Welcome to part 17 of the Grand List, or: the top 1000 players in history (in my opinion, as of the end of the 2019 season). The original plan for this series was to have it done by the start of the 2020 season. That didn’t happen. In order to keep every player on the same playing field, I’m going to continue the presenting the series without including the 2020 season (it hardly seems fair to exclude 2020 for Nuk Hopkins but include it for Julio). ^[1]Spoiler alert! Quintorris made the list. This portion of the list has something for everyone, unless you fancy yourself a special teams enthusiast. We have passers, pure runners, receiving backs with confusing legacies, antediluvian receivers, linemen and linebackers of all kinds, a cover corner, and some hard hitting safeties. It’s safe to think of everything from this point on as a list of players whose play merits strong Hall of Fame consideration. ^[2]Note, there are several players who would move up (or even onto) the list were I to include 2020. Off the top of my head, I can think of 18 players already on the list who would move up. I can think … Continue reading

Previous articles in the series

The Grand List, part 1: Includes honorable/special mentions and players 1000-990.
The Grand List, part 2: Includes players 989-965.
The Grand List, part 3: Includes players 964-940.
The Grand List, part 4: Includes players 939-901.
The Grand List, part 5: Includes players 900-876.
The Grand List, part 6: Includes players 875-851.
The Grand List, part 7: Includes players 850-810.
The Grand List, part 8: Includes players 809-780.
The Grand List, part 9: Includes players 779-750.
The Grand List, part 10: Includes players 749-700.
The Grand List, part 11: Includes players 699-650.
The Grand List, part 12: Includes players 649-600.
The Grand List, part 13: Includes players 599-550.
The Grand List, part 14: Includes players 549-500.
The Grand List, part 15: Includes players 499-450.
The Grand List, part 16: Includes players 449-400

Away we go!

The Grand List, continued

399. Bob Nash (1917-1925)
End (pre-modern)
Buffalo All-Americans, Akron Pros, Rochester Jeffersons, New York Giants, Massillon Tigers

Nasty Nash played his best days before he inception of the NFL, but those best days were truly great and shouldn’t be discounted because they occurred before a band a sparring local clubs decided to make it official. He was an end on offense and was good at the things ends did in those days—primarily blocking on the end of the line and rarely catching a pass. On defense, he was a real stud. Both quick and fast, he was able to find his way around or through the offensive line in a hurry. Had stats been tracked in his day, he likely would have been a perennial front-runner for tackles for a loss or no gain. Perhaps his biggest claim to fame was that contemporary writers and players touted him as the only man who could consistently stop Jim Thorpe at Thorpe’s peak. While no records are available, Nash is reported to have been the top kick blocker of his era. When historian John Wilkes of the PFRA created an all half-decade team for the 1915-19 era, Nash was the starting end.

398. Andre Reed (1985-2000)
Wide Receiver
Buffalo Bills, Washington

Reed played his prime on an offense designed to spread the ball around to one of many talented options. But, among receivers, he was the top dog. He played in the AFC and probably earned a few Pro Bowl nods based on a lack of strong competition—competition he would have seen in the NFC—but he also earned his production playing home games in Buffalo and many away games in the Northeast. While he only has five seasons over 1000 yards, the product he put on film shows a man who played well beyond the stats that ended up in the box score. At 6’2″ and 190 pounds, he was a pretty slender guy. Despite that, his ability to slip tackles after the catch and turn bad plays into good plays was probably second only to Rice in his era. Reed had little trouble getting open underneath, and he had the speed to beat defenses deep. He was a willing blocker on running plays, and a leader on and off the field. In the postseason, he was automatic, and his 1229 receiving yards ranks sixth in history. A two-time all pro, Reed ranks thirteenth in career True Receiving Yards (16194). ^[3]Reed’s top TRY seasons: 1634, 1464, 1433, 1383, 1326, 1286, 1187, 1134, 975, 923

397. Lemar Parrish (1970-1982)
Cornerback
Cincinnati Bengals, Washington, Buffalo Bills

A speed burner who could run with the league’s best deep threats, Parrish was a valuable cover man who specialized in stopping the big play. He didn’t just have the ability to take on fast receivers—he actually tracked them around the field. When targets came his way, he used his sound ball skills to create incompletions or turnovers. And if one of those run heavy teams sent a back on a sweep, Parrish could snuff it out one on one. But it’s his ability to shut down the top receivers of his era that lands him this high on the list. That ability is partially responsible for Riley seeing more targets and getting more chances to rack up the interceptions. (While his former teammate is the one getting the Hall of Fame push, coaches, quarterbacks, or receivers knew Parrish was the more dangerous of the two.) He was also a superb punt returner whose best performance came in 1974, when he returned 18 kicks for 338 yards (18.8 average) and two touchdowns. ^[4]His ability to return is sometimes used against him, with detractors saying his Pro Bowls are for returning and not for defense. In reality, only his 1970 Pro Bowl invitation was definitely for his … Continue reading Parrish was an eight time Pro Bowler and a five time all pro, and I named him the winner of the Prime Time Award for best cornerback in 1979.

396. Guy Chamberlin (1919-1927)
End (pre-modern)
Canton Bulldogs, Decatur/Chicago Staleys, Frankford Yellow Jackets, Cleveland Bulldogs, Chicago Cardinals

Chamberlin was hard for me to place. He was a great player, but he also added value as a coach. Trying to separate his playing from his coaching and only reward his contributions as a pure player seems like it should be the goal for this sort of project. However, he wasn’t a coach in the modern sense—that is, a patrol the sidelines and give direction type guy. He did his gameday coaching on the field and should be given a boost for that, in the same way we revere the cerebral quarterbacks calling audibles or the learned linebackers making adjustments. After winning a title as a player in 1921, Chamberlin won four more as a player-coach—with three different teams! At 6’2″ and around 200 pounds, he had a fine size for a receiver or defensive back even in today’s game, but he was on the big side for his era. That height, in concert with his elite top end speed, made him a big play threat as an end. On defense, he was instinctive and capable of turning defense into offense in a hurry. Contemporaries noted that Chamberlin moved with such grace and fluidity that it seemed like he hardly made an effort.

