Best NFL Players of All Time By Position

Ranking the best NFL players by position of All-Time at Quarterback, Tight End, Defensive End, Middle Linebacker, and more

By admin | November 15, 2022

Best NFL Players of All Time By Position

Here we are ranking the best NFL Players of All Time by position . We are crossing generations of the greatest players of all time. To go in depth on each position there is a link towards that position’s Top 10 at the end of each player. With all that said let’s begin!

Offense

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady

Team(s): New England Patriots & Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seven and counting. That is all you need to know when it comes to the future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. While his playing days are still ongoing, Brady has won seven Super Bowl rings, five time Super Bowl MVP award winner and three NFL MVP awards.

Brady, who spent his first portion of his career with the New England Patriots, has now helped return a Super Bowl title to Tampa Bay by becoming the first team in the NFL to win a title in their home stadium after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LV.

Brady currently holds the record for most passing yards and most passing touchdowns by a quarterback. Over his career, Brady has passed for 80,359 yards to go along with 591 passing touchdowns.

As his career dwindles down, the NFL great continues to put together big numbers year in and year out to help solidify his stance as the Great NFL Quarterback of All-Time and one of the best NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

7× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII, LV)
5× Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, LV)
3× NFL Most Valuable Player (2007, 2010, 2017)
2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010)
NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009)
3× First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2017)
3× Second-team All-Pro (2005, 2016, 2021)
15× Pro Bowl (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009–2018, 2021)
5× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2021)
4× NFL passing yards leader (2005, 2007, 2017, 2021)
2× NFL passer rating leader (2007, 2010)
NFL completion percentage leader (2007)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Runner Up: Peyton Manning

Running Backs

Barry Sanders

Team(s): Detroit Lions

Yes, while a few of the names above Barry Sanders are well deserving of the top spot, it is just too hard to look past the Detroit Lions legend as the best running back of All-Time.

If you don’t believe us just look at his highlight reel on YouTube sometime. Sanders walked away from the game healthy after just 10 seasons leaving an opportunity to shatter the career rushing yard record.

Nonetheless, Sanders racked up an amazing 15,269 yards on the ground while topping the 1,115 mark in all 10 of his seasons in the NFL including 2,053 yards in 1997 just a season before he elected to retire.

In addition to his rushing yards, Sanders racked up 2,921 yards receiving to go along with 10 touchdown catches. The Lions running back was the 1997 NFL MVP, two time Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Rookie of the Year, six time First Team All-Pro and rushing touchdown leader. Those accolades make him one of the best NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

NFL Most Valuable Player (1997)
2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997)
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1989)
6× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997)
4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
10× Pro Bowl (1989–1998)
4× NFL rushing yards leader (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1991)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
2× Bert Bell Award (1991, 1997)

Runner Up: Jim Brown

Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice

Team(s): San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders & Seattle Seahawks

At the top of the Top 10 Wide Receivers All-Time is the GOAT Jerry Rice. Rice, who was selected out of Mississippi Valley State went on to put together the greatest receiving career of any to play the game.

Known for his work ethic and dedication, Rice became one of the greatest route runners to play the game. Over his career, Rice scored more points than any other player outside of a kicker with 1,256 points scored.

His Pro Football Hall of Fame resume includes 13 Pro Bowl trips, Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP, 3 Super Bowl wins, two Offensive Player of the Year awards while leading the league in receiving yards six times, touchdown receptions six times and receptions twice.

Rice currently holds the records for career receptions, touchdown receptions and receiving. His career totals include 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards and 197 touchdown receptions.

Accolades:

3× Super Bowl champion (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)
Super Bowl MVP (XXIII)
2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1987, 1993)
10× First-team All-Pro (1986–1990, 1992–1996)
Second-team All-Pro (2002)
13× Pro Bowl (1986–1996, 1998, 2002)
6× NFL receiving yards leader (1986, 1989, 1990, 1993–1995)
2× NFL receptions leader (1990, 1996)
6× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1986, 1987, 1989–1991, 1993)
NFL scoring leader (1987)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Runner Up: Randy Moss

Tight Ends

Tony Gonzalez

Team(s): Kansas City Chiefs & Atlanta Falcons

The overall top choice as the Top Tight End All-Time is the former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez ranks near the top of every offensive category among tight ends including ranking first in receiving yards, receptions, targets and second in touchdown receptions.

