Pick The Best NFL Player And We’ll Guess Your Favorite Team
- by Andrew Brethauer
- – on
- in Sports
Football is the most popular sport in the United States, by far. The other major sports don't even really come close at all. It only lasts for a few short months, but Americans can't get enough of the gridiron, the pigskin and are so loyal to their team that it's near the same level as soccer fans in Europe. It's such a huge business and cultural significance to the American people that it even gets into battles with the highest office in the land. But no matter the drama that unfolds off the field, come Sunday, football fans across America are glued to their television sets, ready for kickoff.
So many great athletes have come through the NFL that it's hard to hate on some of them just because they aren't on the supporting team. But then again, that is exactly why some people don't like the legends or the game or the best players currently in the league. So pick the best players from this list of 50, either through team loyalty, or respect for their play, and see which should get all the support each Sunday afternoon, or Monday night if fans still need that last fix of football before the week really gets going.
Pick or Pass on Tom Brady
Talk about the Greatest of All Time, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is just that, having played in eight Super Bowl games, winning five of them. How good is that? Well, Brady has played 16 seasons in the NFL, so that means half his career he has made it to the final. No one else can say that.
Pick or Pass on Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers just had to wait his time to take the helm of the Packers and since then he has been one of the most elite quarterbacks in the NFL. He led the Packers to the Super Bowl in 2011, where he won the game’s MVP award and got his only ring so far.
Pass or Pick on Cam Newton
Cam Newton is a special quarterback, in that he is the only one to ever win the Heisman award, a National Championship and be drafted first overall, all within one year. As the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, he has the ability to take off with his feet, making him a threat in the air on on the ground.
Pick or Pass on J.J. Watt
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is a pain to opposing quarterbacks, as he has won the defensive Player of the Year award three times in his career. He is the first player in NFL history to record 20 or more sacks in two seasons.
Pick or Pass on Adrian Peterson
In his prime, Adrian Peterson was one of the most elite running backs in the NFL, and single handedly could win the Minnesota Vikings games. In 2012, he rushed for 2097 yards, just nine shy of breaking the all-time record for single season rushing.
Pick or Pass on Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning turned the Indianapolis Colts organization around and led them to their first Super Bowl in three decades when they won in 2006. After a neck injury, he moved to Denver and led the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances in his four years there, winning Super Bowl 50.
Pick or Pass on Emmitt Smith
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith is the all-time rushing leader in the NFL with 18,355 yards, while also winning three Super Bowl titles. He is also the only running back to have won a Super Bowl championship, the NFL MVP award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl MVP award all in the same season.
Pick or Pass on Randy Moss
Randy Moss was one of the NFLs elite wide receivers and holds the single season touchdown reception record for a rookie with 17, the single season record for touchdowns with 23, and is second all-time in most touchdown receptions with 156. He led the NFL five times in touchdowns over his career.
Pick or Pass on Von Miller
Von Miller is the mainstay of the Denver Broncos defence and led the Broncos to their victory at Super Bowl 50, where he was also named the game’s MVP. He’s been named a six-time Pro Bowler and was a first-time All-Pro three times, and second team three times.
Pick or Pass on Julio Jones
Julio Jones is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL today and led the league in receiving yards in 2015. Jones has the highest yards per game average of any player in NFL history, with 95.3 yards per game, and he has been named to five Pro Bowls in his career so far.
Pick or Pass on Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown became the first player in NFL history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and returning in the same year, when he did so in his second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now he has turned into one of the game’s elite wideouts, having led the NFL twice in receptions and receiving yards.
Pick or Pass on Khalil Mack
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack became the first player to be named to the first-team All-Pro list for two different positions, as he was also included on the outside linebacker list. He holds the all-time NCAA record for most forced fumbles.
Pick or Pass on Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott was destined to be a great running back in the NFL and he didn’t waste any time proving it as in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys, he led the league in rushing yards. Suspensions shortened his second year. In college he helped lead Ohio State to the first College Football Playoff National Championship.
Pick or Pass on Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, and some say, the best all time. When you look at the stats, they don’t lie, as Rice has the most receptions, touchdown receptions, and receiving yards of any player to ever play.
