Who are the most famous NFL players of all time? That is a good question. Lucky for you, we have scoured the archives to track down the best players in the history of the NFL. Let’s start with the GOAT and work our way through the rest.
#1 Tom Brady
Very few football fans would argue that Tom Brady is not the greatest NFL player of all time. After all, the legendary quarterback played in the league for a whopping 23 seasons between 2000 and 2022, winning seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVP awards and three NFL MVP awards along the way.
#2 Jerry Rice
When it comes to wide receivers, Jerry Rice is arguably the best to have ever played the game. Representing the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks across a career spanning 19 years, Rice won three Super Bowl championships and one MVP award, along with a host of other accolades.
#3 Jim Brown
You simply cannot talk about the most famous NFL players in history without mentioning Jim Brown. Between 1957 and 1965, the legendary running back guided the Cleveland Browns to Super Bowl glory while picking up three MVP awards for his efforts. On top of that, Brown led the league in rushing yards in eight of his nine seasons.
#4 Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor spent the entirety of his NFL career with the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls and one MVP award between 1981 and 1993. The iconic outside linebacker is widely regarded as the best defensive player in NFL history, making him of the greatest NFL players of all time.
#5 Joe Montana
With five Super Bowl titles, three Super Bowl MVP awards and two NFL MVP awards to his name, Joe Montana has to be included on the list of the most famous NFL players. “Joe Cool” started his career in San Francisco before finishing his time in the league with the Kansas City Chiefs, cementing his status among the best quarterbacks ever.
#6 Walter Payton
Walter Payton may not have the number of accolades that other players on this list possess, but in terms of pure talent and football prowess, the Chicago Bears legend is right up there with the very best. Dominating the field in the 1970s and 1980s, Payton guided Chicago to Super Bowl glory and was also named MVP for his troubles.
#7 Reggie White
Sadly, Reggie White passed away when he was just 43, but the iconic defensive end will always be remembered for his remarkable talent. As one of the most awarded defensive players in NFL history, White starred for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers between 1985 and 2000.
#8 Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning retired in 2015 with two Super Bowl titles and five MVP awards to his name. The former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback is unquestionably one of the greatest NFL players of all time and he holds multiple records to prove it.