The National Football League, better known as NFL, has seen countless players grace the field. But not all have had the same impact. Being an elite NFL player requires more than just physical prowess. The skills needed to be a successful NFL player extend beyond strength and speed, embracing strategic understanding, resilience, commitment, and team spirit. Unpacking this, we plunge into the world of American football, examining the threads that weave together the careers of the most impactful individuals in the sport’s history.
There are many NFL players that are brilliant in their own right. But there are a few that stand out from the rest and who shine with all their glory based on their outstanding careers. So who are these players and what constitutes them to get onto our top list? We will take a look at the top 10 best NFL players of all time.
10 – Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots
When talking about NFL tight ends, the name Rob Gronkowski, fondly known as “Gronk,” resonates with fans worldwide. Gronkowski, a versatile athlete, was one of the most dynamic players in the New England Patriots’ powerhouse offense. His towering height and impressive physical prowess, coupled with a unique understanding of the game, made him a nightmare for opponents. Gronkowski’s unmatched ability to both block and receive allowed the Patriots to keep defenses guessing, leading to a string of successful NFL plays.
Gronkowski’s career highlights include multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, underlining his significant contribution to the sport. His partnership with Tom Brady resulted in numerous incredible touchdowns, making them one of the most potent duos in NFL history. While injuries may have cut his career short, there is no doubting Gronkowski’s place among the most successful NFL players.
09 – Von Miller – Denver Broncos
Von Miller, a force to be reckoned with, is known for his electrifying performances as an outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos. His explosive speed, agility, and technique have often left opponents reeling. Miller’s sack totals have consistently ranked among the NFL’s highest, and his game-changing plays during crucial moments have earned him a place in football history.
A highlight of Miller’s career was undoubtedly his MVP-winning performance in Super Bowl 50, where he single-handedly turned the tide of the game in Denver’s favor. Off the field, Miller’s work with his charity, Von’s Vision, shows his commitment to the community, reinforcing his status as one of the most successful NFL players.
08 – Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
Brees is one of the most outstanding quarterbacks history has ever known. Despite his unassuming stature for a quarterback, Brees’ precision, decision-making, and leadership made him one of the greatest players in his position. His accolades include a Super Bowl victory and the Super Bowl MVP Award, cementing his place among the most successful NFL players.
Brees held numerous NFL passing records, demonstrating his extraordinary skills as a quarterback. His ability to read defenses, combined with his pinpoint accuracy, allowed him to pick apart opposing teams with surgical precision. Brees’ legacy extends beyond the gridiron; his philanthropic work post-Hurricane Katrina made him a beloved figure in New Orleans, underscoring his success on and off the field.
07 – Aaron Donald – Rams
Coming in at a hot seven is Donald, defensive tackle for the Rams. The sheer mention of the name Aaron Donald sends chills down the spines of opposing quarterbacks. This defensive tackle for the Rams has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with. His blend of power, speed, and agility coupled with an impressive repertoire of moves makes him one of the most successful NFL players to date.
Donald has consistently led the league in sacks, highlighting his ability to disrupt offenses single-handedly. He has received numerous accolades, including multiple NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, which cements his status among the greats of the game. Donald’s relentless pursuit of the quarterback and unyielding pressure on offensive lines underscore his place in the pantheon of NFL greats.
06 – Todd Gurley – Rams
Another Rams football player has made it into the top 10 NFL players as he was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year despite missing three games. He has proven himself in strength and speed and remains one of the best NFL players to date. Todd Gurley, once the heart and soul of the Rams’ offense, was a running back whose athletic prowess and skill made him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Known for his breakaway speed and elusiveness, Gurley was always a big play threat. His dynamic running style combined with his exceptional catching ability made him a valuable asset on any football field.
Gurley’s crowning achievement was likely his 2017 season, where he led the NFL in touchdowns and was named Offensive Player of the Year. Despite a career marred by injuries, Gurley’s stint with the Rams left an indelible mark on the franchise and earned him a place among the most successful NFL players.
05 – Le’Veon Bell – Jets
At the middle mark, but by no means an average player, Bell was a college football player and now professional NFL star ranked as 5th best in the world for his position as running back. Le’Veon Bell, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets running back, is widely recognized for his patient running style and receiving ability. Bell’s versatility made him one of the most potent offensive weapons in the NFL, as he was equally capable of making big plays as a runner or receiver.
Bell’s 2014 and 2017 seasons, during which he amassed over 1,800 yards from scrimmage and numerous touchdowns, were clear indicators of his effectiveness on the field. His unique blend of patience, vision, and agility has made him one of the most successful NFL players in recent years.
