The 10 Greatest NFL Players of All Time – Ranked

July 9, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Debating who stands atop the NFL’s all-time ranks is practically a sport of its own. From living room arguments to heated sports bar banter, everyone has their list of gridiron legends. Thanks to a data-driven look at career stats, playoff heroics, awards, and the lasting mark these players left on the game, we’ve cut through the nostalgia to spotlight the 10 greatest NFL players ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the icons who shaped football history, this list has the names that defined — and redefined — greatness.

10. Deion Sanders

"Prime Time" Deion Sanders transformed what it meant to play cornerback and return specialist in the NFL. With 53 career interceptions and nearly 6,000 combined kick and punt return yards — many taken all the way — Sanders was the ultimate dual threat. A two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowler, his electrifying speed and showmanship made him one of the most marketable and influential players ever.

9. Johnny Unitas

Johnny Unitas was the blueprint for the modern passing quarterback. Over 18 seasons, he threw for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns, leading the Colts to three NFL titles. Famous for his poise and innovative use of the two-minute drill, Unitas set the standard for quarterback preparation and leadership that still shapes the game today.

8. Walter Payton

Walter Payton combined power, agility, and unmatched work ethic throughout his 13 seasons with the Bears. Retiring as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 16,726 yards and 110 rushing touchdowns, Payton was also a nine-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion. Off the field, his humility and charitable efforts left a lasting legacy, immortalized by the NFL Man of the Year Award named in his honor.

7. Joe Montana

Joe Montana earned the nickname “Joe Cool” for a reason — he thrived in the clutch. A four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP, Montana threw for over 40,000 yards and 273 touchdowns. His pinpoint accuracy and calm under pressure turned the 49ers into an ’80s dynasty and set the gold standard for playoff performance.

6. Reggie White

Known as "The Minister of Defense," Reggie White was one of the most dominant defensive linemen ever. With 198 career sacks — second all-time — he terrorized quarterbacks for 15 seasons. A 13-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXXI champion with Green Bay, White’s power and technique reshaped how defensive ends are valued in the NFL.

5. Peyton Manning

Few quarterbacks ever controlled the game like Peyton Manning. A five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, Manning retired with 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdowns. Renowned for his pre-snap audibles and film study, he changed how offenses are run and left a massive mark on the strategy of the modern NFL.

4. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor didn’t just play linebacker — he revolutionized the position. The Giants’ defensive superstar racked up 132.5 sacks and won NFL MVP in 1986, nearly unheard of for a defensive player. Taylor’s speed and aggression forced offenses to adapt protection schemes just to try to slow him down, making him the benchmark for all edge rushers.

3. Jim Brown

Jim Brown dominated the league during his nine-year career, leading the NFL in rushing in eight of those seasons. Retiring at just 30, he left as the all-time leading rusher with 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. Combining size, speed, and relentless drive, Brown’s 104.3 rushing yards per game remains the best in NFL history.

2. Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice is simply the greatest wide receiver ever. With NFL records for receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and touchdowns (197), his career is unmatched. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Rice’s precise routes, fierce work ethic, and incredible longevity let him dominate defenders for two decades.

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady throwing a football — Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

No debate — Tom Brady is the NFL’s GOAT. Over 23 seasons, he won seven Super Bowls (more than any franchise), three MVPs, and finished with 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns. Known for his clutch heroics and relentless competitiveness, Brady redefined winning in the NFL and stands as the ultimate face of the sport.