A statue of him stands outside Kenan Stadium. Fred Biletnikoff (WR, Florida State, 1962-64) He led the Tigers to the 1958 national championship, but remains best-known for his play against archrival Ole Miss the following year. He was the first FBS player with a 99-yard rush. If youre looking for the man who brought pass catchers into vogue, you found him. Youre sacking them, youre bagging them. Regardless of the level, the diminutive Smith stood taller than most on the football field. In his time, Lilly was the lynchpin of a defense with an iconic nickname: the Doomsday Defense. Mike Ditka (TE, Pitt, 1958-60) Barry Sanders 4. He won the Davey O'Brien Award in 2007 and the Maxwell Award in 2007 and '08. White's record-setting 246 all-purpose yards per game stood until Barry Sanders broke the mark in 1988. Walter Payton 7. Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1963; 2-time NFL champion (1937, 42); 1st-team All-Pro (1937, 40, 42, 43); 6-time Pro Bowler, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2018; 2-time Super Bowl champion (2001, 2013); 2003 AP Defensive Player of the Year; 2000-01 Super Bowl MVP; ranks second in league history for solo tackles; 1st-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 01, 03, 04, 08, 09); 13-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (2018); 4-time First-team All-Pro (1998, 2000, 2003, 2007); NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1998); 6-time Pro Bowler; Pro Bowl MVP (1999); Holds NFL record for most TD receptions in a season (23); Holds NFL record for most TD receptions in a rookie season (17); Only player to catch 90+ touchdown passes, return a punt for a touchdown, and throw 2 touchdown passes, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1963; 3-time NFL champion (1936, 39, 44); 2-time NFL MVP (1941, 42); 1st-team All-Pro (1938, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45); 4-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016); Super Bowl champ; 3-time first-team All-Pro (1995-1997); 3-time second-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2007); 11-time Pro Bowler (1992, 1993, 1995-1997, 2001-2003, 2007-2009); 3-time AP NFL MVP; 2nd in the NFL in career passing yards (71,838); Has the most career starts of any NFL player (298, 322 including the post season); 1st player to 500 career TD passes; 1st NFL QB to defeat 32 franchises. His less iconic name prevents him from being higher on this list, but he has an argument to make the top 20. Of very few players can we say, "He changed the game." Glenn Davis (RB, Army, 1943-46) Roberto Baggio 11. 54. OSU was 27-2 and won at least a share of three straight Big Ten titles in Tatum's three seasons. Walsh bolted to the 49ers, and Elway played on a succession of mediocre teams. 99.4. Playing left halfback in a single-wing offense, Graham amassed 1,327 yards of offense in 1942, a school record that stood for two decades. 3 USC, 21-20, in 1967. NFL Draft Pick Salaries by Round 2023 - Boardroom 1 twice and No. Before leaving for the 2004 NFL draft, he set or tied four FBS, eight Big East and 11 Pitt records. A two-time All-American, he won the Heisman, Walter Camp Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award and Jim Thorpe Award in 1997. The unheralded offensive anchor to the legendary Vince Lombardis legendary Packers teams, Forrest Gregg was the wall and heart of eight total NFL championships, including their first two. Sanders, an electrifying cornerback and punt returner, snagged 14 interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns. The 5-7, 150-pound O'Brien may have been slight of stature, but he ran a no-nonsense huddle and his teammates loved him for it. He's the best football player in the country returning next year." Standing at 6-foot-7, Ted Hendricks, known as "The Mad Stork," possessed quite an advantage in battles with overmatched offensive linemen. During his three-year collegiate career, Walker set 41 Georgia, 16 SEC and 11 NCAA records. 26. Until our number one-ranked player came along, he was the leagues iron man. Hutson was a receiver ahead of his time. Top 25 Best Football Players of All Time - YouTube Who's the greatest college football player of all time? He then left the World Cup in tears as Portugal crashed out to Morocco in the quarter finals. 8, defensive end Doug Atkins at No. Bill Fralic (T, Pitt, 1981-84) He led the Dawgs that season with 744 receiving yards. When you talk about football history, you cant not talk about Ray Nitschke. The next year, he threw for 420 yards with three scores, including the game winner to Hunter Renfrow with one second left, to beat the Crimson Tide 35-31. Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1963); 2x NFL Champion; 2x NFL PoY; 4x First-Team All-Pro; 4x Second-Team All-Pro; 6x Pro Bowl. Steve Spurrier (QB, Florida, 1964-66) Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1967; 2-time NFL champion (1949, 60); 1st-team All-Pro (1950, 51, 52, 53, 54, 60); 8-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, New York Giants, Chicago Cardinals, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1963); First-team All-pro (1923), Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1998); Super Bowl XX Champion; 7-time First-team All-pro (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991); Second-team All-pro (1990); 10 pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (1963); 2-time First-team All-pro (1930, 1931). Up until his recent swoon, all eyes were on Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes as the best player in the game today and leader of a new pro football era. Achievements: Two-time Super Bowl champion. Donahue coaxed Ogden across the continent to Westwood, where he played on two Pac-10 championship teams; just as