The Most Talented NFL Players of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the players you think is the most talented!
Updated on Apr 8, 2024 07:58
Debating the most talented NFL players of all time is a passion for many fans, each armed with stats and memorable plays to support their favorites. It's a lively part of sports culture, where everyone has an opinion based on different criteria, whether it's championships won, individual records, or the ability to turn the tide of a game almost single-handedly. Such discussions not only deepen fan engagement but also enrich the history of the sport by acknowledging the greats across eras.
This interactive ranking invites you to cast your vote and see how your picks stack up against others. Whether you’re a fan of a gritty quarterback, a dynamic running back, or a defensive player who shaped games, your input helps create a dynamic list reflecting collective appreciation and memory. By participating, you contribute to a broader conversation and get a snapshot of who the community regards as the cream of the crop across generations.
Who Are the Most Talented NFL Players of All Time?
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169votesJerry Rice is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Rice holds numerous records including most career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion.Jerry Rice in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous wide receiver
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bay Area
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216votes
Phil Konstantin · Public domainJim Brown is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, Brown led the league in rushing yards in eight of his nine seasons and was a three-time MVP. He retired at the peak of his career to pursue acting.Jim Brown in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous lacrosse player
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in the Hall of Fame
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous college football player
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316votesLawrence Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, Taylor was a 10-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He revolutionized the linebacker position and was a dominant force on the field.
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47votesJoe Montana is a four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP, Montana is often considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was known for his clutch performances in big games and his ability to read defenses.Joe Montana in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous quarterback for the 49ers
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Joe
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Notre Dame football player
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous quarterback in the NFL
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bay Area
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517votes
Jeno's · Public domainWalter Payton is nicknamed "Sweetness," Payton was a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. He rushed for over 16,000 yards in his career and was known for his toughness, durability, and versatility.Walter Payton in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Chicago Bears quarterback
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Walter
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614votes
Barbara Kinney · Public domainReggie White is one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, White was a 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He holds the record for most career sacks and was known for his strength and agility on the field. -
712votesTom Brady is a seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, Brady is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He holds numerous records including most career touchdown passes and most career playoff wins.Tom Brady is a highly accomplished and often celebrated NFL player. He is consistently regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Brady's ability to lead his teams to numerous Super Bowl victories has cemented his status as a legend of the sport.
- Super Bowl victories: 7
- Most Super Bowl MVPs: 5
- Regular-season MVP awards: 3
- NFL records held: Multiple
- Career passing touchdowns: 581
Tom Brady in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular NFL jersey
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous quarterback in the NFL
- Position 1 of 10 in Most overrated NFL player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Tom
- Position 4 of 10 in Most handsome athlete
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bay Area
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83votesBarry Sanders is a 10-time Pro Bowler and one-time MVP, Sanders is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He rushed for over 15,000 yards in his career and was known for his speed, agility, and elusiveness.Barry Sanders in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous college football player
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99votesDeion Sanders is one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, Sanders was a two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowler. He was known for his speed and athleticism on the field and his ability to play both offense and defense.Deion Sanders in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous players for the Dallas Cowboys
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104votesPeyton Manning is a five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, Manning is often considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He holds numerous records including most career touchdown passes and most career passing yards.Peyton Manning in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Manning
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous quarterback in the NFL
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person living in Louisiana
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Louisiana
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person born in March
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most talented NFL players of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1577 views
- 168 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Player once every 24 hours. The rank of each Player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most talented nfl players of all time
The National Football League (NFL) has seen countless talented players grace its fields over the years. From quarterbacks to linebackers, each position has its own set of legends. The criteria for measuring talent can vary, but typically includes a combination of physical ability, skill, and impact on the game.
Some of the most talented NFL players of all time have become icons of the sport. Names like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Lawrence Taylor are synonymous with greatness. But talent can also be found in players who may not have achieved the same level of recognition. These unsung heroes have made significant contributions to their teams and to the sport as a whole.
As we explore the most talented NFL players of all time, it's important to remember that this list is subjective. Each fan has their own opinion on who the greatest players are, and there are countless players who could make the cut. Nonetheless, we've compiled a list of players who have left an indelible mark on the game, and whose legacies continue to inspire future generations of football players.
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