{"id":443,"date":"2024-05-17T12:27:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T16:27:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=443"},"modified":"2025-12-24T14:11:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T18:11:04","slug":"15-best-left-guards-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2024\/05\/15-best-left-guards-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Top NFL Left Guards of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on December 24, 2025)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

The statistics and measurables for guards 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 offensive linemen, in general, have given us some tangible metrics to see the success of the interior line position and the men who have played 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 left guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seven-Time All-Pro Left Guards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get too far into the accolades, let us look at two men who have earned the status of First-Team All-Pro seven times as left guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\t\n\n
\n\t

\n\t\tJohn Hannah<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n John Allen Hannah\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-2<\/span>, 265lb<\/span> (188cm, 120kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tApril 4<\/a>, 1951\n \n \n in Canton, GA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 72-354d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tAlabama<\/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> 112 (67th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tAlbertville<\/a> (AL<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: New England Patriots<\/a> in the 1st round (4th overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 1991<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

Twitter:<\/strong>\n @hoghannah<\/a>\n \n\n<\/p>\n\n \n\n\n

Relatives<\/strong>: Brother Charley Hannah<\/a>; Father Herb Hannah<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n