A Fantasy Football Review: The 1991 All-Fantasy Team

When I initially came up with the idea of writing an article on each of the NFL All-Fantasy teams from 1989-2008, I didn't take into account that it was going to mean so much research. The task has been a bit more daunting than I thought it would be, but I must grind it out for all six of my readers.

As much work as it has been, going over statistical leaders from so many years ago has also been a lot of fun. Players long ago forgotten have made their way back into my memory bank.

Names such as Curtis Duncan, Gaston Greene, John L. Williams, Stephonne Paige, and Anthony Carter remind me of fantasy seasons and players long forgotten.

Looking back, I also can see how much not only the players and names have changed, but also how much this game of fantasy football has evolved as well.

Back in 1991, we didn't live in a world of instant informational gratification. Only the die-hard fantasy geeks had the focus and stamina to keep a fantasy league going. 

Back in those days, we fantasy owners watched the few games available in our given area. We stayed glued to halftime shows and live game break-ins for glimpses of our players. We changed the channel straight from the last three o'clock game to ESPN's NFL Primetime to find out how our squad performed that day.

Even then, we were not sure of a win or loss in most cases.  

We picked up a paper on Monday morning, and did the league's scores instead of paying attention in Algebra class. Our records were kept in notebooks that were the one thing we would grab if the house caught on fire. Trades and transactions were done by phone.

But even without the technology of up-to-the-second fantasy scoring, Internet sites, and the Sunday Ticket, fantasy football was entering what I consider to be its golden age back in 1991. Looking at the players and leaders from that era is to scan season stats of a who's who of NFL stars and Hall of Fame inductees.

Thurman, Barry, and Emmitt were all in their prime. The quarterbacks of that period included names like Elway, Marino, Young, Moon, Kelly, and Aikman. And Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Art Monk, Tim Brown, Sterling Sharpe, and Cris Carter were just a few of the game's top wide receivers. 

But I'm proud to say that I am one of those early 90's fantasy football geeks. I'm proud to say that, at one time or another, all of these players spent time on my fantasy rosters. I'm proud to say that I played fantasy football back in the "good old days," when the greatest of the greats were applying their craft. 

So without further ado, here is the 1991 NFL All-Fantasy Team.

Quarterback

Jim Kelly (BUF), 362.3 points

The Bills' no-huddle offensive juggernaut was led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Jim Kelly.

Kelly had his best season, with career highs of 3,844 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes in 1991. He also added a touchdown and 45 yards rushing. He was named to his third Pro Bowl and was a first team All-Pro selection.

Honorable Mentions

Warren Moon (HOU), 344.4 points; Dan Marino (MIA), 318.0 points

Running Backs

Thurman Thomas (BUF), 337.8 points

Thurman is becoming a mainstay on these All-Fantasy teams, but this is his the first time he has been the top running back in a season. Thomas' abilities as a dual threat runner and pass catcher are what make him so valuable.

In 1991 Thurman turned in 1,407 yards rushing and 631 receiving off of 62 catches. Thurman recorded 12 total touchdowns; seven on the ground and five in the air.

Barry Sanders (DET) - 328.5 points

In 1991 Barry Sanders was in his third of ten great seasons as an NFL and fantasy running back. He rushed for more than 1,100 yards every year and was without question the most entertaining runner to watch in the game.

In this campaign, Barry had a career high 16 rushing touchdowns and ran for 1,548 yards. Sanders also added 41 pass receptions for 307 yards and another TD.

Honorable Mentions

Robert Delpino (RAMS),  245.5 points; Rodney Hampton (NYG), 237.2 points

Wide Receivers

Michael Irvin (DAL), 293.3 points

Due to various injuries, Michael Irvin only started 23 of 48 games in his first three NFL seasons. In his first healthy season though, "The Playmaker" exploded onto the NFL scene, making Irvin one of the greatest fantasy sleepers ever.

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