The Top-10 Players in NFL History

The Minister of Defense", as he was known, was probably the most dominating D-end in the history of the league. White started his pro career in Memphis in the USFL where he had 23.5 sacks and 192 tackles in two seasons.

After the USFL folded, White went into the NFL and spent eight years with Philly, six years with the Packers, and one year with the Panthers. White helped lead the Packers to two Super Bowls, and he finally got his ring after winning in Super Bowl XXXI. Sadly, White died of SADS in December of 2004.

 

8) John Elway

Elway's greatness and comeback-ability were personified in what is now known as "The Drive", the 98-yard touchdown drive that he lead to beat Cleveland in the 1986 AFC Championship game.

Originally drafted by the Colts, Elway stated that he would not play for them, saying that the team could not allow him to be successful. The Colts traded Elway to Denver, and although he lost the first three Super Bowls he played in, he finished strong and beat the Packers and Falcons in back to back Super Bowls.

 

9) Dick Butkus

Chicago born and bred, Butkus attended and played football at the University of Illinois, and was then drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, in the first round.

Though he only played for nine years, Butkus was always known as one of the most feared men in football.  In fact, Sports Illustrated put him on the cover of a 1970 issue with the caption "Most feared man in the game."

Butkus’ career ended after he felt the Bears made him play on busted knees. He sued the Bears in 1975, saying the Bears had kept him on the field even though they knew he needed surgery.

 

10) Brett Favre

You would think that a guy who has won a Super Bowl and holds all the NFL passing records would be higher on this list, yet some would argue that he doesn’t belong on this list at all. The gunslinger from Mississippi holds the NFL records for passing TDs, passing yards, passing attempts, passing completions, regular season wins by a QB, and interceptions. Favre will always be known as an all-or-nothing player who was the face of the NFL for the last 10 years.

 

Honorable Mention

Johnny Unitis, Bartt Starr, Barry Sanders, Anthony Munoz, Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Deacon Jones, Sammy Baugh

 

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