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NFL 100

NFL 100: Greatest players in NFL history

USA TODAY
In conjunction with the NFL ’ s 100th season celebration, 19 current and former reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network were asked to compile a list ranking the 100 greatest players in pro football history. Here ' s their list:
In conjunction with the NFL’s 100th season celebration, 19 current and former reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network were asked to compile a list ranking the 100 greatest players in pro football history. Here's their list:
USA TODAY Sports
100. Troy Aikman -- QB, Dallas Cowboys (1989-2000).
100. Troy Aikman -- QB, Dallas Cowboys (1989-2000).
DOUG MILLS, Associated Press
99. Franco Harris -- RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1972-1983), Seattle Seahawks (1984).
99. Franco Harris -- RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1972-1983), Seattle Seahawks (1984).
HARRY CABLUCK, Associated Press
98. Willie Brown -- CB, Denver Broncos (1963-66), Oakland Raiders (1967-78).
98. Willie Brown -- CB, Denver Broncos (1963-66), Oakland Raiders (1967-78).
Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
97. Mike Haynes -- CB, New England Patriots (1976-1982), Los Angeles Raiders (1983-89).
97. Mike Haynes -- CB, New England Patriots (1976-1982), Los Angeles Raiders (1983-89).
AP
96. Darrell Green - CB, Washington Redskins (1983-2002).
96. Darrell Green - CB, Washington Redskins (1983-2002).
BRIAN K. DIGGS, Associated Press
95. Adam Vinatieri -- K, New England Patriots (1996-2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-2019).
95. Adam Vinatieri -- K, New England Patriots (1996-2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-2019).
DAVE MARTIN, AP
94. Herb Adderley -- CB, Green Bay Packers (1961-69), Dallas Cowboys (1970-72).
94. Herb Adderley -- CB, Green Bay Packers (1961-69), Dallas Cowboys (1970-72).
AP
93. Marion Motley -- RB, Cleveland Browns (1946-1953), Pittsburgh Steelers (1955).
93. Marion Motley -- RB, Cleveland Browns (1946-1953), Pittsburgh Steelers (1955).
AP
92. Fran Tarkenton -- QB, Minnesota Vikings (1961-66, 1972-78), New York Giants (1967-1971).
92. Fran Tarkenton -- QB, Minnesota Vikings (1961-66, 1972-78), New York Giants (1967-1971).
Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports
91. Lee Roy Selmon -- DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976-1984).
91. Lee Roy Selmon -- DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976-1984).
Manny Rubio, USA TODAY Sports
90. Tony Dorsett -- RB, Dallas Cowboys (1977-1987), Denver Broncos (1988).
90. Tony Dorsett -- RB, Dallas Cowboys (1977-1987), Denver Broncos (1988).
AP
89. Rob Gronkowski -- TE, New England Patriots (2010-18).
89. Rob Gronkowski -- TE, New England Patriots (2010-18).
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
88. Aaron Donald -- DT, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2014-present).
88. Aaron Donald -- DT, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2014-present).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
87. Troy Polamalu -- S, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003-2014).
87. Troy Polamalu -- S, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003-2014).
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sport
86. Derrick Thomas -- LB, Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1999).
86. Derrick Thomas -- LB, Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1999).
ROBERT HANASHIRO, USA TODAY
85. Marvin Harrison -- WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996-2008).
85. Marvin Harrison -- WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996-2008).
MICHAEL CONROY, AP
84. Jonathan Ogden -- OT, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2007).
84. Jonathan Ogden -- OT, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2007).
CHRIS GARDNER, AP
83. Michael Irvin -- WR, Dallas Cowboys (1988-1999).
83. Michael Irvin -- WR, Dallas Cowboys (1988-1999).
BILL KOSTROUN, AP
82. Willie Lanier -- LB, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-1977).
82. Willie Lanier -- LB, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-1977).
Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
81. Walter Jones -- OT, Seattle Seahawks (1997-2008).
81. Walter Jones -- OT, Seattle Seahawks (1997-2008).
ROBERT HANASHIRO, USA TODAY
80. Adrian Peterson -- RB, Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), New Orleans Saints (2017), Arizona Cardinals (2017), Washington Redskins (2018-19).