395. Seth Joyner (1986-1998)
Linebacker
Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos

Joyner was a special player. At the outside linebacker position, you never knew what he was going to do on any given play. He could break down and tackle a shifty runner in the open field on one play, rush the passer with ruthless efficiency on the next play, and cover a receiver or tight end the play after that. Had he been assigned a pure pass rushing role, he surely could have put up big time numbers in the box score. As it stands, he still managed to notch 52 quarterback takedowns. To those, he added 24 interceptions, 26 forced fumbles, and 88 pass deflections. It didn’t matter what the coaches wanted him to do, because Joyner could do anything—and he could do it at a high level. He was a playmaker who was also consistent on a down-to-down basis, and that’s a rare feat. Competing with LT types for postseason honors, Joyner earned three Pro Bowl and all pro honors. Additionally, he earned the Dobre Shunka Award for best outside linebacker in 1991—a performance that earned him Dr. Z’s player of the year selection.

394. Wilber Marshall (1984-1995)
Linebacker
Chicago Bears, Washington, Houston Oilers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets

Marshall was a similar player to Joyner. That is, an outside linebacker who could do it all, playing consistently on every down while making an astounding number of splash plays. As a member of the fabled ’85 Bears, he had four interceptions and five sacks. The following year, he had five picks, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two touchdowns. A half decade later, he was a member of the juggernaut champions in Washington. That season, he once again produced five picks and 5.5 sacks. Since sacks became an official stat, a 5&5 season has been accomplished just five times by a linebacker. Two of them were Marshall. ^[5]Others were Darius Leonard 2019, Lavonte David 2013, and Brian Urlacher 2007. Dave Duerson, LeRoy Butler, Rodney Harrison, and Shawn Springs also did it. He was a big time playmaker who was a key contributor on two of the greatest teams in NFL history. Like Joyner, he had three Pro Bowls and all pro selections while competing for spots with rushbackers.

393. Al Wistert (1943-1951)
Offensive Line, Defensive Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles, Phil-Pit Steagles

Big Ox was an athletic blocker who was perhaps the best tackle in the game for a later part of the forties. Steve Van Buren, running behind him, picked up big numbers and had a relatively easy time doing so (not to take anything away from Supersonic Steve). If they weren’t running behind him, he was getting downfield in a hurry and picking up a defender in space. He was a great puller. Wistert was also among the best defensive tackles in the game. He was a dominant defender who penetrated well, enabling him to have success making plays in the backfield against both the run and pass. He’d get his hands on a blocker and shuck him out of the way with ease. Sometimes he seemed disinterested in chasing a play across the field even though he had the speed to do so, but typically his pursuit and play diagnosis were top notch. His excellence against Bob Shaw in 1949 championship game caused the Rams to trade Shaw for Bob Reinhard.

392. Harvey Martin (1973-1983)
Defensive End
Dallas Cowboys

For the first two years of his career, Martin was a designated pass rusher who wasn’t very good against the run. He eventually improved his ability to stop the run and assumed a starting role, quickly becoming one of the league’s most fearsome defenders. The premier pass rusher of his era, from 1976-78 he had 14.5, 20, and 14.5 sacks. That’s 49 in 44 regular season games. He threw in six more sacks in seven postseasons games over that time. Many sack artists rely on speed around the corner to get their target, but Martin was different. He won his battles with unreal functional power that he used to toss blockers aside like beanbags. By using power rather than speed, he was able to avoid over-pursuing and running right by running backs on rushing plays. That wasn’t necessarily a skill he possessed as much it was a fortunate byproduct of how he was able to play with his particular physical gifts. Martin retired with four Pro Bowls and all pro nods, as well as a defensive player of the year award (1977). I gave him the Deacon Award (best DE) and Godzilla Award (DPOY) for that season. His résumé also boasts 114 sacks, including eight in his penultimate season, a nine-game strike season.

391. Art Monk (1980-1995)
Wide Receiver
Washington, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

Monk was a possession receiver extraordinaire. By that, I mean if you close your eyes and think about all the things you’d want the ideal possession guy to do, he did them at a high level. He ran crisp routes and seemed to always find himself open, usually against much more athletic defensive backs. While Monk would never be confused for a deep threat, he had a good enough release and route craftiness to get open downfield as well. Although he didn’t scare defenses with the threat of the big play, he could consistently find himself in position to make the plays that moved the chains and kept the train rolling. A tough receiver who caught tough passes in traffic and never alligator armed a ball, he held the record for career receptions (before ceding it to the man who still owns it). Monk set the record despite playing in a clock draining, ball control style offense. He could also block like a tight end, which was useful in the Joe Gibbs version of the Coryell offense. I named him the Bambi winner for his performance in 1985. ^[6]Monk currently ranks 18th in career True Receiving Yards with 15299. His top TRY seasons: 1631, 1527, 1358, 1232, 1228, 1075, 1024, 975, 944

390. Tim Grunhard (1990-2000)
Offensive Center
Kansas City Chiefs

Grunhard was one of those under the radar players who ended up with one Pro Bowl (an injury replacement) when he was worthy in several other seasons. Every fan can think of a guy like that, and he’s usually a lineman. Grunhard was a powerhouse who played with an edge. In an era when Pro Bowl centers weighed in around 275 pounds, Grunhard played around 310 (without sacrificing much in the way of mobility). When he got his mitts on a defenders, he’d toss the poor fellow around in a manner reminiscent to watching Bama take on some poor squad like Mercer or Charleston Southern. Along with Szott and Shields, Grunny was part of one of the greatest (and most unheralded) interior offensive lines in history.

389. John Lynch (1993-2007)
Safety
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos

Lynch was a heavy hitter who excelled at separating receivers from the ball. Receivers and tight ends always made sure of his whereabouts, lest they find themselves on the receiving end of a crushing headshot from a heat seeking missile in pewter and red. He played superbly in the box, but he also had the skill to play cover 2 in the famed Tampa-2 scheme. His knack for intimidation meshed well with the skills of the other legendary players on his defense, and their synthesis culminated in Tampa’s first Super Bowl victory on the back of a historically dominant defense in 2002. Over the course of his storied career, Lynch accumulated 44 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 26 interceptions. In short, he was a thumper who could also make splash plays. Lynch walked away from the game with four all pro nods and nine Pro Bowls (though some were reputation selections).

