This list is very subjective and biased. There are probably 100 players who could make this list, but I chose only players whom I have watched. Let me know in the comments who your top 10 are.
QB Lynn Dickey – Green Bay Packers
Dickey was a good passer you have to take my word for it. He played on many bad teams but he did throw for over 23,000 yards and 141 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much of a running game or offensive line. If he didn’t have bad knees, he would have had over 25K passing yards and 160 touchdowns.
DT Tony Siragusa – Baltimore Ravens
When people think of the great Baltimore defense in 2000 most look to LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed. Many forget about DT Tony Siragusa. “The Goose” swallowed up the middle crushing ball carriers and taking on double teams freeing up the middle for Lewis. One of the best defensive tackle seasons I have witnessed.
FB Lorenzo Neal – Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers
Do you remember running backs Eddie George, Corey Dillon, and LaDainian Tomlinson? These backs had multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons and they have Neal to thank for many of those yards. Neal maybe the best blocking full back I have ever seen. He had a violent burst after the snap and came charging at the opposing team’s best linebacker like a heat-seeking missle.
WR Billy “White Shoes” Johnson – Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons
I loved watching Johnson play. He was an electric punt and kick returner back when that mattered. He scored on deep routes but Johnson makes my list because he helped spirit my love for football. He was the first to do end zone celebrations that I would try to emulate on the playground.
WR Don Beebe – Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers
Beebe was another player that made big scoring plays. He was as fast as they come and constant threat that teams had to account for. Although he didn’t have huge career numbers, he could take the top off the defense leaving openings in the middle for Bill’s WR Andre Reed.
DE Jim Marshall – Minnesota Vikings
Marshall played in a whopping 270 games and was part of the great “Purple People Eater” defensive lines. He is second in all time in franchise sacks with 127. A solid player if not stellar at times. He has been a finalist for the HOF but never made it. I him several times as he once owned a bar in small town where I worked. He told many behind the scenes stories that would make your jaw drop. RIP Big Jim.
WR Cliff Branch – Oakland Raiders
Branch made the HOF in 2022 three years after his death. He was a speedster who could score from anywhere on the field. What I loved about him was the acrobatic catches that he made. It was just fun to watch and another player who made me fall in love with the game. He did have over 8,000 yards and 67 touchdowns which is very good for the era he played in. Plus the Raiders ran a lot back then because they were always winning.
QB Ken Anderson – Cincinnati Bengals
Anderson played 16 seasons and threw for over 32,000 yards and 197 touchdowns. He was accurate as he did lead the NFL In completion percentage during the 1982 season. He was a true leader and would have received more recognition if he didn’t play in Cincinnati.
S LeRoy Butler, Green Bay Packers
Butler was a premier safety in the league and finally made the HOF in 2022. A few years too late in my opinion. He had 38 career interceptions but always made a big play at the right time.
WR Henry Ellard – Los Angeles Rams
Ellard had 814 receptions, 13,777 receiving yards, and 65 touchdowns. The fact that he isn’t in the HOF is criminal. Always fun to watch and would have bigger numbers if the Rams weren’t a running football team.