04 – Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons
The wide receiver is widely praised by all for his form on the field and one of the reasons the NFL drafted the mighty player. Julio Jones, one of the most dominant wide receivers of the modern era, is well deserving of his place in the annals of most successful NFL players. Known for his outstanding athleticism, extraordinary catch radius, and speed, Jones was a nightmare for any defensive back trying to guard him. His ability to make acrobatic catches in traffic and knack for making game-changing plays has solidified his reputation as one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.
At the Atlanta Falcons, Jones set numerous franchise records and consistently ranked among the league leaders in receiving yards. His exceptional performance in Super Bowl LI, despite the Falcons’ heartbreaking loss, remains one of the highlights of his illustrious career.
03 – Carson Wentz – Eagles
Ranked as third best in the world is Wentz, quarterback for the Eagles and hero to all. The pro footballer has an abundance of titles and awards he has obtained since his debut to American Football in college. Despite battling injuries, Wentz’s strong arm, accuracy, and leadership on the field have placed him among the elite quarterbacks in the league.
Wentz’s most notable season was likely 2017, where he was in MVP contention before suffering a season-ending injury. His strong performances helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Carson Wentz’s resilience and determination resonate with fans, further solidifying his status as one of the most successful NFL players.
02 – Antonio Brown – Steelers
Brown has paved the way to success for Steelers. He is accurate on the field, driven and by far one of the strongest NFL players in history. His time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was nothing short of spectacular, consistently leading the league in receptions and receiving yards. Brown’s work ethic, explosiveness, and precise route running were key factors that helped him make the leap from a sixth-round pick to one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers.
Despite a career filled with controversy, there’s no denying Brown’s impact on the field. His ability to change the complexion of a game with a single play speaks volumes about his talent and earns him a spot among the most successful NFL players.
01 – Tom Brady
No discussion of the most successful NFL players would be complete without mentioning Tom Brady. The quintessential underdog turned all-time great, Brady’s journey from a sixth-round draft pick to the most decorated quarterback in NFL history is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and an unrelenting drive to win.
At the helm of the New England Patriots for 20 seasons, Brady redefined the quarterback position with his ability to read defenses, precision passing, and clutch performances in high-pressure situations. His uncanny ability to orchestrate game-winning drives in the final minutes of play earned him the moniker “the comeback kid”. Brady has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy seven times, the most in NFL history, solidifying his status as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
In 2020, Brady made a high-profile move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led the franchise to their second Super Bowl title in his first season. This remarkable feat reiterated Brady’s exceptional ability to adapt and succeed, regardless of the circumstances.
Tom Brady’s illustrious career, filled with unparalleled success and records that may stand for generations, showcases his enduring legacy. His name is synonymous with excellence in the realm of professional football, and his extraordinary achievements place him squarely at the top of the list of the most successful NFL players of all time.
How much does the average NFL player earn per year?
Stepping off the field, we ponder a different aspect of the NFL – the earning potential. The average NFL player’s salary is a testament to the game’s popularity and commercial success. Although it varies greatly depending on the player’s position, skills, and experience, the median income hovers around $860,000 annually. However, the most successful NFL players often earn much more, with top-tier salaries reaching tens of millions. These figures, while staggering, highlight the high-stakes environment NFL players operate within, adding another layer to our understanding of what it means to be part of this exhilarating sport.
The Greatest Gladiator of the Gridiron: Who is the Best NFL Player in History?
Defining the ‘best’ in any sport is a contentious task, but in the NFL, it’s near impossible. The dynamics of American football mean every position has a different role, making comparisons tricky. However, some names consistently pop up in conversations around the most successful NFL players. Their legendary status isn’t based on statistics alone but also on their leadership, versatility, and impact on the game.
Take Jerry Rice, for instance. Known as the “G.O.A.T” (Greatest of All Time), Rice holds numerous NFL records. His incredible hands, unmatched work ethic, and ability to run precise routes made him a fearsome opponent. But it wasn’t just his stats that made him the best. Rice was known for his consistency and longevity, playing at a high level well into his late thirties, an achievement many players can only dream of.
Another contender is Jim Brown. Despite retiring over half a century ago, his name still resonates in the NFL world. His athletic dominance, combined with his activism off the field, makes him an influential figure.
Don’t forget Tom Brady, either. He’s a testament to the idea that winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. With a record number of Super Bowl wins, he has carved his name deep into the annals of NFL history.
These are but a few of the potential contenders for the title of the best NFL player in history. No matter how we try to quantify it, the truth remains subjective and is often influenced by personal preferences, loyalties, and the era one grows up in. Nonetheless, the debate around the greatest NFL player of all time continues to fuel fascinating discussions among football aficionados worldwide.