80. Adrian Peterson -- RB, Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), New Orleans Saints (2017), Arizona Cardinals (2017), Washington Redskins (2018-19).
Bruce Kluckhohn, US PRESSWIRE
79. Kellen Winslow, Sr. -- TE, San Diego Chargers (1979-1987).
79. Kellen Winslow, Sr. -- TE, San Diego Chargers (1979-1987).
Memphis Commercial Appeal
78. Michael Strahan -- DE, New York Giants (1993-2007).
78. Michael Strahan -- DE, New York Giants (1993-2007).
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
77. Jim Otto -- C, Oakland Raiders (1960-1974).
77. Jim Otto -- C, Oakland Raiders (1960-1974).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
76. Sid Luckman -- QB, Chicago Bears (1939-1950).
76. Sid Luckman -- QB, Chicago Bears (1939-1950).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
75. Terry Bradshaw -- QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983).
75. Terry Bradshaw -- QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
74. Larry Allen -- OG, Dallas Cowboys (1994-2005), San Francisco 49ers (2006-07).
74. Larry Allen -- OG, Dallas Cowboys (1994-2005), San Francisco 49ers (2006-07).
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
73. Bruce Matthews -- OG/C/OT, Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1983-2001).
73. Bruce Matthews -- OG/C/OT, Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1983-2001).
MICHAEL MADRID, USA TODAY
72. Randy White -- DT, Dallas Cowboys (1975-1988).
72. Randy White -- DT, Dallas Cowboys (1975-1988).
George Rose, Getty Images
71. Ted Hendricks -- LB, Baltimore Colts (1969-1973), Green Bay Packers (1974), Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1975-1983).
71. Ted Hendricks -- LB, Baltimore Colts (1969-1973), Green Bay Packers (1974), Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1975-1983).
Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
70. Art Shell -- OT, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1968-1982).
70. Art Shell -- OT, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1968-1982).
Focus On Sport, Getty Images
69. Orlando Pace -- OT, St. Louis Rams (1997-2008), Chicago Bears (2009).
69. Orlando Pace -- OT, St. Louis Rams (1997-2008), Chicago Bears (2009).
ANNE RYAN, USA TODAY
68. Joe Namath -- QB, New York Jets (1965-1976), Los Angeles Rams (1977).
68. Joe Namath -- QB, New York Jets (1965-1976), Los Angeles Rams (1977).
Associated Press
67. Jack Ham -- LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1971-1982).
67. Jack Ham -- LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1971-1982).
AP
66. Mike Webster -- C, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1988), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1990).
66. Mike Webster -- C, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1988), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1990).
GENE J PUSKAR, AP
65. Larry Fitzgerald -- WR, Arizona Cardinals (2004-2019).
65. Larry Fitzgerald -- WR, Arizona Cardinals (2004-2019).
MICHAEL CHOW, THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
64. J.J. Watt -- DE, Houston Texans (2011-19).
64. J.J. Watt -- DE, Houston Texans (2011-19).
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
63. Bart Starr -- QB, Green Bay Packers (1956-1971).
63. Bart Starr -- QB, Green Bay Packers (1956-1971).
James Flores, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
62. Lance Alworth -- WR, San Diego Chargers (1962-1970), Dallas Cowboys (1971-72).
62. Lance Alworth -- WR, San Diego Chargers (1962-1970), Dallas Cowboys (1971-72).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Charles Woodson played for the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2012.
