Top Five Players in NFL History

Football is the most followed sport in America, which puts it among the top ten most-watched sports in the world. Since the inception of the NFL in 1920, we’ve seen many players grace the field of play. While some have flopped or shortened their careers due to injuries, many have had successful careers. At the same time, a select few have had exceptional careers, giving the fans a lot more than their money’s worth by putting out a fantastic performance. 

This article will reveal top NFL players whose performances were pivotal enough to influence point spread betting odds and cement their names in the history books. Sure, a five-man list isn’t much and may cause room for controversies about who gets to be listed. We’ve tried to pick players from different positions to make the lineup fair enough, with that in mind.

Top five players in NFL history

• Tom Brady

Often seen by many veteran analysts as the best quarterback in modern-day football, Tom is a record 7-time Super Bowl Champion. We’ve seen players still grinding in the sport even at an old age, but not often do we see a player helping his team win the Super Bowl at the age of 43. Undoubtedly he should be on any list no matter how you choose to arrange it.

In 2021, he sealed his place as an uncontested GOAT in his sport when he earned his 7th ring, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former 2000 6th-round draft pick’s unprecedented career is a testament to his greatness in the sport. 

• Devin Hester

If we see a punt returner on the list, it might as well be Devin Hester. He was the Bears’ return specialist, and unlike most, he dominated the position right from his rookie season. In the Super Bowl era, he owns the record for career punt return touchdowns which is a fantastic feat considering he was initially drafted as a cornerback.

• Jim Brown

Legendary fullback Jim Brown played for the Cleveland Browns throughout his career from 1957 to 1969. Not every day you get to see a team retire a jersey but we all know Brown isn’t your every day player. His number 32 was retired after an extraordinary career with the club.

He was a Pro Bowl invitee for every season in his career and a 3x AP NFL MVP. Players like this come once in a lifetime. He also led the league in rushing yards for a staggering eight out of nine active seasons. Stats pulled at his level are never easy to come by. 

• Shane Lechler

Whenever there’s a list of great NFL players, it’s difficult to see Shane Lechler’s name missing. Lechler played as a punter for 18 seasons. Throughout that time, he’s been able to set himself above other players, becoming the man with the highest career punting average (47.5) in NFL history.

He has an impressive 7x Pro Bowler and 6x All-Pro punter. His outstanding career punting average comes as no surprise as he only averaged under 45 yards once in his 18-season career. Another amazing stat about him is that he’s included in the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Team. You have to dominate in order to be on more than one generational lineup.

• Jerry Rice

Now let’s talk about the greatest player in the wide receivers’ room. Jerry Rice wasn’t the player with the best physical qualities. Still, he was just good enough to outplay all the opponents in his generation. The 2x Offensive Olayer of the Year also appears to be a 13x Pro Bowler and 10x first-team All-Pro.

Apart from individual records, he’s won the Super Bowl championship three times with the 49ers. Rice was a fitness freak; throughout his 20 seasons, he only missed 17 games, of which 14 were in 1997. With such dedication, the 49ers showed enough appreciation to retire his number 80 jersey in 2010, when he also entered the Hall of Fame.

The post Top Five Players in NFL History appeared first on Russell Street Report.