be mentioned as a Top 10 quarterback of all time.
Carolina Panthers: Julius Peppers
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As the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, Peppers burst onto the scene with his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability. With his rare combination of size, speed, and agility, Peppers quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and wreaking havoc in opposing backfields. Throughout his tenure with the Panthers, Peppers earned numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and three First-team All-Pro nods (while also setting franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles). Being an ex-basketball player, you rarely saw defensive ends possess the fluidity and coordination that Peppers brought to the table.
Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones
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Julio Jones was a freak in the most respectful way possible. You just don’t come along many 6’3″ receivers with legitimate strength and track speed. There was a toughness Jones played with that was illuminated every time he stepped foot on the field. When tasked with defending the former Alabama star, you knew you were in for a battle. Jones made seven Pro Bowls, led the NFL in receiving yards twice, and was an All-Pro selection on five separate occasions.
