Over the past quarter-century, the NFL has shifted from a running back to a quarterback-driven league. That’s not only evident in how the game it’s played, it’s also clear when it comes to individual awards and player salaries. Each of the past 11 NFL MVP awards were given to quarterbacks, who command more money than any other position.
Tom Brady, in many ways, is the poster child for the ascension of the quarterback position. Brady, after all, has won a record seven Super Bowls and five Super Bowl MVP awards. He is also the proud owner of three league MVP awards.
Brady isn’t the only quarterback who has contributed to this change, however. Patrick Mahomes, who has taken the baton from Brady, is quickly building a reputation as one of the greatest players of all time. In Mahomes would already be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame if he never played another down in the NFL.
Mahomes has already made his mark as an all-time great. But where does he fit on a list of the 25 greatest players of all time? Before we find out, here was the criteria that went into making the list.
- Individual success/accolades won
- Dominance during his era
- Longevity and career milestones achieved
- Enduring impact/legacy
- Team success/championships won
- Ranking relative to his position
Without further ado, here’s the list of the greatest 25 players in NFL history:
Honorable mention: Emlen Tunnell, DB (1948-1961): A pioneer in several respects, Tunnell became the first Black player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. A longtime Giant who helped New York win the 1956 NFL title, Tunnell retired after the 1962 season as the NFL’s career leader with 79 interceptions and 1,282 interception return yards. His 158 consecutive games played was also an NFL record.
25. Don Hutson, WR (1935-1945): A player decades ahead of his time, Hutson was the NFL’s first prolific wideout. Called an “end” in those days, Hutson led the NFL in receiving seven times, receptions eight times and touchdown catches on nine occasions. A multiple league MVP, Hutson led the Packers to three championships and is the first player in NFL history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. His 99 career touchdowns is still the 11th-highest total in NFL history despite playing his final game in 1945.
24. Tony Gonzalez, TE (1997-2013): Gonzalez enjoyed a remarkable run of consistent excellence during his…
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