10 Most Talented Footballers in NFL – How did they do?

It’s easy to sit back on your couch every Sunday and marvel at the athletic prowess displayed by talented footballers in the NFL. However, what you see on screen is just the tip of the iceberg. To even make it onto an NFL team, an athlete has to overcome a labyrinth of challenges, including fierce competition and intense physical and mental stress.

In the world of professional football, the talent pool is a sea of potential giants, both literally and metaphorically. From college draft picks to seasoned pros, the NFL is a battleground where only the most successful NFL players of all time survive. One could argue that making it to the NFL is an incredible feat in itself, considering the number of hopefuls who never get past college football. The screening is ruthless, requiring not just athletic ability but also a firm grasp of strategy, teamwork, and game dynamics. Add to this the pressure to continually improve, season after season, and you start to get a sense of how difficult it can be.

To put it in perspective, an NFL player often starts as a young kid with a dream. That dream has to endure years of rigorous training, injuries, setbacks, and scrutiny. The reward? A chance to be among the best NFL players, an opportunity that comes with its own set of demands. From constant media attention to the sheer physicality required to stay at the top, the challenges are endless.

It’s definitely interesting to compare the best players according to WSN of the 2019 season – some are sure to jump up the rankings this year, while others look set to slide downwards. So, let’s look at the best from last year and see how their stats matched up to their expectations.

10 – Von Miller, Denver Broncos linebacker

Miller topped the NFL charts for linebacker sacks at 14.5 in 2018, and played all 16 regular season games. After playing 15 games and achieving just 8 sacks in 2019, Von Miller looks set to drop outside the top 10, and could even drop out of the top 15 for the first time in four seasons.

09 – Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver

Having steady and reliable hands has kept Julio Jones in the top 10 through four seasons running. 113 receptions for 1,677 yards in 2018 wasn’t quite matched in 2019, during which he managed 99 receptions for 1,394 yards. This means he too could drop out of the top 10.

08 – Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback

After rising up the rankings in 2018 to achieve his second consecutive campaign inside the top 10, Aaron Rodgers could slide back downwards a little. His quarterback rating dropped slightly from 97.6 in 2018 to 95.4 in 2019, although he could remain within the top 15 and is still considered one of the best QB’s around.

07 – Antonio Brown, Oakland Raiders wide receiver

15 touchdown receptions with the Pittsburgh Steelers earned this ranking for Antonio Brown, who then joined Oakland Raiders as the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Due to his turbulent life off-the-field, he was cut from the team and released, so won’t even be in the top 100.

06 – Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback

It’s fair to say the Patriots wouldn’t have achieved half their success without Tom Brady. Although no longer the best out there, the 42-year-old still produced solid numbers but could drop just outside the top 10. That said, he’s still the GOAT.

05 – Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams running back

The 2017-18 season was exceptional for Todd Gurley; 256 carries for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was nowhere near that during the 2018-19 campaign, with 223 carries for just 857 yards and 12 touchdowns, meaning he could now dip outside the top 10.

04 – Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback

When you clock in at 4 in the top 100 rankings during your first full season in the NFL, the potential for greatness couldn’t be more obvious. Patrick Mahomes scored a quarterback rating of 113.8 in 2018, and that rose to 115.7 in 2019, as he helped the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl. This guy is definitely a contender for the number 1 spot in the 2020 NFL Top 100.

03 – Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears linebacker

After helping the Chicago Bears reach the playoffs in 2018-19 for the first time in 8 dry seasons, Khalil Mack couldn’t match the same numbers. 12.5 sacks and 47 tackles with 10 for loss in 2018; 8.5 sacks and 47 tackles with 7 for loss in 2019. Still a top 10 contender.

02 – Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback

After registering a quarterback rating of 115.7 in 2018, Drew Brees produced the kind of statistics that backed up his position in the top 100 rankings. However, injuries took their toll and, with only 11 games during the regular season, he couldn’t reach the same numbers. That said, a 116.3 quarterback rating will keep him high on the list.

01 – Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle

Many expect Aaron Donald to feature in the NFL Hall of Fame in the future. His 20.5 sacks and 59 tackles were awesome in 2018, earning him top spot and recognition as the best player in the NFL. It was a season he couldn’t repeat in 2019 however, with 12.5 sacks and 48 tackles. Although, the PFF still rated him as the best defensive player for the second time running, and fourth time in six years. Guaranteed to be within the NFL top 5 players for sure.

The Legacy and Foundations of the NFL: More Than Just a Game

When you think about American football, the National Football League (NFL) is most likely what comes to mind. Yet, how many people know about the history behind this revered institution? The NFL was founded on August 20, 1920, and was originally known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before being renamed to the NFL two years later. It wasn’t an immediate hit and had to compete with rival leagues, college football, and even other sports like baseball.

The evolution of the NFL is a fascinating journey, characterized by moments of triumph, controversy, and relentless ambition. Integration was a significant hurdle. African American players like Kenny Washington broke racial barriers, setting a precedent for the racially diverse talent pool we see today. The NFL-AFL merger in 1966 was another significant milestone, which resulted in the Super Bowl, a championship game that has become a cultural phenomenon.

The influence of the NFL extends far beyond the field. It has made a profound impact on American culture, affecting everything from social issues to the economy. Ticket sales, merchandise, and advertising have turned it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. The NFL also has an international audience, widening its scope and influence.