Charles Woodson played for the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2012.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
60. Junior Seau -- LB, San Diego Chargers (1990-2002), Miami Dolphins (2003-05), New England Patriots (2006-09).
60. Junior Seau -- LB, San Diego Chargers (1990-2002), Miami Dolphins (2003-05), New England Patriots (2006-09).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
59. Earl Campbell -- RB, Houston Oilers (1978-1984), New Orleans Saints (1984-85).
59. Earl Campbell -- RB, Houston Oilers (1978-1984), New Orleans Saints (1984-85).
Darryl Norenberg, USA TODAY Sports
58. Raymond Berry -- WR, Baltimore Colts (1955-1967).
58. Raymond Berry -- WR, Baltimore Colts (1955-1967).
AP
57. Marshall Faulk -- RB, Indianapolis Colts (1994-98), St. Louis Rams (1999-2005).
57. Marshall Faulk -- RB, Indianapolis Colts (1994-98), St. Louis Rams (1999-2005).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
56. Steve Young -- QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985-86), San Francisco 49ers (1987-1999).
56. Steve Young -- QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985-86), San Francisco 49ers (1987-1999).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
55. Gene Upshaw -- OG, Oakland Raiders (1967-1981).
55. Gene Upshaw -- OG, Oakland Raiders (1967-1981).
Manny Rubio, USA TODAY Sports
54. LaDainian Tomlinson -- RB, San Diego Chargers (2001-09), New York Jets (2010-11).
54. LaDainian Tomlinson -- RB, San Diego Chargers (2001-09), New York Jets (2010-11).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
53. Merlin Olsen -- DT, Los Angeles Rams (1962-1976).
53. Merlin Olsen -- DT, Los Angeles Rams (1962-1976).
AP
52. Terrell Owens -- WR, San Francisco 49ers (1996-2003), Philadelphia Eagles (2004-05), Dallas Cowboys (2006-08), Buffalo Bills (2009), Cincinnati Bengals (2010).
52. Terrell Owens -- WR, San Francisco 49ers (1996-2003), Philadelphia Eagles (2004-05), Dallas Cowboys (2006-08), Buffalo Bills (2009), Cincinnati Bengals (2010).
Huy Nguyen, The Dallas Morning News
51. John Mackey -- TE, Baltimore Colts (1963-1971), San Diego Chargers (1972).
51. John Mackey -- TE, Baltimore Colts (1963-1971), San Diego Chargers (1972).
Anonymous, AP
50. Bronko Nagurski -- FB, Chicago Bears (1930-1943).
50. Bronko Nagurski -- FB, Chicago Bears (1930-1943).
AP
49. Jim Parker -- OL, Baltimore Colts (1957-1967).
49. Jim Parker -- OL, Baltimore Colts (1957-1967).
AP
48. Roger Staubach -- QB, Dallas Cowboys (1969-1979).
48. Roger Staubach -- QB, Dallas Cowboys (1969-1979).
AP
47. Red Grange -- RB, Chicago Bears (1925, 1929-1934), New York Yankees (1927).
47. Red Grange -- RB, Chicago Bears (1925, 1929-1934), New York Yankees (1927).
AP
46. Mike Singletary -- LB, Chicago Bears (1981-1992).
46. Mike Singletary -- LB, Chicago Bears (1981-1992).
Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports
45. Jim Thorpe -- RB, Canton Bulldogs (1920, 1926), Cleveland Indians (1921), Oorang Indians (1922-23), Rock Island Independents (1924), New York Giants (1925), Chicago Cardinals (1928).
45. Jim Thorpe -- RB, Canton Bulldogs (1920, 1926), Cleveland Indians (1921), Oorang Indians (1922-23), Rock Island Independents (1924), New York Giants (1925), Chicago Cardinals (1928).
Pro Football Hall Of Fame
44. Chuck Bednarik -- C/LB, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-1962).
44. Chuck Bednarik -- C/LB, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-1962).
Associated Press
43. Forrest Gregg -- T, Green Bay Packers (1956-1971).
43. Forrest Gregg -- T, Green Bay Packers (1956-1971).
Vernon Biever, AP
42. Ray Nitschke -- LB, Green Bay Packers (1958-1972).
42. Ray Nitschke -- LB, Green Bay Packers (1958-1972).
Associated Press
41. Aaron Rogers -- QB, Green Bay Packers (2005-2019).
41. Aaron Rogers -- QB, Green Bay Packers (2005-2019).
John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
40. O.J. Simpson -- RB, Buffalo Bills (1969-1977), San Francisco 49ers (1978-79).
40. O.J. Simpson -- RB, Buffalo Bills (1969-1977), San Francisco 49ers (1978-79).
Associated Press
39. Mel Blount -- CB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983).
39. Mel Blount -- CB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983).
Greenawalt, AP
38. Eric Dickerson -- RB, Los Angeles Rams (1983-87), Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991), Los Angeles Raiders (1992), Atlanta Falcons (1993).
