List of NFL Top 100 Players of all time Part 3

Backers, Tight Ends, Safties, 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.

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 the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is a daunting task. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. By the end, we’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 3 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of 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. We fondly call this the “thumper section,” filled with tight ends, offensive two-position stars, safety, and backers, which fit the bill in this section.

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Tight Ends That Turned Heads

Tight ends have evolved from mere blockers to dynamic weapons in the modern NFL. Our list would not be complete without diving into the gridiron giants who redefined the position. We’ll explore the unstoppable receiving threats who stretched the field seam-to-seam, the all-around technicians who dominated both as blockers and pass-catchers, and the pioneers who paved the way for the tight-end revolution. Prepare to be amazed by the versatility, athleticism, and sheer dominance of these all-time greats who forever altered the landscape of offensive strategy.

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Tony Gonzalez dominated as a tight end for 17 seasons. He holds the NFL record for receptions and yards by a tight end, showcasing his consistent dominance as a receiving threat. Playing for both the Chiefs and Falcons, Gonzalez was a 14-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the offense for both teams.

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This Hall of Fame tight end, revolutionized the position.  Mackey starred for the Colts and Chargers, known for his size, speed, and dominance as both a receiver and blocker.

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Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end himself, revolutionized the position.  He shattered receiving records for tight ends, proving their value as pass-catching weapons, not just blockers, and paving the way for a new era of offensive versatility.

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Kellen Winslow (Sr.), not to be confused with his son, was a Hall of Fame tight end who dominated for the San Diego Chargers in the 1980s. His elite receiving skills and blocking prowess made him a five-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the Chargers’ high-powered offense.

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Ozzie Newsome wasn’t just a receiver; his elite blocking, catch radius, and route-running transformed the tight end role. He excelled in both facets, making him a matchup nightmare and a key figure in the rise of the modern receiving tight end.

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Tweener Studs at Multiple Positions

We occasionally have come across some players that we will classify as tweeners. The following specimen excelled at two different positions so right here is a good place to give them mention on our list.

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A true two-way terror, Bronko Nagurski defied specialization. He dominated as a punishing fullback, leading offenses with his power running. Yet, his immense strength and versatility also translated to defensive dominance on the line, showcasing his well-rounded brilliance.

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Marion Motley defied convention. A powerful runner as a halfback, he gashed defenses. But his versatility shone as he excelled on the other side of the ball, too, using his size and strength to become a punishing linebacker, a true two-way threat for the Cleveland Browns dominance.

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Sammy Baugh, a pre-modern marvel, defied specialization. As a quarterback, his “slingin’ arm” launched record-breaking passes. But Baugh wasn’t just a passer. He doubled as a shutdown safety, snagging interceptions with ease. His punting prowess was equally legendary, with his booming kicks pinning opponents deep in their territory. Baugh’s versatility made him a one-man wrecking crew, a true triple threat on the gridiron.

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Sayers, known as the “Kansas Comet,” defied expectations with his electrifying skills. As a halfback, his dazzling speed and agility made him a nightmare for defenders, racking up rushing and receiving touchdowns. But Sayers’ impact extended beyond the run and catch. He was a master return specialist, routinely taking punts and kickoffs back for scores with his game-breaking ability. This dual threat made him a legend, forever etching his name among the NFL’s most versatile and exciting players.

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Safety Valves

The last line of defense is the safety. These deep secondary players are asked to do a bit of everything: defend against passes, blitz, and tackle. Here are the men who have played the position best.

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Ronnie Lott, a ball-hawking safety with a ferocious hitting style, redefined in-the-box safety play. A leader on championship teams, he racked up interceptions and intimidated receivers, leaving a lasting impact on the league.

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Emlen Tunnell, a hard-hitting safety with the Giants (1948-64), was known for clutch interceptions.

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Reed was a ball-hawking safety known for his instincts, range, and ability to create turnovers. He amassed the most interception return yards in NFL history and remains a defensive mastermind who redefined the safety position.

