Griffin changed his coach's mind, perhaps by rushing for a school-record 239 yards in the second game of the season. Rushing yards: 5,259 | TDs: 52 | Rushing yards per game: 159.4 He continues the trend of definitive GOATs at their position, and only slides down to 3rd because of the insane longevity of the two players ahead of him. Red Grange (RB, Illinois, 1923-25) Roberto Baggio 11. Simpson scored 33 touchdowns, none more exciting or dramatic than the 64-yarder in the fourth quarter against No. Davis was a three-time consensus All-American and won the 1946 Heisman Trophy. He later joined Roger Staubach and the Cowboys to nab his third Super Bowl towards the end of his career. Vick's name is forever linked with the brutal dogfighting operation that earned him a 23-month prison sentence and derailed his NFL career. Similarly to other players at this point of the list with their own teams, the Bears wouldnt be where they are without Butkus. 38. 46. Vick guided the Hokies to their first undefeated regular season in school history and first national championship appearance, in the Sugar Bowl against Florida State. Purdue used Keyes not only as a game-breaking back, but he also caught 80 passes in his college career at 15.1 yards per catch. New QB, new coordinators, same Nick Saban: How Bama is handling its latest challenge, AAC preview, Part 2: Burning questions and players to watch, Late-round NFL draft finds for every Power 5 team, from Tom Brady to Richard Sherman. But the highest winning percentage of any quarterback in history and yards per pass attempt is nothing to sneeze at. If youre looking for the man who brought pass catchers into vogue, you found him. 1. You can owe the Packers existence and prestige to him. Tommie Frazier (QB, Nebraska, 1992-95) His "Bo Over the Top" touchdown leap broke a nine-game losing streak in the Iron Bowl, Bear Bryant's last. Sacks: 32 | Tackles: 293 | Fumble recoveries: 4 Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1993); Super Bowl champ; 7-time first-team All-Pro (1976-1980, 1984, 1985); second-team All-Pro (1986); NFL MVP (1977); NFL. Ranking is refreshed every day. In those one-platoon days, Berwanger did everything well, except turn pro. Hall of Fame. Rushing yards: 3,556 | Touchdowns: 54 | All-purpose yards in 1988: 3,250 Passing yards: 2,181 | Rushing yards: 823 | Passing TDs: 15 He turned down the U.S. Navy brass who wanted him to play service football because he wanted to be a good officer. No matter how you feel about him, Tom Brady has built a resume that is too good to ignore when ranking the best NFL players of all-time. His game-ending Hail Mary pass to upset Miami on Thanksgiving Friday will be replayed for as long as fans watch highlights. Regularly double- and triple-teamed due to his athleticism, Lilly was a consistent threat, and was famous for rarely ever missing games (196 consecutive). He set FCS career records with 14,496 passing yards and 16,823 total yards. As a junior in 1981, Marino completed 59% of his passes for 2,615 yards with a best-in-the-nation 34 touchdown passes. He made such a name for himself that by his senior season, his third consecutive as an All-American, Easley finished ninth in the Heisman voting, attracting five first-place votes. We have all top 25 action listed below, including links to live scores and stats, plus how to watch every game. Perhaps best known as a commentator on Monday Night Football and for his acting roles in the TV sitcom "Webster" and film "Blazing Saddles," Karras was a menacing tackle at Iowa and for the Detroit Lions. Versatile. Merlin Olsen (DL, Utah State, 1959-61) He received an appointment to West Point in 1944, part of the greatest backfield class in the history of the game. Faulk finished with 1,429 rushing yards that season, and came in ninth in the Heisman vote. In 2000, Peppers led the ACC and set a UNC single-season record with 24 tackles for loss. He became the first black quarterback chosen in the first round of the NFL draft when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made him the 17th pick in 1978, and he became the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led the Washington Redskins to a 42-10 decision over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. There can't really be any arguments, can there? Rushing yards: 4,045 | Rushing TDs: 41 | 100-yard games: 22 Hart was the last lineman to win the Heisman Trophy in 1949, but his greatest legacy might be that the Fighting Irish never lost a game during his four-year career. While not as statistically brilliant as his successors, Unitas place here is not simply nostalgic. Despite the heavy controversy surrounding his career, Terrell Owens was the greatest wide receiver of his day outside of Randy Moss. Williams was exactly that during the 1998 season, winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. None loomed larger than Walker. As a three-year starter, Beban went 24-5-2. He led the Ducks to a 36-5 record over three seasons. Passing yards:3,384 | TD passes: 39 | Punting average: 40.9 | Interceptions by: 10 2. 