importantly (according to most Bruins), Ogden's teams went 4-0 against USC. Passing yards: 6,040 | Rushing yards: 3,127 | Total TDs: 81 (37 rush/44 pass) 2 team twice. Considered the first great quarterback by many, Unitas story a precursor to Tom Brady: drafted in the 9th round by Pittsburgh, only to be released before the season began, Unitas was asked at the last minute to join the Baltimore Colts. Jake Rowe of 247 Sports recalls Tommie Frazier breaking several tackles on a play for Nebraska in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl. Bubba Smith (DE, Michigan State, 1964-66) In 1989, he had 19 sacks and 27 tackles for loss and was named a unanimous All-American and the Pac-10 defensive player of the year. Interceptions: 7 Maybe his placement here is a result of recency bias, but Drew Brees is the greatest and most singular New Orleans Saint of all time, and deserves his place for what he has done and meant to his team and city. Manning won the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Sullivan Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his senior season in 1997. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF in 1985; NFL MVP 1971, Super Bowl VI MVP; 22,700 passing yards, 153 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns, 2,264 rushing yards; lost statistics by delaying entry into NFL for four years because of military commitment after graduating from the Naval Academy. 130. Passing yards: 2,181 | Rushing yards: 823 | Passing TDs: 15 He led the Ducks to a 36-5 record over three seasons. 127. In the middle of a run in which the Seminoles finished in the top five for 14 consecutive seasons, Dunn played enough as a freshman to gain 868 tandem yards and score 10 touchdowns, including the one that sealed Florida State's chance to play for the 1993 national title. Passing yards: 3,571 | Rushing yards: 682 | TDs: 35 He also took home the Lombardi Award in 1982. Sanders, as a sophomore, backed up Thomas and led the nation in kickoff returns (31.6-yard average), in part by returning the first kickoff of the season for a touchdown. 143. On the second Saturday night of the season, Brown returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State. When he left after his senior season of 2001, Miami had regained the national championship. Not only did Page play in over 200 consecutive NFL games, but he is also one of the few defensive players to ever win a league MVP. He led Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, to a state championship as a senior, but his only scholarship offers were from Purdue and Kentucky. The 100 best football players of all time: 80-71 The 100 best football players of all time: 70-61 The 100 best football players of all time: 60-51 The 100 best football players of all time: 50-41 . Calvin Johnson (WR, Georgia Tech, 2004-06) 11. Walker was a three-time All-American for the Ponies. Zinedine Zidane 8. Kylian Mbappe Lottin. As a junior in 1956, he played against rival Texas with a broken foot but still ran for a 27-yard touchdown and caught the go-ahead score in a 34-21 win, which was the Aggies' first over the Longhorns in Austin since 1922. He ran for 100 or more yards in 17 games. Ed Marinaro (RB, Cornell, 1969-71) He averaged 174.6 yards per game, and he carried the ball an astounding 34 times per game over three seasons. The original Joe Cool, Joe Montana Just exuded Hollywood-style quarterback energy. Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (2018); 5x First-Team All-Pro; 6x Pro Bowl. "He's so fast, agile and competitive." 64. Head coach Joe Paterno eyeballed George's frame on his recruiting visit and saw a linebacker. ET on ABC Ryan Giggs. In 14 games, Suh had 85 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, 10 pass breakups, three blocked kicks and one interception. The valiant effort in a losing cause resonated in a state that venerated its Civil War heritage. NFL defensive player of the Year in 2010 (AP). Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1980; Super Bowl Champion (1972); 1st-team All-Pro (1964, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71); 11-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football HOF (2019); Super Bowl Champion; 5-time First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006-2008, 2010); 3-time Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011); 9-time Pro Bowler; NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2004); Tied for Most Career Playoff Interceptions (9); Longest Interception Return in NFL History (107 yards); Most Career Interception Return Yards (1,590); First player in NFL history to return an interception, punt, blocked punt and fumble for a TD; Holds the record for most multi-interception games in a career (12); Tied for most career blocked punts returned for TD (3), Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Achievements: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1974); 7-time first-team All-Pro (1956-1957, 1959-1963); 7 Pro Bowls; 4th most interceptions in NFL history (68); most interceptions in a season in NFL history (14), Teams: San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Achievements: Super Bowl XLIV champion; 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2011); First-team All-pro (2006); 12 pro bowls, Achievements: Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1972; 2-time NFL champion (1958, 59); 1st-team All-Pro (1957, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64); 11-time Pro Bowler, Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons. After being slowed by injuries in his final season, he was drafted No. 70. It is known as the Camback. Former Pitt RB Tony Dorsett is moved when remembering the respect he was shown by Navy during a 1976 game. But there was never any concern about The Horse's toughness on the football field. They've witnessed their idol give an explosive interview about Manchester United which saw him leave the Premier League club. Stats: 35 Receptions, 560 Receiving Yards, 7 Touchdowns. Achievements: Inducted into Pro Football HOF (2007); 3-time Super Bowl champ; First-team All-Pro (1991); Two-time Second-team All-pro (1992, 1993); five pro bowls. 