Through his entire NFL career, Gonzalez topped the 70 reception mark in 15 of his 17 NFL seasons including a career high and NFL in 2004 with 102 receptions. Gonzalez was named to 14 Pro Bowl teams, earned six First Team All-Pro selections and led the NFL in receptions in 2004. His career totals include 1,325 receptions, 15,127 yards and 111 touchdown receptions all while holding a long list of NFL records.

Accolades:

6× First-team All-Pro (1999–2001, 2003, 2008, 2012)
4× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2006, 2007)
14× Pro Bowl (1999–2008, 2010–2013)
NFL receptions leader (2004)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1997)
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame

Runner Up: John Mackey

Offensive Guards

John Hannah

Team(s): New England Patriots

Coming in at number one on the Top 10 Offensive Guard All-Time list is the great John Hannah. Hannah who spent his entire NFL career with the New England Patriots is considered by many to be one of the best offensive lineman’s to play the game if not the greatest All-Time.

John Hannah starred at Alabama, didn’t disappoint at the NFL level making nine Pro Bowl teams and being a staple on the Patriots offensive line. Hannah was strong with both speed and power allowing him to be one of the most rounded and polished lineman the game has ever seen.

Hannah was both a great run blocker and pass blocker while allowing the team to use him on a variety of blocking schemes to get him out in space. This makes him of the best line NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

7× First-team All-Pro (1976, 1978–1981, 1983, 1985)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1977, 1982, 1984)
9× Pro Bowl (1976, 1978–1985)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
New England Patriots All-1970s Team
New England Patriots All-1980s Team
New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
New England Patriots No. 73 retired
New England Patriots Hall of Fame

Runner Up: Gene Upshaw

Offensive Tackles

Anthony Munoz

Team(s): Cincinnati Bengals

While a few of the top offensive tackles on this list are well deserving of the top spot, it is hard to list any of those players above the Cincinnati Bengals great Anthony Munoz. Munoz, who was selected third overall by the Bengals during the 1980 NFL draft dominated the position from his start to his finish after the 1992 NFL season.

He didn’t collect accolades as some of the other greats to play positions that built up statistics, he did however help block from some great Bengals teams including teams that made the Super Bowl twice. Munoz was a nine time First Team All-Pro and 11 time Pro Bowler during his playing career.

Accolades:

NFL Man of the Year (1991)
9× First-team All-Pro (1981–1983, 1985–1990)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1984, 1991)
11× Pro Bowl (1981–1991)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1980)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor
Bart Starr Award (1990)

Runner Up: Jonathan Ogden

Centers

Jim Otto

Team(s): Oakland Raiders

Landing at number one on the Top 10 NFL Centers All-Time rankings list is the Oakland Raiders great and NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Otto.

Otto, who played his entire NFL career with the Raiders, racked up three Pro Bowl trips, one first-team All-Pro honors within the NFL as well as nine first-team All-Pro Honors and All-Star selections within the AFL.

Otto was considered the best center during his playing days and still considered by many the Greatest NFL Center of All-Time.

Accolades:

First-team All-Pro (1970)
Second-team All-Pro (1972)
3× Pro Bowl (1970–1972)
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
AFL champion (1967)
9× First-team All-AFL (1960–1965, 1967–1969)
9× AFL All-Star (1961–1969)
American Football League All-Time Team

Runner Up: Mike Webster

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White

Team(s): Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers & Carolina Panthers

When it comes to the top three spots on the Top 10 Defensive Ends All-Time, it is very difficult to make a correct choice as all three were great players on the field.

However, it is hard to look past how great Reggie White was and how much he provided to his teams on the defensive side of the football.

White recorded 1,112 tackles over his career while recording 198 sacks. During his career, White led the NFL in sacks in both 1987 and 1988 while winning Defensive Player of the Year in both seasons.

White was a 13 time Pro Bowler and an eight time First Team All-Pro over the course of his NFL career making him one of the best NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

Super Bowl champion (XXXI)
2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1998)
8× First-team All-Pro (1986–1991, 1995, 1998)
5× Second-team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1996, 1997)
13× Pro Bowl (1986–1998)
2× NFL sacks leader (1987, 1988)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
Philadelphia Eagles No. 92 retired
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
Green Bay Packers No. 92 retired
3× NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1991, 1995)

Runner Up: Bruce Smith

Defensive Tackles

“Mean” Joe Greene

Team(s): Pittsburgh Steelers

Coming in at number one is the great “Mean” Joe Green from the Pittsburgh Steelers and a key piece of the Steelers famous Steel Curtain defense. While fellow teammates and NFL opponents considered him the best player on the defensive side of the football during his playing days, Green didn’t slow down and made it his hobby to disrupt opposing offenses.