38. Eric Dickerson -- RB, Los Angeles Rams (1983-87), Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991), Los Angeles Raiders (1992), Atlanta Falcons (1993).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
37. Rod Woodson -- DB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-1996), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Baltimore Ravens (1998-2001), Oakland Raiders (2002-03).
37. Rod Woodson -- DB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-1996), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Baltimore Ravens (1998-2001), Oakland Raiders (2002-03).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
36. Tony Gonzalez -- TE, Kansas City Chiefs (1997-2008), Atlanta Falcons (2009-2013).
36. Tony Gonzalez -- TE, Kansas City Chiefs (1997-2008), Atlanta Falcons (2009-2013).
Daniel Shirey, USA TODAY Sports
35. Gino Marchetti -- DE/DT, Dallas Texans (1952), Baltimore Colts (1953-1966).
35. Gino Marchetti -- DE/DT, Dallas Texans (1952), Baltimore Colts (1953-1966).
AP
34. Drew Brees -- QB, San Diego Chargers (2001-05), New Orleans Saints (2006-2019).
34. Drew Brees -- QB, San Diego Chargers (2001-05), New Orleans Saints (2006-2019).
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports
33. Dick " Night Train " Lane -- DB, Los Angeles Rams (1952-53), Chicago Cardinals (1954-59), Detroit Lions (1960-65).
33. Dick "Night Train" Lane -- DB, Los Angeles Rams (1952-53), Chicago Cardinals (1954-59), Detroit Lions (1960-65).
Harold P. Matosian, AP
32. Ed Reed -- S, Baltimore Ravens (2002-2012), Houston Texans (2013), New York Jets (2013).
32. Ed Reed -- S, Baltimore Ravens (2002-2012), Houston Texans (2013), New York Jets (2013).
Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY Sports
31. Bob Lilly -- DT/DE, Dallas Cowboys (1961-1974).
31. Bob Lilly -- DT/DE, Dallas Cowboys (1961-1974).
Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
30. John Hannah -- OG, New England Patriots (1973-1985).
30. John Hannah -- OG, New England Patriots (1973-1985).
AP
29. Jack Lambert -- LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1984).
29. Jack Lambert -- LB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1984).
AP
28. Bruce Smith -- DE, Buffalo Bills (1985-1999), Washington Redskins (2000-03).
28. Bruce Smith -- DE, Buffalo Bills (1985-1999), Washington Redskins (2000-03).
Kevin Higley, AP
27. Alan Page -- DT, Minnesota Vikings (1967-1978), Chicago Bears (1978-1981).
27. Alan Page -- DT, Minnesota Vikings (1967-1978), Chicago Bears (1978-1981).
Anonymous, AP
26. Brett Favre -- QB, Atlanta Falcons (1991), Green Bay Packers (1992-2007), New York Jets (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2009-2010).
26. Brett Favre -- QB, Atlanta Falcons (1991), Green Bay Packers (1992-2007), New York Jets (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2009-2010).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
25. Don Hutson -- WR, Green Bay Packers (1935-1945).
25. Don Hutson -- WR, Green Bay Packers (1935-1945).
AP
24. Randy Moss -- WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-2010), Tennessee Titans (2010), San Francisco 49ers (2012).
24. Randy Moss -- WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-2010), Tennessee Titans (2010), San Francisco 49ers (2012).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
23. Ray Lewis -- LB, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012).
23. Ray Lewis -- LB, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012).
H Darr. Beiser, USA TODAY
22. Sammy Baugh -- QB, Washington Redskins (1937-1952).
22. Sammy Baugh -- QB, Washington Redskins (1937-1952).
AP
21. Gale Sayers -- RB, Chicago Bears (1965-1971).
21. Gale Sayers -- RB, Chicago Bears (1965-1971).
Malcolm Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
20. Dan Marino -- QB, Miami Dolphins (1983-1999).
20. Dan Marino -- QB, Miami Dolphins (1983-1999).
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
19. Emmitt Smith -- RB, Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002), Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004).