79. Electric. The valiant effort in a losing cause resonated in a state that venerated its Civil War heritage. With that, here are the best 100 player in NFL history: Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010); 3-time Super Bowl champ; Super Bowl MVP; NFL MVP; 13 Pro Bowls; Leads the NFL in all-purpose touchdowns (208); Leads the NFL in receiving yards (22,895); Only player in NFL history with more than 20,000 receiving yards; Leads the NFL in total receptions (1,549); Leads the NFL in all-purpose yards (23,546); Leads the NFL in TD receptions (197); leads the NFL in consecutive games with at least one reception (274); holds 36 total NFL records, Achievements: 6-time Super Bowl champ; 4-time Super Bowl MVP; 3-time NFL MVP; 3-time First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2017); 2-time Second-team All-Pro (2005, 2016); 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010); NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009); Holds NFL record for most Super Bowl wins as a player (6); Holds multiple Super Bowl records including most TD passes (18), most passing yards (2,838), most completed passes (256), most passing attempts (392) and most consecutive competitions in a single SB (16); Holds NFL record for most games won by a QB (207); only QB to have 3 consecutive games w/ 300+ passing yards, 3+ TD passes and 0 interceptions; Tied for most Pro Bowl selections (14); Holds NFL record for most postseason games played (40); Holds NFL record for most postseason TD passes (73); Oldest QB to win a Super Bowl (41 years, 6 months), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1999); 2-time Super Bowl champ; 10-time Pro Bowl; 9-time first-team All-Pro (1981-1989); second-team All-Pro (1990); NFL MVP (1986); 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986); NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971); 1964 NFL Champ; 4-time NFL MVP (1957,1958, 1963, 1965); 8-time first-team All-Pro (1957-1961, 1963-1965); All-Pro 2nd-team (1962); 9 Pro Bowls appearances; NFL Rookie of the Year (1957); 1st player to reach 100 rushing touchdowns ; 1st NFL player to rush for over 10,000 yards; 10th most touchdowns in NFL history (126); 5th most rushing TDs in NFL history (106); Leads the NFL in average rushing yards per game in career (104.3), Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1993); Super Bowl champ; 7-time first-team All-Pro (1976-1980, 1984, 1985); second-team All-Pro (1986); NFL MVP (1977); NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1977); second leading rusher in NFL history (16,726); 4th most rushing TDs in NFL history (110), Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000); 4-time Super Bowl champ; 3-time Super Bowl MVP; 2-time NFL MVP (1989, 1990); 8 Pro Bowl invites; 3-time first-team All-Pro (1987, 1989, 1990); 2-time second-team All-Pro (1981, 1984); holds a Super Bowl record passer rating of 127.8; holds Super Bowl records for most throws without an interception (122), Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2006; Super Bowl champion (1996); AP Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 98); 1st-team All-Pro (1986, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 95, 98); 13-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Achievements: 2-time Super Bowl champ; Super Bowl MVP; 14-time Pro Bowl; 7-time first-team All-Pro (2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013); 3-time second-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2006); 5-time NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013); 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004, 2013); leads the NFL in career TD passes (539); holds the NFL record for most passing yards in a single season (5,477 in 2013); 2nd most passing yards in NFL history (71,940); 3rd most passes completed in NFL history (6,125), Teams: Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1979); Super Bowl champ; 3-time NFL Champ; 3rd longest TD streak in NFL history (47 games). 8. Johan Cruyff 5. Woodrow Lowe (LB, Alabama, 1972-75) Jonathan Ogden (OT, UCLA, 1992-95) Brooks spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the franchise to its only world championship with a 48-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII in January 2003. had to wait two years to show what he could do at TCU. Steve McNair (QB, Alcorn State, 1991-94) Total offense: 3,481 yards | Passing yards: 2,628 | Interceptions: 16 Ed Marinaro (RB, Cornell, 1969-71) He grew up near SMU, and as a Mustang he so captivated the city of Dallas that the Cotton Bowl, expanded twice during Walker's career, became known as The House That Doak Built. Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (2019); 6x First-Team All-Pro; 4x Second-Team All-Pro; 14x Pro Bowl. Pace was a unanimous All-American in 1995 and 1996, became the first player in history to win the Lombardi Award as a sophomore, and was the first repeat Lombardi winner. One, namely Randy Moss, just narrowly missed this list, but two FCS players did make it. More importantly, the win sealed Cassady's victory in the Heisman vote. He won the 1968 Heisman Trophy. "Touchdown Tommie" was the perfect fit for Nebraska coach Tom Osborne's offense, and he helped deliver Osborne's first national championships in back-to-back seasons in 1994 and '95. Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1999); 1x OPoY; 5x First-Team All-Pro; 3x NFC OPoY; 6x Pro Bowl; ORoY. "There's never been a better one," former Volunteers coach Johnny Majors said. 15. This is our first signee. In just two seasons at Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald made his mark as one of the greatest pass-catchers in FBS history. As a junior, Dorsett rushed for 1,544 yards, 302 against Notre Dame alone. "I block, and I block, and I block," Jackson told Sports Illustrated after the game, "and we win and win and win. "Don had the most fluid motion you had ever seen when he was running," said Bear Bryant, who was the other end on the Tide team. Teams: Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants. 17. Mike Rozier (RB, Nebraska, 1981-83) Receptions: 161 | Receiving yards: 2,677 | TDs: 34 Roger Staubach, Herschel Walker and Jim Brown are among the greatest 11 players in college football history. Rushing yards: 4,715 | Yards per carry: 5.1 | Rushing TDs: 50 RANKED: The 25 Greatest Soccer Players Ever 25. Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1991); 1x MVP; 1x PFWA MVP; 3x OPoY; 3x First-Team All-Pro; 5x Pro Bowl; ORoY; Bert Bell Award. Barry Sanders 4. 14. "If Messi were to win it here, my view would change.". After Manning arrived on the scene in Oxford by leading a 10-8 upset of Alabama in 1968, ABC Sports moved the Rebels' game at Alabama in 1969 to early-season prime time. How in the world did a true rushing defensive tackle manage to enjoy a 14-year long career? As the highest-ranking Buffalo Bill, Bills Mafia would riot if he slid any lower than that too. 7. Lawrence Taylor (LB, North Carolina, 1977-80) Sacks: 21 | Tackles for loss: 33 | Tackles: 192 Andres Iniesta 16. Tackles: 288 | Interceptions: 21 | Interception return yards: 389 It is a tribute to Jackson that he received this honor as a tight end in the Sooner wishbone. Dick Butkus (LB, Illinois, 1962-64) Eight on all-time rushing list coming into 2019 season. He averaged 16.6 yards per catch and set an FBS record with at least one TD in 18 consecutive games. Achievements: NFL Most Valuable Player (2012); NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2012); 4-time First-team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2012, 2015); 3-time Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2013); seven pro bowls; NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2007). Roger Staubach (QB, Navy, 1962-64) Robinson gave him the ball 403 times -- more than 36 carries per game -- and Allen gained nearly 6 yards per rush. He also ran for 444 yards and eight scores. Rushing yards: 4,303 | Rushing TDs: 43 | Yards per carry: 6.6 "That had a tremendous impact on me," Page once said. It seems almost criminal, therefore, to list him this low, but quarterbacks are generally more historically remembered, and the greatest running back in NFL history is more iconic and is statistically comparable (even better in some cases) on a per-game basis. His reputation was built on the eye test, and his tackles were famous for being hard enough to generate regular turnovers. Sacks: 49 | Tackles: 441 Or maybe College Football 200. 43. As a Navy pilot, stationed on an aircraft carrier off the Venezuelan coast, his plane developed mechanical problems on a training flight. In the east Texas of the early 1960s, not even a Joe Greene could break through the color line erected by the Southwest Conference. Hart was a three-time All-American and won the Maxwell Award in his final season. Former Florida running back Emmitt Smith recalls rushing for 224 yards and two touchdowns vs. Alabama in his first career start for the Gators. Manning gained 540 yards of total offense, an SEC record that stood for more than three decades, in a 33-32 loss. Rushing yards: 4,443 | Yards per rush: 5.8 | Rushing TDs: 40 re are Nos. Billy Ray Smith Jr. made his own legacy at Arkansas, however, lettering four years at defensive end and serving as team captain in 1982. Charles Woodson (DB, Michigan, 1995-97) The 1934 All-American perfected catching the ball in traffic and made the end around a devastating threat. What the hell is an end, or an NFL