{"id":477,"date":"2024-05-21T17:02:29","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T21:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=477"},"modified":"2026-01-15T13:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T17:36:24","slug":"list-of-nfl-top-100-players-of-all-time-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2024\/05\/list-of-nfl-top-100-players-of-all-time-part-i\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 100 NFL Players of All Time: Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on January 15, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

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<\/a> and its approximate value and fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

First up are the big guys in the trenches on both sides of the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Offensive Linemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The big guys in the trenches have always been the workhorses in football. Having contact with another human about your size on every scrimmage play has been described as being in a series of car crashes. In a game where the strongest and best athletes survive, here are some considerations for the NFL Top 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tForrest Gregg<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Alvis Forrest Gregg\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: T-G-DT\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

6-4<\/span>, 249lb<\/span> (193cm, 112kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tOctober 18<\/a>, 1933\n \n \n in Birthright, TX<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

Died:<\/strong>\n April 12<\/a>, 2019 (Aged 85-176d)<\/span>\n <\/span>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tSMU<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 96 (190th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tSulphur Springs<\/a> (TX<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Green Bay Packers<\/a> in the 2nd round (20th overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 1977<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Coach<\/strong>: 11 Yrs\n\t\n\t(Full Record<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Exec<\/strong>: 3 Yrs\n\t(Full Record<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n

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