If someone asked you to name the best players in the NFL over the past 25 years, who would make your list? If you're a sarcastic a-hole like me, Aaron Brooks would be tops. But let's say you took the question seriously and dug deep down inside to find the cream of the crop of the NFL since 1982. Tough to narrow down, isn't it?
Well, the folks at USA Today stepped up to the plate to select their top 25 over the past 25 years. While the names may not surprise, some of the rankings are sure to cause a stir. Check it out:
#25 Eric Dickerson, (RB)
#24 Steve Young, (QB)
#23 Terry Bradshaw, (QB)
#22 Rod Woodson, (CB, Safety)
#21 LaDainian Tomlinson. (RB)
#20 Troy Aikman, (QB)
#19 Marshall Faulk, (RB)
#18 Ray Lewis, (LB)
#17 Mike Singletary, (T)
#16 Deion Sanders, (CB)
#15 Bruce Smith, (DE)
#14 Brett Favre, (QB)
#13 Anthony Munoz, (OL)
#12 Peyton Manning, (QB)
#11 Dan Marino, (QB)
#10 Barry Sanders, (RB)
#9 Tom Brady, (QB)
#8 Ronnie Lott, (CB)
#7 Emmitt Smith, (RB)
#6 John Elway, (QB)
#5 Reggie White, (DE)
#4 Lawrence Taylor, (LB)
#3 Walter Payton, (HB)
#2 Jerry Rice, (WR)
#1 ?????
We know, we know...it's the biggest cliffhanger since The Sopranos series finale. But the #1 has yet to be determined. Who do you think it should be? Furthermore, is this list truly an accurate representation of the league's greats over the past 25 years? What about names like Drew Bledsoe? Yeah, he never got the ring, but you must admit he was a relentless opponent. What about Michael Irvin or Jim Kelly or even Randall Cunningham. Should they have a spot in the top 25? And what about any player to ever wear a Saints jersey? (Alright, alright...so maybe we took it too far.)
What we do know for certain is that this list could most certainly have as many fans as it does foes. It'll be interesting to see who gets the top slot. Joe Montana...Joe Theisman...perhaps even 9 time pro-bowler Warren Moon. Who can be certain? What we can tell you is that 25 years from now, names like Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, and Deuce McAllister will be all up in this piece. All that's left to debate is who gets top billing.
A Lott of Rice in this Brady Bunch
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2 comments:
Well, it just about has to be Montana, don't you think? I can't imagine any scenario where Joe Montana isn't on the list at all. And since he's not one of #25-#2, then that only leaves one option.
I'm not sure how one goes about trying to compare the greatness of a cornerback to the greatness of an offensive lineman to the greatness of a quarterback. But whatever.
Meantime, how can Walter Payton be four spots ahead of Emmitt Smith? Smith ranks higher than Payton in rushes, rushing yards, rushing TDs (Smith is #1 all-time in all 3 categories) and total yards from scrimmage and total TDs. Smith has 3 rings to Payton's 1. I could accept one being exactly one spot ahead of or behind the other, but how in the world do you put Smith FOUR spots behind Payton?
I find it especially funny that they have Brett Favre at 14, Peyton Manning at 12, and between 'em? An offensive lineman. "Yeah, I'm gonna have to give the slight 'greatness' edge to Munoz over Favre based on... um... something. But as great as Munoz was, his greatness isn't quite that of Peyton Manning. Again, based on... something."
I'm shocked that Onome Ojo didn't make the list.
I think Manning over Favre actually made me laugh out loud. Unbelievable! Also, it does seem weird that the list judges one skill set versus another. #1's gotta be Montana or the list is trash!
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