{"id":490,"date":"2024-05-31T18:17:43","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T22:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=490"},"modified":"2026-01-16T14:41:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T18:41:44","slug":"list-of-nfl-top-100-players-of-all-time-part-3","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-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 100 NFL Players of All Time: Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on January 16, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backers, Tight Ends, Safeties, and More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 the linebackers, tight ends, receivers, and defensive backs \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 3 of the definitive NFL\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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

We fondly call this the \u201cthumper section,\u201d filled with tight ends, offensive two-position stars, safeties, and backers, which fit the bill in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Tight Ends That Turned Heads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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\n\t\tTony Gonzalez<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Anthony David Gonzalez\n \n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

6-5<\/span>, 247lb<\/span> (196cm, 112kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tFebruary 27<\/a>, 1976\n \n \n in Torrance, CA<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 48-054d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tCalifornia<\/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> 95 (203rd overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tHuntington Beach<\/a> (CA<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> in the 1st round (13th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 2019<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

Twitter:<\/strong>\n @TonyGonzalez88<\/a>\n \n\n \u00b7\n\n\n Instagram:<\/strong>\n tonygonzalez88<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n