388. Darren Woodson (1992-2004)
Safety
Dallas Cowboys

Woodson was a versatile defensive back who probably would have excelled as a slot specialist in today’s era of nickel superiority. Brian Urlacher and Thomas Davis were college safeties who converted to linebacker, and it was noticeable in their coverage ability. Woodson was a college linebacker who converted to safety, and that fact was evident when he made a tackle. With a reported 4.38 40 time, and on-field speed to match the reports, he had great range against both the pass and the run. He could make tackles sideline to sideline in the manner of the storied greats about whom septuagenarians love to wax poetic, and he could stick with the fastest backs and receivers. I don’t mean to insinuate that he was Ed Reed (he wasn’t), but for a strong safety, his coverage was about as good as it gets. Woodson was a playmaker who boasted 43 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 23 picks, and 12 forced fumbles. He would probably be most proud of the three rings he won with the Cowboys dynasty, but he would be on the list without the jewelry.

387. Lavonte David (2012-present)
Linebacker
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Had I included 2020 in the rest of the list, David would rank higher. As it stands, he is easily the top Will backer of the past decade. The reason for that is his ability to do it all, and do it well. David can pressure the passer and stop backs in their tracks, consistently making plays around or behind the line of scrimmage. When it comes to stopping ball carriers for a loss, Junior Seau is his only competition. He can covers tight ends and backs with the best of them, and his skill in coverage has increased each year of his career. His 4.65 measured 40 time is decent, but his ability to diagnose plays and understand blocking angles allows him to play much faster. He has missed out on some deserved postseason recognition because he competes for Pro Bowl and all pro spots with fancy stat stuffing rushbackers. I named him the Dobre Shunka winner for best outside linebacker in 2013 and 2019, the former of which was one of the best OLB seasons I’ve ever witnessed. ^[7]I gave him the award for 2020, too. David had five picks, seven sacks, and 22 other pressures on the quarterback, as well as 10 pass defenses and 21 tackles for loss.

386. Tommy Nobis (1966-1976)
Linebacker
Atlanta Falcons

An eventual two-time all pro, Nobis began his career as one of the lone bright spots on an upstart Atlanta franchise. His abilities were great enough to have earned more award consideration, but he had the unfortunate luck of playing most of his best years as a contemporary of Butkus and Lanier. He started hot, winning DROY honors, and he remained a top notch defender until his second major injury. Mr. Falcon possessed stellar diagnostic skills that allowed him to get teammates in position, as well as to make plays behind a ho-hum defensive line. He was fast in pursuit and strong on contact, but he lost a step after the violence of the game took its toll. Still, Nobis with a lost step was better than most. He didn’t have great players to take pressure off him like Lanier or Lambert did, but he produced anyway. Highly celebrated in college and highly drafted into the NFL, Nobis delivered from day one.

385. Sam Huff (1956-1969)
Linebacker
New York Giants, Washington

Huff began his career as a middling defensive tackle before becoming one of the most celebrated middle linebackers in history. Way down at 385 seems like a pretty uncharitable ranking for a guy with his legacy, so it is incumbent upon me to explain why he is so far from consensus on this list. Huff was a terrific MLB, just like the others appearing in this section of the list. He had the fabled sideline to sideline ability everyone attributes to every halfway decent player at the position (most of whom don’t actually have it), and he tackled pretty well. In addition, he was plus in coverage and had a penchant for making big plays (see his 32 sacks, 30 interceptions, and 17 fumble recoveries). He was also a good kick blocker, though I couldn’t tell you how many he actually got his hands on. However, he played behind a phenomenal defensive front that helped him stay free to make those big plays. He also struggled to disengage from blocks more than you’d like and would often pile on to plays after they were already over, this appearing to be involved in more stops than he actually was. Further, Huff gets much legacy credit for being the first MLB, but he wasn’t (see Chuck Drazenovich). So, while he was a legitimately great linebacker, worthy of the Hall of Fame (I named him the Enforcer Award winner for 1959), he sometimes gets a tad more credit than he should for something he didn’t do and for playing for a great team in the world’s biggest media market.

384. George Musso (1933-1944)
Offensive Line
Chicago Bears

Musso was a big man with power to match. He could play both guard and tackle, but he was better on the interior, where his power in tight spaces put him at an advantage. At the point of attack, he could drive his man off the ball in a hurry. Musso also had good speed for his stature and was a frightening sight for defenders when he was barreling full-speed at them in the open field. On defense, the big man could easily hold firm against doubles and had little trouble shutting down the inside run. If that weren’t enough, he was also a heady defender who could sniff out a trap an erase a running lane with a quickness. In an era known for tough guys, Musso was known as a tough guy. That reputation, along with his unrelenting effort, earned him a role as Chicago’s captain for nine seasons.

383. Joe Kopcha (1929-1936)
Offensive Guard
Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions

Kopcha had a short professional career, which is likely the only reason he isn’t in the Hall of Fame. ^[8]His heading reads 1929-1936, but he missed 1930-31 to attend medical school. He used that A&P knowledge to craft an early version of chest protection that was eventually copied without … Continue reading Had he trotted out on the field for a few filler seasons, maybe coasted on his reputation for a bit, he’d probably be immortalized in pro football’s most prestigious club. During his brief time playing, he was as good as any guard of his era, save Danny Fortmann. He wasn’t very big, but he didn’t have to be. He was technically sound, and he never seemed to get tired. Determined never to let a man outwork him, Kopcha was a junkyard dog, gnashing his teeth and slobbering maniacally in the trenches. This is a man who was once found trying to hack off his cast with a meat cleaver so he could play in a game. In 1935, Dr. Joe asked George Halas for a trade to the Lions so he could be closer to his preferred hospital. Kopcha immediately helped Detroit win a title, and Papa Bear later said it was the worst trade he ever made.

382. Riley Matheson (1939-1950)
Offensive Guard
Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Calgary Stampeders

Matheson is the rare player to make an all pro first team in six different seasons (and a second team in two other seasons) and not find enough voter support to reach Canton. That is unfortunate, because his play was worthy of a bronze bust. A small but athletic guard, Matheson could pull well and get out in front of the play to spring long runs. In pass pro, he used his quickness and technical savvy to cut off his man and keep his quarterbacks upright. On defense, he was a stud linebacker who was great in coverage. Against the run, he had the speed to match any back, and he could make sure tackles in the open field. In 1946, Matheson was among the best players in all of football, and he was on the shortlist for the World Award for most outstanding player. That season, he was arguably the best guard and best linebacker in football.