19. Emmitt Smith -- RB, Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002), Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004).
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
18. John Elway -- QB, Denver Broncos (1983-1998).
18. John Elway -- QB, Denver Broncos (1983-1998).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
17. Otto Graham -- QB, Celeveland Browns (1946-1955).
17. Otto Graham -- QB, Celeveland Browns (1946-1955).
AP
16. Deion Sanders -- DB, Atlanta Falcons (1989-1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Dallas Cowboys (1995-1999), Washington Redskins (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2004-2005).
16. Deion Sanders -- DB, Atlanta Falcons (1989-1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Dallas Cowboys (1995-1999), Washington Redskins (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2004-2005).
Robert Hanshiro, USA TODAY
15. Deacon Jones -- DE, Los Angeles Rams (1961-1971), San Diego Chargers (1972-1973), Washington Redskins (1974).
15. Deacon Jones -- DE, Los Angeles Rams (1961-1971), San Diego Chargers (1972-1973), Washington Redskins (1974).
NFL, AP
14. Anthony Munoz -- LT, Cincinnati Bengals (1980-1992).
14. Anthony Munoz -- LT, Cincinnati Bengals (1980-1992).
Peter Brouillet, USA TODAY Sports
13. Ronnie Lott -- DB, San Francisco 49ers (1981-1990), Los Angeles Raiders (1991-1992), New York Jets (1993-1994).
13. Ronnie Lott -- DB, San Francisco 49ers (1981-1990), Los Angeles Raiders (1991-1992), New York Jets (1993-1994).
Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
12. Dick Butkus -- LB, Chicago Bears (1965-1973).
12. Dick Butkus -- LB, Chicago Bears (1965-1973).
Associated Press
11. Joe Greene -- DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-1981).
11. Joe Greene -- DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-1981).
Ferd Kaufman, AP
10. Barry Sanders -- RB, Detroit Lions (1989-1998).
10. Barry Sanders -- RB, Detroit Lions (1989-1998).
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
9. Johnny Unitas -- QB, Baltimore Colts (1956-1972), San Diego Chargers (1973).
9. Johnny Unitas -- QB, Baltimore Colts (1956-1972), San Diego Chargers (1973).
Handout
8. Peyton Manning -- QB, Inidanapolis Colts (1998-2010), Denver Broncos (2012-2015).
8. Peyton Manning -- QB, Inidanapolis Colts (1998-2010), Denver Broncos (2012-2015).
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
7. Reggie White -- DE, Philadelphia Eagles (1985-1992), Green Bay Packers (1993-1998), Carolina Panthers (2000).
7. Reggie White -- DE, Philadelphia Eagles (1985-1992), Green Bay Packers (1993-1998), Carolina Panthers (2000).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
6. Joe Montana -- QB, San Francisco 49ers (1979-1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1994).
6. Joe Montana -- QB, San Francisco 49ers (1979-1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1994).
Paul Sakuma, AP
5. Walter Payton -- RB, Chicago Bears (1975-1987).
5. Walter Payton -- RB, Chicago Bears (1975-1987).
Fred Jewell, AP
4. Jim Brown -- RB, Cleveland Browns (1957-1965).
4. Jim Brown -- RB, Cleveland Browns (1957-1965).
AP
3. Lawrence Taylor -- LB, New York Giants (1981-1993).
3. Lawrence Taylor -- LB, New York Giants (1981-1993).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
2. Tom Brady -- QB, New England Patriots (2000-2019).
2. Tom Brady -- QB, New England Patriots (2000-2019).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
1. Jerry Rice -- WR, San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-2004), Seattle Seahawks (2004).
1. Jerry Rice -- WR, San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-2004), Seattle Seahawks (2004).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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