Greene would record 78.5 career unofficial sacks, win two Defensive Player of the Year awards and the Defensive Rookie of the Year award while making 10 NFL Pro Bowl teams. Greene and his teammates would go on to win four Super Bowl titles during his playing days.

Accolades:

4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1972, 1974)
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1969)
NFL Man of the Year (1979)
5× First-team All-Pro (1972–1974, 1977, 1979)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1971, 1975, 1976)
10× Pro Bowl (1969–1976, 1978, 1979)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
Pittsburgh Steelers No. 75 retired

Runner Up: Bob Lilly

Outside Linebackers

Lawrence Taylor

Team(s): New York Giants

There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. That number one option is the former New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor who the team selected number two overall during the 1981 NFL draft.

Thomas was a force to be stopped by any opposing offense and one player who forced opposing teams to change their game plans for how they rushed and passed the ball.

He recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season.

In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. This makes one of the best linebacking NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986)
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
8× First-team All-Pro (1981–1986, 1988, 1989)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1990)
10× Pro Bowl (1981–1990)
NFL sacks leader (1986)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
New York Giants Ring of Honor
New York Giants No. 56 retired
2× NFC Player of the Year (1983, 1986)

Runner Up: Derrick Brooks

Middle Linebackers

Ray Lewis

Team(s): Baltimore Ravens

It is hard not to put Ray Lewis at the top of this list as the top Middle Linebacker All-Time. Lewis, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the team’s second first round selection during the 1996 NFL Draft would go on to put together one of the greatest careers of any defensive player to play the game.

The former Miami Hurricanes star was known for his ability to read defenses and his off the field preparation including studying game film to learn about his opponents.

Over his career, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships while being named Super Bowl XXXV MVP.

In addition, Lewis was a two time Defensive Player of the Year, seven time First Team All-Pro and a 13 time Pro Bowler. Lewis recorded 2,059 career tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions and forced 17 fumbles. This makes him one of the best defensive NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

2× Super Bowl champion (XXXV, XLVII)
Super Bowl MVP (XXXV)
2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2003)
7× First-team All-Pro (1999–2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2010)
13× Pro Bowl (1997–2001, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)
3× NFL tackles leader (1997, 1999, 2001)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor

Runner Up: Mike Singletary

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders

Team(s): Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins & Baltimore Ravens

When you think of the greatest cornerback of All-Time one name that always comes out in debate is the great Deion Sanders.

The man known as “Prime Time” or “Neon Deion” had all eyes on him after being drafted fifth overall during the 1989 NFL Draft. Sanders, who was also known as a two way player in professional baseball was as good as any player to play the game of football at the cornerback position.

Not known for his tackling abilities, Sanders made up for it with his ability to shut down opposing receivers while being able to make a play on any pass thrown his way.

Sanders recorded 53 interceptions, nine interceptions returned for touchdowns and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Over his career Sanders made eight Pro Bowl teams, was selected as an All-Pro at cornerback six times and was the 1994 Defensive Player of the Year.

Accolades:

2× Super Bowl champion (XXIX, XXX)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1994)
6× First-team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1996–1998)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1999)
8× Pro Bowl (1991–1994, 1996–1999)
NFL kickoff return yards leader (1992)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor

Runner Up: Charles Woodson

Free Safeties

Ed Reed

Team(s): Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans & New York Jets

Ed Reed was a once in a lifetime generational talent that played the free safety position as well as anyone to ever play the position.

Reed, who many consider to be the greatest defensive ball hawks of All-Time had a knack of finding the ball and showing up in key situations for the Baltimore Ravens.

Reed could defend the pass, block punts, return interceptions and force fumbles was nearly impossible for offenses to slow down.

The Ravens free safety was the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year while also being a key member of the Super Bowl XLVII Super Bowl team.

Reed finished his career as a nine time Pro Bowler, three time NFL interceptions leader and five time First Team All-Pro. Reed finished his career with 643 tackles to go along with six sacks, 139 passes defended, 64 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and nine defensive touchdowns over his career. Making him one of the best defensive nfl players of all time.

Accolades:

Super Bowl champion (XLVII)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2004)
5× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006–2008, 2010)
3× Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011)
9× Pro Bowl (2003, 2004, 2006–2012)
3× NFL interceptions leader (2004, 2008, 2010)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor

Runner Up: Ronnie Lott

Strong Safeties

Ken Houston

Team(s): Detroit Lions & Washington Redskins

Coming in at number one is the 12 time All-Pro Ken Houston of the Detroit Lions and Washington Football Team. Houston, who helped evolve the position, was a playmaker who was known for his ability to go after the ball while also being able to shut down a play before it happened.

