10. Walter Payton, RB, CHI: Payton was called Sweetness for a reason – his sweet feet made him one of the best running backs of the Super Bowl era. His nine Pro Bowls, five All-Pros and 16,726 career rushing yards speak for his greatness and longevity.
9. Joe Greene, DT, PIT
Mean Joe Greene was a force in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vaunted Steel Curtain defense. He played his entire career in the Steel City, making 10 Pro Bowls and 4 All-Pro teams. Greene also helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls in the 1970s.
8. Ronnie Lott, S, SF
A hard-hitting safety who excelled in coverage, Lott is arguably the greatest defensive back to ever put on cleats. He had the versatility to play cornerback, free safety and strong safety during his illustrious career. Lott made 10 Pro Bowls, won four Super Bowls and intercepted 63 passes.
7. Jim Brown, RB, CLE
The greatest pre-Super Bowl era football player, Brown possessed a special combination of power, speed, and agility for a 232-pound man. An eight-time All-Pro and three-time NFL MVP, Brown accomplished so much in just a nine-year career.
6. Barry Sanders, RB, DET
In my opinion, a prime Barry Sanders was more difficult to bring down than anyone in NFL history. His electrifying change of direction and exceptional quickness left defenders grasping for air trying to tackle him. In his 10-year career, Sanders made 10 Pro Bowls and rushed for 15,269 yards.
5. Reggie White, DE, PHI/GB
The Minister of Defense was a one-man wrecking crew at defensive end. White recorded at least 11 sacks in 12 different seasons, and his lowest total was a 5.5-sack season at age 39. White made 13 Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro eight times in his amazing career.
4. Lawrence Taylor, LB, NYG
It’s not often a single outside linebacker would cause offensive coaches to completely alter their game plans, but L.T. was that good. Nearly impossible to stop even while double-teaming, Taylor made 10 Pro Bowls, eight All-Pro teams and won NFL MVP in 1986.
3. Jerry Rice, WR, SF
Rice got his sure hands from catching bricks as a child, and those hands made him the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. His insane career totals of 22,895 receiving yards and 208 total TDs may never be caught.
2. Joe Montana, QB, SF
Joe Cool was the epitome of top quarterback play in the 1980s; a sharp, intelligent and clutch passer with surprising mobility. The eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL MVP won four Super Bowls with the 49ers and won an impressive 117 of his 164 career games.
1. Tom Brady, QB, NE/TB
The greatest of all time had to be #1 on this list. Despite being a late-round draft choice, Brady fought his way into New England’s starting lineup and the rest was history. His achievements speak for themselves: 15 Pro Bowls, seven Super Bowls and 3 NFL MVPs.