381. Pat Swilling (1986-1998)
Rushbacker
New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders

Swilling was a feared rushbacker for the legendary Dome Patrol. As a pure pass rusher (on passing downs, he played end rather than backing the line), few have been better. He led the league in sacks over his first six seasons as a starter, posting an average of 13 per 16 games. This includes his defensive player of the year campaign in 1991, in which he topped the NFL with 17 sacks, forced six fumbles, and returned an interception for a score. Swilling holds the dubious distinction of having the most playoff losses without a win of any player in history. Part of the reason he holds this unwanted record is because the defense he helped make great was the pillar supporting the team, and his side of the ball couldn’t afford a bad day at the office. A trade to Detroit saw Swilling add to his numbers, and he ultimately retired with 107.5 sacks and 36 forced fumbles. Despite rating as one of the top rushbackers in history, he has not gotten any serious Hall of Fame consideration.

380. Sam Mills (1983-1997)
Linebacker
New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars

If pro football’s hall of fame took after that of basketball, Mills would be a surefire inductee. Prior to his borderline HOF type career in the NFL, he perhaps the best defender in the USFL—a league that included Reggie White. He was a three-time USFL all star who picked up nine interceptions and 15 sacks in his brief time with the Stars. Mills came into the NFL as a traditional run thumping type. He had a nose for the ball and could plug the hole as well as anyone. While he came off the field on passing downs, it merits mention that he improved as he aged and eventually became a solid cover backer. That is a testament to the kind of effort, both in practice and in the film room, that came to be synonymous with his name. Mills was a tenacious and fiery leader who threw his body around with abandon, and he soon became the heart and soul of the Dome Patrol. It isn’t quantifiable—at least not yet—but you got the sense that he lifted up those around him and made them better players. At 36, when most inside backers have long been retired, Mills moved to the expansion Panthers and became their most beloved player. In his second year with the team, he helped rally the squad to a division title and NFCCG loss to the eventual Super Bowl champs. ^[9]That year, I named him the Enforcer winner for best MLB/ILB. Mills retired with 20.5 sacks, 11 picks, 22 forced fumbles, and 23 recoveries. If you include the USFL, he had around 1800 tackles.

379. Jim Lachey (1985-1995)
Offensive Tackle
Washington, San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Raiders

Lachey didn’t have a very long career, and he was a little too late to the party in Washington to bask in much of the Hogs glory, but he was among the best ever to play offensive tackle at his peak. He began his career on the left side before moving to the right after a trade to Washington. An injury to Jacoby saw him move back to his better position on the blind side, and he never gave up the left again. A dominant run blocker and steady pass protector, Lachey was maybe the best tackle in the game from 1989-91. He was the NFL Alumni offensive lineman of the year in 1991 and earned the Guardian Award for best tackle in both 1990 and 91. By design, he blocked on an island and didn’t get help against anyone. However, injury inhibited his effectiveness after the team’s title run, and he never regained the dominance he displayed in his prime.

378. Dick Barwegen (1947-1955)
Offensive Guard
Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts (AAFC), Baltimore Colts (NFL), New York Yankees, Ottawa Rough Riders

Barwegen isn’t in the Hall of Fame, but he should be. He played in the NFL from 1947-54 and was an all pro every year from 1947-52. Then he added another Pro Bowl season before getting hurt and leaving for the greener pastures of the CFL. Barwegen shined in four different cities, regardless of the turmoil that surrounded him, and the fact that he was able to garner the accolades he did without the media presence the sport has today speaks to his level of play. He was a tough, hard-nosed players who was good on defense and great on offense. Playing on the defensive line or at linebacker, he could pressure the passer or stop runners in their tracks. He didn’t fight through blocks or seem to give full effort in coverage, but that can be said of many of the sixty minute players. Besides, his forte was offensive line. As a mobile player, he was a good puller and could also trap well. His mobility and balance were features of both his run and pass blocking, as he tended to win his battles with technique and positioning more than with raw power. His blocks didn’t always look impressive, as he didn’t finish with the nasty edge scouts love to see, but they got they got the job done well enough to earn Barwegen the Hog Award for best guard each season from 1950-52.

377. Gale Gillingham (1966-1976)
Offensive Guard
Green Bay Packers

For over a decade, Gillingham shined for his hometown Packers. Playing guard for Lombardi meant he had to be able to move and lead for the Packers sweep, and he did so with gusto. He was a technically proficient player who seemed to use his hands as efficiently as possible for the rules of the day, and his knack for homing in on defenders at the second level was among the best up to that point in NFL history. Gillingham paired his refined skills with rare power that only increased with his avid weightlifting regimen (before such training was commonplace). In 1972, Dan Devine spit in the face of the “don’t move blues” mantra and nonsensically moved the star guard to defense. Gillingham suffered an injury that took a year out of his prime. He returned to offense at a high level for two more years before retiring for a year after a contract dispute, coming back for a year, and then retiring for good. ^[10]I named Gillingham the Hog Award winner for the 1970 and 1974 seasons.

376. Bill Hewitt (1932-1943)
End (pre-modern)
Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Phil-Pitt Steagles

Footage is scarce for the era, but the venerable Chris Willis (NFL Films) and TJ Troup (a historian’s historian) have seen plenty. They are in agreement that Hewitt is the top defensive end of the pre-war era. He was explosive off the snap, often finding himself in the backfield by the time a back took the handoff. With that sort of quickness, it was easy to sometimes overshoot his target, but Hewitt was relentless in pursuit and quick to correct and, thus, rarely took himself out of a play. At a short and stocky 5’9″ 190, he was able to play with leverage without really trying to, giving him the freedom to play a bit loose with technique and just focus on being an agent of chaos. In addition to his defensive prowess, Hewitt was a very good end on offense and one of the premier punt blockers of his generation.

375. Tyron Smith (2011-present)
Offensive Tackle
Dallas Cowboys

Smith doesn’t look like a prototypical offensive lineman. He looks more like a genetically engineered superathlete from the future, sent by our progeny to show us the next step in human evolution. To say he is one of the top athletes to play the position is an understatement. But he is more than that. He is smart and understands angles and defensive assignments. So instead of just being a powerful drive blocker, Smith also has the agility and technical savvy to make tough reach blocks that most tackles aren’t even asked to make. He can shoot out of his stance to make downfield blocks on shifty linebackers on one play, and, on the next, react to pass rushers quickly enough to anchor against the bull rush or mirror the speed rush. And his opponents would surely agree that pass blocking doesn’t seem like the passive activity it’s made out to be when Smith is doing it. Simply put, he possesses good technique that many tackles could learn, but when combined with physical dominance that few are blessed with, he is the future of the position, today.