All-Star? It may be the only example in Dickerson's college football career of poor timing. Then-Pitt coach Jackie Sherrill met Fralic at a golf course in 1977 and asked, "What college do you play for?" 57. Few players in history left indelible marks during -- and after -- their college careers the way Bush did. He is the only athlete to ever compete in both a Super Bowl and World Series, and it is this distinction that is a testament to his greatness. Boardroom is a media network that covers the business of sports, entertainment. Passing yards: 7,905 | Touchdowns: 74 | Pass efficiency rating: 129.7 When Reed signed with The U in Feb. 1997, the Canes had just suffered their first losing season in 17 years. News Journal; Mike Jones, USA TODAY; Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY; Joe Rexrode, formerly Nashville Tennessean; Steven Ruiz, For The Win; Kent Somers, Arizona Republic; Rachel Shuster, former USA TODAY; Art Stapleton, Bergen (N.J. Record); Andy Vasquez, Bergen (N.J.) Record; Larry Weisman, former USA TODAY. Reggie White 12. 110. He is best remembered for making 22 tackles in Nebraska's 35-31 win over Oklahoma in the Game of the Century in 1971. Passing yards: 9,430 | Passing efficiency: 162.8 | Touchdown passes: 82 41. The offensive line needs more respect. Sacks: 19 | Tackles for loss: 39 And won the Heisman Trophy. When he left after his senior season of 2001, Miami had regained the national championship. He completed an unheard-of 57 percent of passes as a sophomore. Gale Sayers (RB, Kansas, 1962-64) A Native American icon, and the AP greatest athlete from the first half of the 1900s, Thorpe is deified as one of the greatest and most versatile athletes in modern history. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner effectively completed football by leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup. 111. Here's another way of knowing the impact Biletnikoff made: Florida State retired his No. The 6-2, 210-pound halfback filled Brown's jersey -- and his shoes. His school total-offense record (which doesn't include 1,794 return yards or his 42.6 punting average) stood for 45 seasons. Archie Griffin recalls the second chance after his first fumble, Navy's classy gesture meant a lot to Dorsett, Barry Switzer recruits Billy Sims at halftime, Conducting Tennessee band a special memory for Manning, Rodgers perfectly remembers big punt return TD vs. Oklahoma, 1982 Sugar Bowl a great memory for Marino, Emmitt Smith on his first collegiate start, Frazier's spectacular Fiesta Bowl play a vivid memory for Rowe, Coach Gailey remembers Calvin Johnson's freshman year, The story behind Desmond Howard's Heisman pose, College football's top 11 players of all time (2:25), The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history, College football Future Power Rankings: Defenses, Ranking college football's 10 best running backs for 2023, Deion 'ashamed' after only 1 HBCU player drafted, Spartans QB Thorne, WR Coleman enter portal, Philly Dawgs: Eagles add Ringo to UGA draft haul, Biden salutes Air Force for fall success over rivals, New Big Ten boss Petitti ready to lead 'new era', Huskers QB Thompson again in transfer portal, UVA players killed last fall honored at NFL draft. Those who saw him play make Mr. Outside's long list of records read like the dry text that it is. Ron Dayne (RB, Wisconsin, 1996-99) On the second Saturday night of the season, Brown returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State. Hornung remains the only player to win the Heisman for a losing team. Adrian Peterson (RB, Oklahoma, 2004-06) The marquee name of the Chicago Bears defense in the 1980s (known as the Monsters of the Midway), Singletary was one of the most feared and yet most respected defenders in the NFL. That adage spurred Griffin throughout his senior year; he won the Heisman again. Not Jerry. As a senior in 1938, working Dutch Meyer's passing offense, O'Brien led the nation with 1,457 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air and won the Heisman Trophy. Best Running QBs. Mike Singletary (LB, Baylor, 1977-80) He also played heavy minutes as a punter and DB, probably due to the relative size of the league back then. Hes ridden both efficiency and talent to all-time statistical highs, and an MVP-level performance in 2020 and 2021 is nothing to sneeze at. His career total of 662 is a Baylor record. As a senior in 1983, Young led the Cougars to an 11-1 record and victory in the Holiday Bowl. He also established NCAA career records for carries (905), rushing yards (3,867), touchdowns (56) and points (336). The four-time FCS All-American holds Georgia Southern and Southern Conference records for career rushing attempts (996), rushing touchdowns (84) and points (524), among others. One of the first great mobile quarterbacks, Young was extremely efficient, and has the second-most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, with 43. Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1977); 3x Super Bowl Champion; 5x NFL Champion; 7x First-Team All-Pro 2x Second-Team All-Pro; 9x Pro Bowl. Rushing yards: 2,071 | Yards per rush: 5.3 | Touchdowns: 31 He was the Chargers' team MVP in 1987. As a junior, he finished second to fellow junior Doak Walker of SMU. Ernie Nevers (RB, Stanford, 1923-25) That not only propelled USC past its archrival, it sent the Trojans to the 1967 national championship. Davis scored two touchdowns, intercepted a pass to set up the other one, and scored two 2-point conversions. 64. By the time he was finished with the Boilermakers, he had established two NCAA, 13 Big Ten and 19 Purdue records. But what makes him the greatest tight end of all time is his stats. During his three seasons, the Crimson Tide went 29-2-2. Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Jets, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (2000 Class); 4x Super Bowl Champion; 8x First-Team All-Pro; 10x Pro Bowl. Elways accolades dont seem to really hold up for a rank this high, until you consider the following: under him, the Denver Broncos went to five Super Bowls. Ernie Davis (RB, Syracuse, 1959-61) Against Ohio State in 1963, Butkus made 23 tackles, a school record at the time. When not working, Rob can be found on the M6 travelling up to watch his (not so local) side Liverpool or out on his bike for hours on end probably listening to endless football podcasts. Even if you don't believe the fabled details of Gipp's impassioned plea to legendary Fighting Irish coach Knute Rockne from his deathbed in 1920, which Rockne shared with his team during his famous "Win one for the Gipper" speech eight years later, this much is undeniable: Gipp was Notre Dame's first All-American. Little, who majored in religion and history and returned to Syracuse to earn a master's degree while playing in the NFL, once said, "God gave you two ends. But there was never any concern about The Horse's toughness on the football field. 137. USC coach John Robinson once called White "the most competitive athlete I've ever seen." Tony Boselli (T, USC, 1991-94) Alan Page (DE, Notre Dame, 1964-66) Here's how much impact Singletary made on the Baylor program during his four seasons with the Bears: As soon as he graduated, the school created the Mike Singletary Award, which is given to the senior player who epitomizes "contribution to Baylor football while bringing honor to the school both on and off the field." Lamar Jackson ? All-purpose yards: 5,024 | Receiving yards: 2,493 | Touchdowns: 22 Charles White (RB, USC, 1976-79) He had a Cinderella story of his own: The son of blind Mexican American parents, Plunkett became a great American success story. He won the Biletnikoff Award in 1997. John Lujack (QB, Notre Dame, 1943, 1946-47) Reid also excelled as a heavyweight wrestler and shortened his NFL career in order to pursue his love of music. Griffin arrived in Woody Hayes' locker room shortly after the NCAA approved freshman eligibility. "He's faster than the speed of sound. Keyes helped lead the Boilermakers to a share of the 1967 Big Ten title, which they have won exactly once in the 52 years since. Of very few players can we say, "He changed the game." Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1993 Class); 1x Super Bowl Champion; 1x MVP; 1x OPoY; 2x NFC OPoY; 1x MoY; 7x First-Team All-Pro; 1x Second-Team All-Pro; 9x Pro Bowl. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1986); Started 146 of 149 regular-season games. The two-time first-team All-American helped the Irish to the 1988 national title and a 12-1 mark in 1989. For his career length alone, he holds the positional all-time record for career receiving yards (15,127) and receptions (1,325), trailing only two wideouts for the most receptions overall. He finished 10th in Heisman voting that season. Tommy Nobis (LB, Texas, 1963-65) 1 all-time; 164 rushing TDs, first all-time; started 219 of 226 games; three-time Super Bowl champ; Super Bowl MVP after 1993 season; NFL MVP 1993 season. Brees still ranks first in Big Ten history in career completions (1,026) and passing yards (11,792), and he is second in touchdowns (90). Eusbio DA Silva Ferreira (January 1942 - 5 January 2014) was a Portuguese footballer who played as a striker. Billy Cannon (RB, LSU, 1957-59) Junior Seau (LB, USC, 1988-89) Tackles: 251 | Blocked kicks: 4 Rushing yards: 1,864 | Total offense: 2,538 yards | Touchdowns: 24 Rushing yards: 2,704 | Yards per carry: 5.4 | Touchdowns: 46 Bo Jackson? But I'd be lying if I said I didn't live for these moments.". After four years in the Navy, including a tour in Vietnam, Staubach joined the Cowboys in 1969 and led them to the Super Bowl four times, including victories in 1972 and '78. devin fontenot parents,
