(last updated on January 16, 2026)

Backers, Tight Ends, Safeties, and More

Forget the quarterbacks for a moment. The NFL’s symphony of violence and athleticism wouldn’t be complete without the tenacious blitzers who hunt quarterbacks, the mismatch nightmares at tight end, the dazzling route runners who leave defenders in their dust, and the lockdown corners who silence aerial assaults. In the NFL’s Top 100, where legends are ranked and legacies debated, these unsung heroes – the linebackers, tight ends, receivers, and defensive backs – take center stage. Let’s delve into the pantheon of these gridiron warriors, exploring the all-time greats who redefined their positions and forever changed the way the game is played.

This article takes a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria that distinguish the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses and electrifying receivers who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 3 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list: the best players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love.

A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of Stathead Football and its approximate value and fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

It is a complex set of choices to make when making a list of the top 100 when there are so many qualified players deserving of the honor. Let’s do it by position groups and in multiple posts, and when we are finished, we will have a nice 100 to chat about.

We fondly call this the “thumper section,” filled with tight ends, offensive two-position stars, safeties, and backers, which fit the bill in this section.

(last updated on January 15, 2026)

Receivers and Cornerbacks

The battle between offense and defense hinges on a thrilling clash in the aerial chess match that is professional football. On one side, the charismatic gunslingers and acrobatic wideouts orchestrate passing attacks designed to dissect defenses. On the other hand, lockdown corners and ball-hawking safeties stand as the last line, and their every move is dedicated to thwarting those aerial assaults. This article dives into the legends who have dominated these positions: the shutdown cornerbacks who turned receivers into ghosts and the record-breaking wideouts who soared over defenders with unparalleled grace. We’ll explore the all-time greats who redefined their roles, forever altering the game’s landscape and leaving fans breathless with their on-field artistry.

We will take a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria that distinguish the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses and electrifying receivers who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 2 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list: the best players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love.

A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of Stathead Football and its approximate value and fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

It is a complex set of choices to make when making a list of the top 100 when there are so many qualified players deserving of the honor. Let’s do it by position groups and in multiple posts, and when we are finished, we will have a nice 100 to chat about.

(last updated on January 15, 2026)

The NFL is a league steeped in legendary figures whose feats of athleticism and tactical brilliance have left an indelible mark on the gridiron. But who truly stands above the rest? Who deserves to be enshrined in the pantheon of the NFL’s greatest players ever?

This article explores a portion of the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts. We’ll dissect the criteria that separate the elite from the exceptional, exploring factors like dominance on the field, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic quarterbacks who orchestrated game-winning drives, shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses, and electrifying running backs who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 1 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list: the best players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love.

A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of Stathead Football and its approximate value and fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

It is a complex set of choices to make when making a list of the top 100 when there are so many qualified players deserving of the honor. Let’s do it by position groups and in multiple posts, and when we are finished, we will have a nice 100 to chat about.

First up are the big guys in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

(last updated on January 12, 2026)

What has happened to the once celebrated fullback position in today’s NFL? You can more easily find plasma televisions than fullbacks in the modern pro game. With the emphasis on high-octane passing attacks, fullbacks have virtually been phased out in the league. Many coaches go with three tight ends or an H-back on a roster over a traditional fullback. Gone are the days of the I-formation alignment in the backfield. The once predictable fullback dive in short yardage situations is no more. There was a time when every team had a selfless battering ram who would be the lead blocker for the main running back. Fullbacks would get some carries and catch the occasional pass out of the backfield. This player would take a beating and didn’t typically get the publicity of other skilled-position guys, but they had the respect and admiration of their peers.

Let’s be nostalgic and identify some of these men. For the sake of this exercise, fullbacks won’t typically be your workhorse guy. Jim Brown, a true legend and maybe the greatest running back ever, is technically listed as a fullback, as is Larry Csonka and Franco Harris, so featured backs like that will not be included on this list. Don’t expect to see eye-popping numbers with this group … just grit, power, and determination. So, in the spirit of Kyle Juszczyk, here are some of the best fullbacks in NFL history.

(last updated on December 24, 2025)

The offensive line acts as the wall protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes, and left guards play a crucial role in this formidable structure. These unsung heroes anchor the left side, locking horns with defensive tackles and linebackers. This post delves into the realm of the NFL’s greatest left guards of all time.

We’ll journey through gridiron history, uncovering the legendary figures whose dominance and skill cemented their place in football lore. From dominant run blockers to impeccable pass protectors, we’ll analyze their impact on the game and dissect their unique play styles.

So, settle down in your best three-point stance, be prepared to fire out, and be awestruck by the feats of these remarkable athletes. Let’s unveil the best NFL left guards of all time!