37. No one has ever quieted the Swamp quicker. 2 once. He changed the way football was played. 27. Rushing yards: 6,279 | Rushing TDs: 72 | Yards per carry: 6.21 Of the four games Purdue lost in Griese's junior and senior seasons, three were to top-10 teams. Dickerson is remembered as Exhibit A for the lawlessness that ruled the Southwest Conference in the early 1980s. Vick's name is forever linked with the brutal dogfighting operation that earned him a 23-month prison sentence and derailed his NFL career. He played violin, French horn and cornet, and he graduated early to join the navy during World War II. Bo Jackson (RB, Auburn, 1982-85) None loomed larger than Walker. Hannah was also the best lineman to ever play at Alabama, earning All-America honors in 1971 and '72 and winning the Jacobs Award as the sport's best blocker as a senior. A significant portion of the electorate balked at voting for a black man. His ranking here is still debatable and should be a credit to those ranked above him, rather than a knock on his legacy. The performance, televised on ESPN, thrust Brown to the front of the Heisman Trophy race, and no one ever caught him. White was a consensus All-American and was named SEC Player of the Year. From here on out, we are dealing with absolutely undisputed top-of-the-mountain prestige. The late Walter Payton, rest his soul, has a legitimate argument to be placed multiple spots higher on this list. 95. The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players - Wikipedia 117. Teams: Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Notable accolades: Hall of Fame (1980); 2x DPoY; 5x First-Team All-Pro; 3x Second-Team All-Pro; 8x Pro Bowl. A 12-year NFL career as the hardest hitter in football is no joke, though, and he has accolades to back up that claim. After the team dropped consecutive Orange Bowls in the 1992 and '93 seasons, Frazier's junior season in 1994 was nearly derailed by blood clots. He transferred to Mississippi Vocational School, where an NFL scout looking at the Delta Devils running backs noticed that a 6-5 defensive end outran them all. He scored 61 points in 1943, a Northwestern record that lasted 43 years. Oh, yeah: As a senior, George rushed for 105 yards and the winning touchdown at Penn State. All season long, ESPN will celebrate the 150th anniversary of college football. He was named the Big Ten's MVP in 1963 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting the next year. He grew up near Philadelphia, and like every red-blooded Pennsylvania boy, dreamed of running the ball for Penn State. Texas joins Top 25 And 1 after landing Abmas In 1982, when Nebraska averaged more than 500 yards and 40 points per game, on an offense that included ballhandling stars such as quarterback Turner Gill, backs Mike Rozier and Roger Craig, and wide receiver Irving Fryar, the 6-3, 275-pound Rimington won the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year award. The blue-ribbon panel of 150 media members, college administrators, and former coaches and players who accepted the responsibility of selecting the best players in the history of the game are suckers for the ball handlers. Rushing yards: 724 | Total offense: 2,169 yards | Interceptions by: 18 With President John F. Kennedy watching from the stands, Jordan might have produced the greatest individual performance in a bowl game in Alabama's 17-0 shutout of Oklahoma in the 1963 Orange Bowl. Lionel Messi is a football player from Argentina who plays for FC Barcelona. Leon Hart (E, Notre Dame, 1946-49) 71. Sacks: 30.5 | Tackles for loss: 53 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. The 50 Greatest Footballers of All Time - Sports Illustrated George (6-3, 227) delivered as much punishment as he took, showing an ability to run inside the tackles and out. . Passing yards: 3,940 | Touchdowns: 33 | Total offense: 5,197 yards The next season, Frazier had a memorable 75-yard touchdown run in the Cornhuskers' 62-24 rout of Florida in the Fiesta Bowl to win a second straight title. Rushing yards: 3,616 | Yards per rush: 8.4 | Touchdowns: 53 He has won the Ballon D'Or, the annual award given to the best player in the world, 7 times, 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and an Olympic gold medal winner in 2008. The Best Players Under 25. Bertelli, a first-generation American from Springfield, Massachusetts, became known as the "Springfield Rifle" for his ability to throw the ball. Blanchard at fullback, Glenn Davis at halfback, and quarterback Arnold Tucker all made it to the College Football Hall of Fame. Nearly a century later, Grange's first-quarter performance against Michigan in 1924 remains unmatched: In the dedication game of Memorial Stadium on the Illinois campus, Grange returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. You can find all of the latestfootballnewsand rumours right here. Without a doubt, the wildest statistic among these 150 players is that Spielman made 29 tackles against archrival Michigan in his junior season. Plunkett might have won the Heisman only because the favorite, Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning, broke his left arm late in the season. Bruce Smith (DE, Virginia Tech, 1981-84) 91. He has become Exhibit A for anyone out to prove the outsized thumbprint of Notre Dame.
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