Pick or Pass on Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw has a lasting legacy in the NFL as he was the first quarterback to win three and then four Super Bowls in his career, doing so with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he spent his entire career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Pick or Pass on Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is known for his finger-tip catches while falling into the end zone. As a receiver for the New York Giants, Beckham broke plenty of rookie records, becoming the first to record 75 catches for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year.
Pick or Pass on Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan became the first $30 million per year player in NFL history when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2016, he led them to Super Bowl LI, but lost in a collapse to New England. However, that season he was also named league MVP.
Pick or Pass on Le'Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell is the Pittsburgh Steelers running back and is considered one of the top fantasy football running backs each season. With over 5,000 yards rushing and 42 total touchdowns, he is one of the Steelers most potent weapons, and was named a Pro Bowler three times.
Pick or Pass on Eric Berry
Eric Berry’s story is one of recovery, as he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014, yet was declared cancer free after treatment and came back in 2015 and was named to the Pro Bowl, the All-Pro team and the Comeback Player of the Year with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pick or Pass on Drew Brees
Drew Brees’ career didn’t really kick off until her got to New Orleans. Then he turned into one of the game’s most elite passers. He has passed for over 5,000 yards in a season give times, something no other quarterback has done in league history, and won his only Super Bowl in 2009.
Pick or Pass on A.J. Green
A.J. Green is at the top of the list of wide receivers in the NFL, as over his first three seasons in the league, he caught 260 passes, the most of any player in that span. He has been a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals and earned two All-Pro team selections.
Pick or Pass on Patrick Peterson
Considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson has been named the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons. He also has a few offensive threat records, including the most punt return touchdowns in a season with four, and longest overtime punt return touchdown at 99 yards.
Pick or Pass on Richard Sherman
One of the lead members of the Legion of Boom, the Seattle Seahawks starting secondary was Richard Sherman, who helped contribute to the Seahawks best pass defence in 2013. They won the Super Bowl in 2013 over Denver, largely because of the ability of their defence.
Pick or Pass on Ben Roethlisberger
Known by his nickname Big Ben, Ben Roethlisberger was the second youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl when he won in 2005 at 23 years old. He led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a second Super Bowl in 2008, and appeared in another one two years later. He currently ranks ninth all time in passer rating.
Pick or Pass on Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is one of the most dominate tight ends to ever play the game, as he is a constant offensive threat for the New England Patriots. He has the record for single-season touchdowns by a tight end with 17, as well as receiving yards with 1,327.
Pick or Pass on Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson tied Peyton Manning’s rookie touchdown record with 26, so that should tell you how good he is. He also led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl Championship in 2013, beating Manning and the Broncos. He went to the Super Bowl the following year, however, Seattle lost.
Pick or Pass on Luke Kuechly
Linebacker Luke Kuechly led the NFL in tackles in his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers, becoming the third youngest player to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In 2013, he then became the youngest to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Pick or Pass on Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, and third all-time in receptions, receiving yards and eighth in touchdown catches. He has spent his entire career with the Cardinals, yet has appeared in only one Super Bowl, but hasn’t won yet.
Pick or Pass on Joe Montana
Joe Montana is considered one of the best quarterbacks of all time, having won four Super Bowls in his career, while also winning three Super Bowl MVP awards. He also holds plenty of Super Bowl records, including most passes without an interception, and all-time highest QB rating of 127.8 in the big game. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Pick or Pass on Walter Payton
Walter Payton was known as Sweetness and is considered one of the best running backs to ever play. He held the records for carries rushing yards, touchdowns and carries, and helped lead the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993.
Pick or Pass on LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy led the NFL in rushing yards as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, with 1,607 yards. He was traded to Buffalo in 2015, and still is looking for a Super Bowl, yet Shady as he is known, has six Pro Bowl appearances in his career.
Pick or Pass on Travis Kelce
When it comes to elite level tight ends, Travis Kelce is on that list. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been named to three Pro Bowls and has over 300 catches for 3,900 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2013.
Pick or Pass on Reggie White
Reggie White is second all-time in career sacks in the NFL, as he played from 1984 to 2000 with four different teams. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl Champion, winning in 1996 with the Green Bay Packers.