374. Isaac Bruce (1994-2009)
Wide Receiver
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers

Bruce was a hard working player who put in the effort to improve the nuances of his game as his physical ability took a hit. He ran beautiful routes than enabled him to get free on any type of route. Despite a relative lack of speed, he was good at beating defenses over the top, even after he was slowed by injuries. Bruce was incredibly productive early in his career, like when he missed the Pro Bowl in 1995 after posting the second highest receiving yardage total in history. The following season, he led the league in yards and earned a Bambi Award. Bruce got hurt the next year and missed 15 games over the next two seasons of what should have been his prime. Then he got his health back on track in time for the emergence of Kurt Warner, and he became a key figure in the Greatest Show on Turf. His defining moment came in Super Bowl XXXIV when he caught the game-winning 73 touchdown pass against a stout Tennessee defense. ^[11]Bruce currently ranks 11th in career TRY with 16541. His top TRY seasons: 1781, 1681, 1639, 1482, 1328, 1322, 1082, 1058, 1046, 952.

373. Henry Ellard (1983-1998)
Wide Receiver
Los Angeles Rams, Washington, New England Patriots

Ellard is an interesting figure because he was an elite possession receiver who happened to have the ability to take the top of the defense. This put pressure on opposing teams to cover the whole depth and breadth of the field. He could outjump most defensive backs, or he could just outrun them. His body control was remarkable, and his ability to contort his frame to turn incompletions into positive plays was in the top 1% of the top 1% among NFL receivers. When Ellard retired, he ranked third in yards and 1000+ yard seasons. T this day, no one with as many catches is anywhere close to his 16.93 career receiving average. As offenses continue to feature more horizontal concepts, I imagine that will remain true for a very long time. Ellard is also unique in his ability to move the chains. First downs are incredibly important, but almost no one actually pays any attention to them. They are rarely mentioned by pundits, and they have only been tracked since 1991. If the general public paid more attention to first downs, I think Ellard would be thought of a bit more highly. The man was, quite simply, a chain moving machine. No matter who was throwing the ball or what team he played for, he was picking up first downs at a higher rate than his peers. He was a good return man, too, and earned the Bambi in 1988. In a world without Jerry Rice, Ellard retires fifth in catches and second in yards, and he would have two more Pro Bowls. Comparisons against the best ever to do it have unfairly lowered the view on Ellard. ^[12]Ellard is currently 17th in career TRY with 15430. His top TRY seasons: 1729, 1609, 1429, 1275, 1076, 1067, 1064, 1029, 997, 951

372. Ed Budde (1963-1976)
Offensive Guard
Kansas City Chiefs

Standing 6’5″ meant Budde was tall for a guard, but he was good at staying low and maintaining good leverage to drive shorter defenders off the ball. He had to play against some hulking interior defenders in the AFL, and he had great success doing so. It helped that he was a powerful specimen himself. But he was more than just brawn. He could match up with faster players as well, as he showed when he handled the lightning fast Page in the Super Bowl upset over the Vikings. Budde was a fluid player with good mobility, which was useful in protecting Dawson in Stram’s innovative moving pocket. One interior lineman can only do so much, but Budde did help the Chiefs rank in the top three in points scores six times from 1963-69, as well as become the AFL’s first Super Bowl participant.

371. Cornelius Bennett (1987-2000)
Linebacker
Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts

Bennett was a do-it-all linebacker who was just as comfortable snuffing out the run as he was hanging with backs in coverage. He could also rush off the edge, which he did often early in his career (and effectively throughout his career) when he entered the league with comparisons to LT. With 71.5 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, and 27 recoveries, he qualifies as a playmaker. But he was also a consistent, every down defender who didn’t have many down snaps. In some respects, he was a glue guy—the one who held the defense together. He wasn’t the best player (it’s hard to top Bruce), but he was like the defensive version of the reliable possession receiver who always found a way to keep the chains moving. Before the title game between Buffalo and Washington, Bill Belichick opined that controlling Bennett was the key to having offensive success because of his ability to exploit weaknesses so effectively. ^[13]Buffalo lost that Super Bowl, the two before it, and the one after it. Then Bennett went to Atlanta, where he lost another title game. His five such losses are the most in history.

370. Maxie Baughan (1960-1974)
Linebacker
Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Washington

Another Swiss Army Knife type linebacker, Baughan didn’t seem to have any glaring weaknesses in his game. He covered backs and tight ends with aplomb, he could blitz (24.5 sacks), and he could thump runners. Not one to give up on a play, he made a habit of chasing down plays to the far side of the field. A learned player, Baughan appeared to have a good understanding of where the offense wanted to go with the ball, both in the pass and run game. His 18 career interceptions speak to his instinct in coverage. So refined were his diagnostic skills that he was his team’s signal caller as an outside linebacker. With nine Pro Bowls and seven all pro selections, it’s pretty clear there is a Maxie Baughan sized hole in the Hall of Fame.

369. Bob Waterfield (1945-1952)
Quarterback (pre-modern)
Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams

The iconic Waterfield would rank higher, but for the brevity of his career. He was a feared passer with a big arm, but his numbers took a hit due to his role in a platoon quarterback system with the superior Norm Van Brocklin. Although NVB ranks higher on this list, it merits mention that Waterfield managed to produce at a rate nearly as high in the same situation. Like his running mate, he excelled at avoiding sacks, despite playing in an offense designed to air it out deep. None other than Otto Graham referred to him as the best quarterback in history. On top of his passing exploits, he was a fantastic safety who earned the Tunnell Vision Award for his rookie performance. The following season saw him earn a Toe Award for his kicking exploits. If you want a little more butter on that biscuit, Waterfield was a fine punter as well. ^[14]Among quarterbacks with 1500 action plays through the 2020 season, Waterfield ranks 45th in Total Adjusted Yards over Average (VAL) with 3005 and 34th in TAYP+ (107.0).

368. Big Daddy Lipscomb (1953-1962)
Defensive Tackle
Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams

In the same line as Randy Moss and Bo Jackson, Lipscomb could have been the very best of all time if he wanted to. Hell, he didn’t seem to want to, and he was still phenomenal. At 6’6″ and nearly 300 pounds in the 1950s, Big Daddy dwarfed opponents and would routinely ragdoll other grown men. He had a reciprocal relationship with his Colts teammates, who made life easier on each other: Lipscomb could wreck the interior while Donovan held his ground and Marchetti sped off the edge. In this Monty Hall scenario, every door led to a roaring lion. Despite his size, he was incredibly fast and nimble, sometimes playing a linebacker role and doing it well. And he could play all over the place, like a giant version of Krumrie. Later in his career, he lost some of that ability but maintained his ability to get into the backfield. Evidence for that? Big Daddy led the league with 17.5 sacks in 1961. After 27 sacks in his final two seasons, he tragically passed away, ending his legend too soon. ^[15]I named Lipscomb the Mean Award winner for best defensive tackle in 1958, 59, and 61. I also named him the Godzilla winner for his 1961 performance.

