The 20 Greatest NFL Players of All Time – Ranked

July 4, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

From the bone-crunching hits of old-school defenders to the aerial brilliance of today’s passing game, the NFL has showcased some of the most extraordinary athletes the sports world has ever seen. Over more than a century of professional football, countless legends have left their mark — rewriting record books, delivering unforgettable moments, and inspiring generations of fans and players alike.

But who truly stands above the rest? Based on fan votes and the enduring impact these stars have had on the game, here’s a countdown of the 20 greatest players ever to step on an NFL field. Each one didn’t just play the game; they changed it forever.

20. Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott was the definition of toughness and leadership on defense. A hard-hitting safety for the San Francisco 49ers, he won four Super Bowls and set the standard for what it means to be a ball hawk and a punisher in the secondary. Known for once amputating part of his finger to keep playing, Lott's fearlessness and instinct made him one of the most respected defenders in history.

19. Brett Favre

Brett Favre’s gunslinger mentality made every Packers game a thrill. The Iron Man of quarterbacks, Favre started 297 straight games, winning three MVP awards and leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl XXXI title. His fiery passion, rocket arm, and backyard style helped redefine the position for a new generation.

18. Dan Marino

Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl, but few quarterbacks have ever thrown a prettier ball. With his quick release and legendary pocket presence, Marino set passing records that stood for decades, finishing his career with over 61,000 yards. His 1984 season, with 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, remains one of the most remarkable campaigns ever.

17. John Elway

John Elway was the ultimate competitor, known for his rocket arm and incredible ability to lead late-game comebacks. After years of heartbreak, he finally won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos in his final seasons. Elway retired as one of the game’s fiercest leaders and clutch performers.

16. Joe Montana

Cool under pressure, Joe Montana was the heartbeat of the San Francisco 49ers dynasty. A four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP, Montana's calm precision made him the ultimate big-game quarterback. His legendary drive in Super Bowl XXIII cemented his place among football’s greatest.

15. Peyton Manning

One of the most cerebral quarterbacks ever, Peyton Manning dissected defenses like no other. With five MVPs and two Super Bowl rings with two franchises, Manning's pre-snap mastery and pinpoint accuracy helped revolutionize the modern passing game. He retired with records in touchdowns, yards, and countless other categories.

14. Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith was the engine behind the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, powering them to three Super Bowl titles. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Smith combined vision, durability, and toughness to consistently dominate defenses. He remains the gold standard for running back productivity and longevity.

13. Bo Jackson

Though injuries cut his career short, Bo Jackson’s raw talent left an unforgettable mark. The two-sport superstar could turn any run into a highlight, blending sprinter speed with linebacker power. Even in his brief NFL tenure, Bo showed flashes that made fans wonder what could have been had he stayed healthy.

12. Ray Lewis

Few defenders ever commanded a locker room or a field like Ray Lewis. The heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens for 17 seasons, Lewis led them to two Super Bowl victories with his relentless drive and unmatched intensity. His speeches and sideline energy became as iconic as his tackles.

11. Reggie White

“The Minister of Defense” was a force of nature. With his devastating rip move, Reggie White amassed 198 career sacks, ranking among the best pass rushers ever. Winning a Super Bowl with the Packers, White’s mix of power, speed, and faith made him a respected giant both on and off the field.

10. Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus didn’t just play linebacker; he defined the position. Known for his ferocious hits and unrelenting motor, Butkus terrorized offenses for the Chicago Bears throughout the 1960s and early ‘70s. His legacy still lives on as the very image of old-school, hard-nosed football.

9. Mean Joe Greene

Joe Greene was the cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” defense that led Pittsburgh to four Super Bowls. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, his fierce play set the tone for an entire era of Steelers dominance. Off the field, his iconic Coke commercial showed the gentler side of a true NFL tough guy.

8. Deion Sanders

“Prime Time” was a showman and a shutdown corner like no other. With blazing speed and unmatched swagger, Deion Sanders won two Super Bowls and became a threat every time he touched the ball on returns. The only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, he turned defense into must-see TV.

7. Randy Moss

Randy Moss made catching deep balls look effortless. With his incredible speed and leaping ability, Moss terrorized defenses, finishing second all-time in touchdown receptions. Whether with the Vikings, Patriots, or Raiders, he could turn any game into a highlight reel — simply “Moss-ing” defenders.

6. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor changed the way football was played. His relentless pass rushing from the linebacker spot forced offenses to adjust their blocking schemes forever. A two-time Super Bowl champ and 1986 league MVP, LT’s ferocity and disruptive talent made him arguably the greatest defensive player ever.

5. Walter Payton

“Sweetness” embodied grace and grit. Walter Payton dazzled with his elusive moves and fierce stiff-arms, becoming the Bears’ all-time icon. He held the NFL rushing record for years and finally won a Super Bowl in 1985, inspiring teammates with his relentless work ethic and heart.

4. Jim Brown

Even though Jim Brown played before the Super Bowl era, his dominance is timeless. In just nine seasons, he won three MVPs and led the league in rushing eight times. His blend of power and speed set a standard for running backs that still stands unmatched over half a century later.

3. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders was a human highlight reel, making defenders look foolish with impossible cuts. Despite never reaching a Super Bowl, he earned 10 Pro Bowls and rushed for over 1,500 yards in five seasons. Fans still marvel at how he seemed to defy physics every Sunday.

2. Jerry Rice

The numbers say it all — Jerry Rice is the most prolific wide receiver ever. With three Super Bowl rings and records in yards, catches, and touchdowns, Rice set a bar for excellence and consistency that may never be topped. In clutch moments, no one rose to the occasion like #80.

1. Tom Brady

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

Tom Brady is the ultimate winner. Drafted in the sixth round, he became a seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, lifting both the Patriots and Buccaneers to glory. With countless passing records and an unmatched postseason résumé, Brady’s GOAT status is secure for generations to come.