Pick or Pass on Barry Sanders
Some call Barry Sanders the best running back in the history of football, but he retired so early into his career that there is always an unknown. He led the league in rushing four times, was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, and also won the Heisman Trophy in college, retiring in 1998.
Pick or Pass on Brett Favre
Brett Favre just never seemed to want to leave the game, as he played for 20 seasons. He was the first NFL quarterback to pass for 500 touchdowns, throw for 70,000 yards, and complete 6,000 passes. He spent most of his time in Green Bay, where he won the Super Bowl in 1996.
Pick or Pass on Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh was a decorated college player before joining the NFL, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick in 2010. His aggressive style has led him to recognized as one of the best defensive players in the game, but it has also got him into some trouble with the league.
Pick or Pass on Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and replaced the outgoing Peyton Manning. He was one of the most hyped rookies in memory. In 2014 he was the leading touchdown passer in the NFL, and has been selected to three Pro Bowl teams.
Pick or Pass on John Elway
John Elway waited until the end of his career to get his Super Bowl rings, but it was so nice, he did it twice, winning the 1997 and 1998 Super Bowl Championships with the Denver Broncos, the team he played his entire career with. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl MVP.
Pick or Pass on Dan Marino
Dan Marino is often called the best player to never win a Super Bowl. He spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins, and has held dozens of records. With 155 wins, however, he is the most winning quarterback to never hold the Lombardi Trophy, but was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Pick or Pass on Eli Manning
Eli Manning is known to be Peyton Manning’s little brother, but he was the first Manning to win two Super Bowls, both with the New York Giants, and both times over the New England Patriots. He is seventh all-time in passing yards and touchdowns.
Pick or Pass on Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson, known as Megatron, was a gifted wide receiver for the Detroit Lions who had the size and speed to be an elite level wideout in the NFL. He broke Jerry Rice’s single season record for receiving yards, bringing in 1964 yards in 2012.
Pick or Pass on Steve Young
Steve Young is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, as well was the MVP of the big game for Super Bowl XXIX. He was named MVP twice in his career, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, is considered one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the game.
Pick or Pass on Reggie Wayne
Peyton Manning’s favorite target with the Indianapolis Colts was Reggie Wayne, and was a member of the Super Bowl XLI championship team. He is fifth all-time in NFL career receptions, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, and one of the game’s greatest deep threats.
Pick or Pass on Kurt Warner
The man behind the greatest show on turf was St. Louis Rams quarterback, Kurt Warner. Armed with amazing receivers, Warner was known for airing it out to Rams wideouts and producing some crazy high passing stats. He won the Super Bowl in 1999 and was named the game’s MVP.
Pick or Pass on Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher established himself as one of the best defensive players in football, as he was the linebacker for the Chicago Bears for years and named Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2005. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls, and made 1353 tackles in his career.
Pick or Pass on David Johnson
David Johnson was a breakout start in 2016, as he posted 15 straight games to open the season where he rushed or caught for 100 yards or more, matching Barry Sanders for the most in league history. He finished the year with over 2100 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Pick or Pass on Mike Evans
Mike Evans was the seventh overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, and constantly has to be double covered in order to try and slow down his production. In four years in Tampa Bay, Evans has caught over 1000 yards, and had two seasons where he scored 12 touchdowns.
Pick or Pass on Tony Gonzalez
Many consider Tony Gonzalez to be the best tight end to ever play the game. He holds the record for tight ends in total receiving yards with over 15,000, and has a total of 1325 receptions, which is second to only Jerry Rice, who was a wide receiver. He was selected to 14 Pro Bowls.
Pick or Pass on Bruce Smith
The most successful pass rusher in NFL history is Bruce Smith, who is the only player in NFL history to record 200 sacks, the record he still holds today. He played for Buffalo and Washington and was selected to 11 Pro Bowls, earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice and AFC Defensive Player of the Year four times.
Pick or Pass on Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman was the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys during the dynasty years where they won three Super Bowls in four years. He passed for over 32,000 yards in his career, including 165 touchdown passes and earned Super Bowl MVP in 1992.