367. Michael Bennett (2009-2019)
Defensive End
Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys

Bennett didn’t rack up big sack totals, and he only made three Pro Bowls, but he lived in opposing backfields. During his playing days, only Cameron Wake and Von Miller had more pressures on the quarterback. He would move all over the line, bringing his ridiculous shoulder pads with him, and wreak havoc on anyone in his way. Bennett had a quick first step and fancy footwork to pair with it, which enabled him to finesse his way past blockers. Unfortunately for the opposition, he also had heavy hands that delivered a thud to momentarily shock the blocker before shedding and flying upfield. Or he could just bull rush a center and stop a back for a loss, if that’s your cup of tea. Bennett was a smart, savvy player with sound technique and a healthy mean streak. Exactly the kind of guy you’d want on the field with you.

366. Bob Griese (1967-1980)
Quarterback
Miami Dolphins

Like Starr before him and Aikman after him, Griese was a low-volume, high-efficiency passer and has become perhaps a bit misunderstood because of that. The relative paucity of passing plays tends to spawn a narrative that a quarterback is carried by his team and can’t lead them to victory. But the truth is that Griese did have the ability to win games with his arm—he just didn’t really need to do so most of the time because his teams were generally pretty strong. However, if his teams got behind and had to rely on him to pull out a win when defenses knew the pass was coming, he usually made the plays anyway. In addition to his efficient passing, he was also a fine scrambler early on. ^[16]Among qualifying quarterbacks, Griese ranks 38th in VAL (3683) and 47th in TAYP+ (105.8).

365. Steve McNair (1995-2007)
Quarterback
Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens

McNair was a quarterback with the mentality of a linebacker. Few players on either side of the ball could match his toughness and drive. A look at his numbers will show a good passer who sometimes teetered on the precipice of greatness. However, when you consider the style of offense in which he played, as well as the fact that he spent his prime and formative years with a coach known for stunting his own passing game, it becomes clear that the numbers do, in fact, lie. Had he gotten the opportunity to play for someone like Andy Reid or Denny Green, who knows what level those stats would have reached. But throw those figures out the window. You could easily turn on any game from his prime and see what a remarkable talent he was. A willing scrambler and gutsy playmaker, his was the style of play that led to injuries. In fact, McNair was able to start all 16 games just four times. For his heroic effort gutting defenses, Dr. Z named him the player of the year in 2003. That same year, he earned the Slinger and Automatic Awards (best quarterback and MVP), in addition to a share of the AP’s MVP award. ^[17]Among qualifying quarterbacks, McNair ranks 42nd in VAL (3246) and 36th in TAYP+ (106.8).

364. Tony Romo (2003-2016)
Quarterback
Dallas Cowboys

A victim of circumstance, Romo never managed to live down a failure in a role he shouldn’t have even had after stepping into the QB1 role. The botched field goal followed him late into his career, well past the time when he had proven he was an elite talent capable of MVP-level play. Romo was never able to fill the shoes of Staubach and Aikman (nevermind the fact that he wasn’t exactly playing with the support those Dallas legends enjoyed). Despite often being the sole reason his teams were in the game, despite consistently rating near the top of the league in fourth quarter and overtime performance, despite delivering plenty of comeback victories, the story held that he just didn’t win enough. He wasn’t clutch. He wasn’t tough (a laughably false notion). ^[18]His performance against the Broncos in 2013 is a microcosm of his career: after duking it out with Peyton Manning to the tune of 502 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 48 points, he threw an interception deep … Continue reading Romo is often thought of as a gunslinging cowboy type, who scrambled all over to make a play. While he could do that, he was also a wizard in the pocket, navigating those tight spaces better than almost anyone the position has seen. ^[19]Among qualifying quarterbacks, Romo ranks 24th in VAL (5318) and 12th in TAYP+ (112.3).

363. Simeon Rice (1996-2009)
Defensive End
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New York Sentinels

Rice was a one trick pony, but he did that one trick really well. Few defenders have ever been as adept at bringing down opposing passers on such a high percentage of tries. As Chase has pointed out, Rice played in an environment that was unfriendly to pass rushers looking to rack up sack totals, and he faced pass attempts at a rate roughly 10% below average. In spite of this, he still managed to pick up 122 sacks, including eight seasons in double digits. His total of 119 sacks in his first decade of play led all players over that time. But the end came fast. Despite putting plenty of pressure on passers in the first half of 2006, he only got home twice. Then an injury ended his season. He came back to play eight more games and register one more sack before calling it a career. Beginning his career playing for an anonymous franchise before joining a team full of established stars (as in four HOF-worthy talents) led Rice to rarely receive the praise he deserved, but he’s one of the top pure pass rushers ever to do it. ^[20]His legacy also suffers on account if his poor run defense early in his career. He picked up a (well-earned) reputation as an ineffective run stopper. However, that reputation stuck with him even as … Continue reading

362. Dwight Freeney (2002-2017)
Defensive End
Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions

Freeney was the perfect type of player for a team led by Peyton Manning, which often played with the lead and faced teams passing to catch up. He wasn’t a great run defender, which could bite the Colts in the playoffs when they didn’t always play from ahead, but it’s important to remember that his pass rushing prowess helped the team get into the playoffs to begin with. In a way the entire design of the Manning era Colts hinged on the offense having success—the defense comprised small, fast players focused on stopping opponents playing from behind. It usually worked in the regular season, but, to borrow a line from Billy Beane, that stuff didn’t work in the playoffs. Freeney may not have garnered the same accolades playing for a team like the Browns, where he would have faced significantly more rush attempts, but he was perfect for where he ended up and did the job they asked him to do as well as could be expected. I can only rank players based on what they did, not what they may have done in an alternate universe. In this universe, Freeney had one of the sweetest spin moves you’ll ever see, and he made even the best left tackles look silly on his way to the quarterback. He retired with 125.5 sacks (plus 11 more in the playoffs) and 46 forced fumbles.