Ken Houston racked up 49 career interceptions over his career while also scoring 12 touchdowns and recovered 12 fumbles. Houston was also named to Pro Bowl teams and was a member of the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time teams.

Accolades:

2× First-team All-Pro (1975, 1978)
10× Second-team All-Pro (1968–1974, 1976, 1977, 1979)
12× Pro Bowl (1968–1979)
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
First-team NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
80 Greatest Redskins
Washington Commanders Ring of Fame

Runner Up: Troy Polamalu

Special Teams

Kick Returners

Devin Hester

Team(s): Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks

Landing at number one on the Top 10 Kick Returners All-Time rankings list is another Chicago Bears star in Devin Hester.

Hester, who forced teams to punt and kick the ball out of bounds, was a threat to return a kick for a touchdown anytime the ball hit his hands.

While Hester did most of his damage as a punt returner including returning 14 punt returns, Hester was just as good of a kick returner. The Bears All-Pro returner finished his career with 7,333 kick return yards and five kick returns.

While Hester lands at number one, a few of the other top kick returners are well deserving of the top honor and could make for a great debate.

Accolades:

3× First-team All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010)
Second-team All-Pro (2011)
4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010, 2014)
3× NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
20 total return touchdowns, career
14 punt return touchdowns, career
6 total return touchdowns, season (tied)

Runner Up: Josh Cribbs

Punt Returners

Devin Hester

Team(s): Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens & Seattle Seahawks

There is really no debate needed in announcing that Devin Hester is the greatest punt returner of All-Time. Hester who recorded an NFL record 20 total return touchdowns also set the NFL record for most punt returns returned for a touchdown with 14 total.

No matter if teams attempted to kick away from him or not, Hester would find a way to make a return happen while making the opposing team miss him.

To go along with the 14 punt returns for a touchdown, Hester recorded 3,695 total punt returns between four different NFL teams.

His return abilities also earned him three NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year Awards, four Pro Bowl trips and three first-team All-Pro honors. With his Kick and Punt Returning skills at the highest of levels makes him one of the best special teams NFL players of All Time

Accolades:

3× First-team All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010)
Second-team All-Pro (2011)
4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010, 2014)
3× NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
20 total return touchdowns, career
14 punt return touchdowns, career
6 total return touchdowns, season (tied)

Runner Up: Deion Sanders

Kickers

Justin Tucker

Team(s): Baltimore Ravens

The only active NFL kicker to land on the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time rankings list is the Baltimore Ravens Justin Tucker. Tucker, who is a man of many talents including his ability to sing (opera) continues to be as clutch as any kicker in NFL history.

Through 2021, Tucker is the All-Time leader in field goal percentage with a 91.1 percentage mark while connecting on 326 of his 358 field goals attempted. Tucker has racked up 1,360 total points, 548 career touch backs while also setting the NFL record with a game winning 66-yard field goal.

Through his career with the Ravens, Tucker has made historic clutch kicks including the NFL record while also winning another game on a 55-yard attempt.

Tucker is 178 of 181 from field goals of below 40 yards, 100 of 111 on field goals between 40-49 yards and 48 of 66 on field goals above 50 yards. This makes him one of the best modern NFL players of All Time.

Accolades:

Super Bowl champion (XLVII)
5× First-team All-Pro (2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
2× Second-team All-Pro (2017, 2020)
5× Pro Bowl (2013, 2016, 2019–2021)
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
NFL records
Most accurate kicker: 91.1%
Longest field goal made: 66 yards

Runner Up: Adam Vinatieri

Punters

Ray Guy

Team(s): Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Raiders

Lastly landing at number one on the Top 10 NFL Punters All-Time rankings list is another famous Oakland Raider Ray Guy.

Guy, who was drafted by the Raiders with the 23rd pick during the 1973 NFL draft, would go on to rack up 1,049 career punts all for one team.

Over those 1,049 career punts, Guy recorded 44,493 career punt yards to go along with an average punt yard per kick mark of 42.4 over his career.

His performance on the field earned him seven trips to the NFL Pro Bowl team while being selected to six first-team All-Pro teams.

Accolades:

3× Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
6× First-team All-Pro (1973–1978)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1979, 1980)
7× Pro Bowl (1973–1978, 1980)
Golden Toe Award (1975)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Runner Up: Shane Lechler

How would you rank the best NFL players of All Time? You can rank each position in the article below each player.