{"id":376,"date":"2024-03-29T11:33:50","date_gmt":"2024-03-29T15:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=376"},"modified":"2025-12-23T16:04:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:04:54","slug":"11-best-centers-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2024\/03\/11-best-centers-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Top NFL Centers of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on December 23, 2025)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From snapping plays to anchoring the offensive line, the center position commands respect and responsibility in the NFL. In the heart of the trenches, they’re the silent quarterbacks, orchestrating plays, protecting their fellow linemen, and paving the way for legendary runs and game-winning throws. But who reigns supreme in this realm of snapping giants?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us today on a quest to uncover the most dominant, impactful, and celebrated centers in NFL history. We’ll dive into their legacies, examining not just statistics and accolades but their leadership, versatility, and undeniable impact on the game to try and determine the highest NFL center rankings. Whether it’s the legendary leadership of Mike Webster or the sheer dominance of Jim Ringo, prepare to be transported through decades of gridiron battles as we uncover the actual snap initiators and the best centers of all time in the NFL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to Recognize the Best Centers in the NFL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The statistics and measurables for centers in the league are few and far between. After all, what these men in the trenches do goes almost unnoticed unless they do something wrong or blow an assignment. It is often a thankless job, but as the NFL has progressed over the years, the accolades for centers and offensive linemen, in general, have given us some tangible metrics to see the success of the center position and the men who have manned the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help us along the way, we will look at Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro counts, Hall of Fame inductions, games started, and years played in the NFL at the position as tangible evidence of these centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Snaps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start by looking at the men in the middle who have played the most NFL plays at center. Longevity, endurance, and playing through some minor injuries lead to the consistent availability that these studs have shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Photo\n<\/div>
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\n\t\tJason Kelce<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Jason D. Kelce\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: C\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

6-3<\/span>, 295lb<\/span> (190cm, 133kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tNovember 5<\/a>, 1987\n \n \n in Cleveland Heights, OH<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span\"> (Age: 37-095d)<\/nobr><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tCincinnati<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t (College Stats<\/a>)\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 102 (132nd overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tCleveland Heights<\/a> (OH<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> in the 6th round (191st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n

Pronunciation<\/strong>: \\KELL-see<\/a>\\<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n

Relatives<\/strong>: Brother Travis Kelce<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n