361. James Harrison (2002-2017)
Linebacker
Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Rhein Fire

Harrison got a late start to his NFL career. Despite being on the Steelers roster at the age of 24, he didn’t become a starter until he was 29. And he made an immediate impact, making the Pro Bowl in each of the next five years and winning the AP’s defensive player of the year award in 2008. ^[21]I also named him the Dobre Shunka and Godzilla (DPOY) winner for that year. Harrison was a hybrid type who would have excelled as a pure rushbacker, a strongside thumper, or a weakside coverage type. Instead, he did all three at a high level. The fact that he was able to accrue 84.5 sacks and 34 forced fumbles despite spending a considerable portion of his snaps in coverage speaks to the efficiency with which he rushed the quarterback. His DPOY campaign covered the regular season, but Harrison’s performance in the Super Bowl took it from great to transcendent. In perhaps the greatest play in Super Bowl history, a 14 point swing in which he instinctively broke off his assignment, he famously intercepted Kurt Warner and lumbered the length of the field to score a touchdown of his own.

360. Pat Williams (1997-2010)
Nose Tackle
Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings

As a pass truther, I prefer passing and stopping the pass above all else. If a guy can only do one thing I think that thing should involve the pass. However, I have to recognize greatness where it exists—and Williams was great. ^[22]From a schematic standpoint, I do believe nose tackles have a great impact on the pass than they are given credit for. While they might not always hassle the quarterback, their presence can allow the … Continue reading One of the top run stuffers in history in fact. He was an immovable object who complete destroyed opposing centers and guards. More than just standing there taking up space, Williams seemed to know where the ball was going and was able to use his power and leverage to translate that into stopping the run himself or diverting it to help. And he never seemed to get tired, which is scary for a man his size. Early on, he would sometimes share the field with Ted Washington, giving the Bills a mass of meat in the middle that dissuaded teams from even trying their luck at the inside run. ^[23]Ironically, by being so great at stopping the run, his presence may have made teams avoid less efficient run plays in favor or more productive passing plays. Later on, he formed part of the Williams Walls. Pat would stuff anything inside, and Kevin would penetrate at will. For a few glorious years, it was a majestic pairing.

359. Leroy Kelly (1964-1974)
Running Back
Cleveland Browns, Chicago Fire

Kelly was an astounding back whose legacy suffers from immediately succeeding the most celebrated player ever to play his position. When Brown retired, Kelly took the reins and nearly matched his output for a brief period. He led the league in yards per carry in his first two seasons as a starter. Kelly also led all players in yards and scores twice apiece, and rushing touchdowns thrice. From 1966-68, his per 16 game averages were 1726 yards and 19 touchdowns. Expanding that through 1972, after he had started picking up nagging injuries, the figures are 1452 yards and 14 scores. Prior to stepping into the starting role, he was Cleveland’s punt return specialist. There, his open field ability shined. On just 26 punt returns, Kelly scored three touchdowns and boasted a 16.8 yard average.  He was a five-time all pro and earned the 1968 Bert Bell player of the year award. I named him the Supersonic Award for best running back in 1967 and 1968, as well as the Sweetness Award for OPOY in the latter season.

358. Marshawn Lynch (2007-2019)
Running Back
Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders

Dubbed “Beast Mode” for good reason, Lynch was the best tackle breaker in the last quarter century of football—at least. He was big or especially fast, but he possessed the balance of a circus act (with excitement to match). His pad level allowed him to run through contact regularly, and his explosiveness meant trying to tackle him was tantamount to headbutting a charging ram. These physical gifts, along with his stubborn refusal to simply go down easy, saw him run through right through defenders or shake them off like he donned a jersey made of some sort of future tech friction free material. Consequently, Lynch owns some of the most memorable runs in history. His Beast Quake run is the stuff of legend, but his overall body of work in the postseason stands out in its own right. He ranks eighth in rushing yards and fourth in touchdowns among all playoff performers. In just 211 postseason carries, Lynch broke 75 tackles.

357. Jerry Smith (1965-1977)
Tight End
Washington

Smith was, in some ways, the Winslow or Sharpe of his day. He had excellent hands and was always a threat in the passing game, but traditionalists didn’t always consider him a real tight end. It’s true, he wasn’t much of a blocker and was built more like a big receiver than the third tackle types, but because he played his role differently didn’t mean he wasn’t a real tight end. He was just a different (and probably more valuable) type of tight end. A polished route runner with good speed and solid after the catch ability, he was a threat to score from anywhere on the field. In fact, Smith scored 60 touchdowns on just 421 catches, which is an absurd scoring rate that trails only Rob Gronkowski among all tight ends in history. With those 60 scores, he still ranks fifth in touchdowns at the position. Smith was a two-time all pro and earned a Gonzo Award for best tight end in 1969. ^[24]Smith’s top TRY seasons: 1107, 962, 959, 901, 868, 746, 694, 500.

356. Travis Kelce (2013-present)
Tight End
Kansas City Chiefs

As mentioned in the intro, Kelce’s rank here does not include his performance in 2020, when he was by far the top player in the league at his position. Through 2019, he had staked his claim as one of the top receiving tight ends in history. In fact, he may be the best pure receiver ever to assume the role. He is big and fast, and he runs routes like an elite wideout. Kelce is adept at getting open, but even if he is covered, he possesses the catch radius and soft hands to haul in the pass regardless. And once he gets the ball in his hands, forget about it. With over six yards after catch per reception, he has consistently been one of the most dangerous threats in the game with the ball in his hands. Kelce can line up anywhere from tight to out wide—or even in the backfield—and put pressure on defenses. He is a smart guy who seems to intuitively understand Reid’s option concepts and uses them to their fullest. ^[25]Through 2019, he had five Pro Bowls, four all pros, and a Gonzo Award. He added one of each after the 2020 season. His seasons of 1484, 1398, 1212, 1203, 1119, and 951 TRY put him in rare air for … Continue reading His pass pro is an underrated part of his game, though leaving him in to block means taking the team’s best receiving option out of a route.