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This Steelers’ secondary leader, with his flowing hair and instincts, redefined safety. Polamalu’s range, tackling ability, and knack for interceptions made him a turnover machine, striking fear into quarterbacks and leaving a lasting impact on the game.

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Top Linebackers in NFL History

In this section, we delve into the pantheon of linebackers who redefined their position. We’ll explore the sideline-to-sideline missile launchers, the immovable run-stuffing machines, and the coverage aces who could lock down tight ends and running backs alike. Prepare to meet the legendary linebackers who struck fear into the opposition and cemented their place as defensive titans.

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Nitschke was a ferocious linebacker for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. He anchored Vince Lombardi’s dominant defense, known for its physicality, leadership, and instrumental role in securing five NFL Championships and the first two Super Bowl victories.

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A versatile linebacker for the Steelers’ dynasty of the 70s, Ham anchored their vaunted defense. Renowned for his tackling prowess and leadership, he earned 8 Pro Bowls and 4 Super Bowl rings, solidifying his place as a Steel Curtain icon.

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Willie Lanier, a HOF middle linebacker, anchored the Kansas City Chiefs defense for over a decade. Renowned for his intelligence, tackling power, and leadership, he revolutionized the middle linebacker position, becoming a key figure in the Chiefs’ history.

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Sam Huff, a Giants linebacker terror in the 1950s and 60s, redefined the position.  His speed, tackling prowess, and ability to blitz quarterbacks made him a defensive force, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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One of the most revered backers of all time, Dick Butkus, redefined the middle linebacker position. A ferocious tackler with impressive instincts, he struck fear into ball carriers and earned a place among the league’s most intimidating defenders.

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Lewis, a middle linebacker known for his ferocious intensity and leadership, anchored the Baltimore Ravens defense for 17 seasons. He earned two Super Bowl titles and holds the record for most career tackles by a middle linebacker, solidifying his place as one of the game’s greatest defenders.

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A tackling machine with a fiery intensity, Lambert anchored the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense. Much like a famous super hero, you didn’t want to make Jack angry because he would really turn into a monster int he middle. His ferocious hits and sideline-to-sideline range earned him Super Bowl rings and solidified him as one of the league’s most intimidating defenders.

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Nicknamed “Samurai Mike,” linebacker Mike Singletary embodied intensity. His scanning eyes and pre-snap were laser-focused and like no other. A ten-time Pro Bowler, he led the ferocious “New Monsters of the Midway” defense for the Chicago Bears, stopping offenses with bone-crushing tackles and unmatched leadership.

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Ted Hendricks, a ferocious pass rusher with blazing speed, terrorized quarterbacks for the Dolphins and Raiders. He racked up sacks before they were an official stat and earned induction into the Hall of Fame for his game-changing impact.

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Taylor, a linebacker known for his ferocious pass rush and bone-crushing tackles, revolutionized the position. He earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards and is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defenders ever.

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Bell, a dominant 60s-70s linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, earned five All-Pro selections.  His speed, tackling ability, and leadership made him a key part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV victory.

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Ten-time Pro Bowler Joe Schmidt anchored defenses for 12 seasons. Renowned for his intelligence, leadership, and sure tackling, he was a key figure in the Detroit Lions’ defensive success during the 1950s and 1960s.

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This menace to opposing offenses was a tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline speed who anchored the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense for over a decade. Brooks earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2002 and led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory in 2003, solidifying his place as a linebacker legend.

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Conclusion

From the relentless blitzes of Lawrence Taylor to the lockdown coverage of Ronnie Lott, these defensive stalwarts have shaped the landscape of the game. Meanwhile, the offensive versatility of players like Gale Sayers and the receiving prowess of tight ends like Tony Gonzalez redefined their respective positions. These are just a few of the legends who have left their indelible mark on the gridiron. They are the linebackers who struck fear in quarterbacks’ hearts, the safeties who patrolled the deep like hawks, the two-way terrors who dominated on both sides of the ball, and the tight ends who evolved from blockers to receiving threats. They are the best of the best, the immortals who continue to inspire generations of football players and fans alike.

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This entry was posted on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 6:17 pm and is filed under Top Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.