355. Pete Calac (1916-1926)
Running Back (pre-modern)
Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, Oorang Indians, Buffalo Bisons, Union Quakers

Calac makes the list more for what he did prior to the inception of the NFL (APFA) in 1920, though he was still a productive player for the league. ^[26]Calac was the starting fullback on Wilkes’s pre-NFL team. On offense, he was a shifty fullback who could weave in and out of traffic and embarrass defenders with his open field running. ^[27]He once scored a touchdown by tricking two tacklers into believing he was out of bounds at the five. They let go and he trotted in for a score (ah, those halcyon days). When needed, he could serve as the blocking back or as an end—both to great effect. At 5’10” and 190 pounds, he Calac had a sturdy build for the era. Combined with his trademark toughness, that frame made him a gifted blocker, capable of leaving opponents with dirty duffs. While he was a speedy playmaking type, it was his blocking in close quarters that found him playing end when personnel required it. On defense, he used his speed and ruthless hitting to add a little blood into the fabled cloud of dust. The learned researchers at Pro Football Journal named Calac their runner up for player of the decade for the 1915-1925 period. ^[28]Calac may have succeeded late in his career despite suffering a career threatening wound while in action in France. Contemporary interviews with Calac suggest he made it home unscathed because he … Continue reading

354. Cub Buck (1916-1925)
Offensive Tackle (pre-modern)
Canton Bulldogs, Green Bay Packers

Buck was the top defensive player from the prehistoric days of pro football. He was much larger than most players from that era, playing around 255 pounds early on and up to about 280 by the end of his career. Long before Larry Allen was a household name, Buck was known as the NFL’s strongest man. With his massive build and natural power, he could easily stand up and toss aside would-be blockers. Running at him was a fool’s errand; he simply couldn’t be moved. But he wasn’t just some black hole who stood there and sucked up blockers. He was quick, and he had a gift for diagnosing plays at the line. In the days before the days of film study, Buck was often referred to as a signal stealer because his football IQ was so high. On offense, Buck was an above average tackle and performed the way you’d expect a guy with his size advantage to perform. He was better on special teams, cementing himself as one of the top punters and kickers of his day. ^[29]Buck once punted 19 times in one game, which really isn’t a good thing. But it is interesting. In the days when football games were battles of defense, field position, and field goals, Buck was elite in all three phases.

353. Ken Strong (1929-1947)
Running Back (pre-modern)
Staten Island Stapletons, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Jersey City Giants

The first member of what I call Pre-war Fullback Rushmore to appear on the list, the aptly named Strong was a hard-nosed power runner who would just as soon put his head into your sternum as look at you. But he wasn’t just a pure power back who ran over defenders and threw crushing blocks. Strong was a plus receiver out of the backfield, and he showed off his open field running ability on both kick and punt returns. He was fast and explosive, which also aided him on defense, where he was a hard hitting tackle machine of a halfback. To top it off, Strong was a great kicker who was named runner up on the PFHOF’s 50th anniversary team. In the famous “Sneakers Game” against the undefeated Bears, Strong scored 17 of New York’s 30 points en route to an upset victory. In that game, his modest nine carries went for a not-so-modest 94 yards. The resident historian of NFL Films, Chris Willis, named him the MVP for the 1933 season.

352. Ernie Nevers (1926-1931)
Running Back (pre-modern)
Duluth, Chicago Cardinals

Willis’s MVP of the 1929 season, Nevers would rank higher had he played longer. However, he was excellent in his brief time in the league. He was a great runner with a nose for the endzone, a solid passer, a good kicker, and a top notch defender. Nevers still holds the NFL record with 40 points scored in a single game, and it came against the Bears—not the Kardex or Triangles or Kelleys (or any number of short-lived failures of the era). Although he is primarily remembered for his six touchdown game (if he is remember at all), opponents often touted his defense. None other than Cal Hubbard opined that a Nevers tackle “rattled the bones.” Despite being surrounded by a relative lack of talent, he was able to transcend his situation and elevate those around him. I have never been much of a fan of on-off splits, given how many other factors go into a team’s won-loss record and points differential, but his splits a pretty compelling. The Cardinals were awful in the years surrounding his presence, while they reached a level of respectability with him on the roster.

351. Curtis Martin (1995-2006)
Running Back
New York Jets, New England Patriots

Some play for the love of the game. Martin played to stay alive. Using his natural athletic gifts to escape a dangerous environment, he continued throughout his career to run as though the violence of his past was only a step behind. The man didn’t even play football until his senior year of high school, but he was a natural. As a young player, he was fast and slashing. Some might call him exciting. As age caught up with him, he incorporated more nuanced moves into his arsenal. ^[30]This enabled him to lead the league in rushing at 31. Martin was a smooth runner  with a blend of balance and acceleration that enabled him to deftly avoid arm tackles like he was merely running through pool noodles. And the man never fumbled. Some call him a compiler, which is an interesting term for a guy who had at least 1456 yards in each of the first ten years of his career. He also scored 100 touchdowns, with five seasons in double digits. Martin ranks eighth in history with 57 games over 100 yards rushing, seventh in games over 80 yards (83), and third in games over 63 yards (117). ^[31]I chose 63 yards because 62.5 yards per game puts a runner on pace for 1000 yards in a 16 game season. Martin wasn’t always the flashiest or most physically dominating, but he produced consistently, and not always on good teams.

350. Herschel Walker (1983-1997)
Running Back
Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, New Jersey Generals

After a collegiate career that saw him stake his claim as probably the greatest college running back in history (at least up to that point), Walker spent three seasons as probably the best offensive player in the rival USFL—three seasons that hurt his legacy to this day. In order to discuss his pro career, you have to look at those three seasons with the Generals. The league wasn’t a great one, and it was top heavy with little depth, but it was still a professional league that was able to attract some top talent over the NFL. In the USFL, Walker gained 5562 rushing yards on 1143 carries and 1484 receiving yards on 130 receptions. He did that in 53 games. That’s 7046 yards and 61 touchdowns on offense. Simple math can translate that to 6361 yards and 55 touchdowns in the 16 game NFL schedule, but it would take mere guesswork to translate the disparity in competition—I think it’s fair to say his talent would stand out less against the deeper NFL defenses, and he’d end up in the area of 1750 yards and 15 touchdowns per season; that would put him on par with late career Payton and early career Allen. In his first NFL season, Walker ranked fifth among backs with 1574 yards and 14 scores. The next year, he led all players in scrimmage yards, despite some of those players appearing in one or more of the three games against replacement players. It’s a bit unfortunate that the year he led all players in yardage, he didn’t get to play the full 16 and have a shot at the 2000 mark people seem to love. With the 2019 yards he got the following year, that would have made him just the sixth player ever to reach the number twice. He is among the best dual threat backs in history (as well as a fine return man), and actually has a career statistical profile similar to that of the more celebrated Roger Craig. He ran with speed and power and was dangerous when he built up a full head of steam. His lateral mobility left something to be desired, but he was a terror when schemed to get the ball in space.