Arizona Cardinals - Adrian Wilson
2001-Present with Cardinals
612 Tackles
22 Interceptions
19.5 Sacks
14 Fumbles Forced
2 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
When the Cardinals defeated the Eagles last season in the NFL Championship en route to their first Super Bowl appearance, the player who you had to feel the best for was the veteran safety. Wilson is the longest-tenured player on the team and was a major catalyst in the Cardinals' transition from perennial doormat to respectable contender. A play-making safety who can pass rush and support the run as well as a linebacker and is a leader in the locker room, Wilson is a player that Cardinals fans can truly be proud of.
Honorable Mention: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner
Atlanta Falcons - Keith Brooking
1998-2008 with Falcons
887 Tackles
12 Interceptions
17 Sacks
8 Fumbles Forced
5 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
Brooking is the one player who has been through all of the ups and downs of the Falcons in recent years: their lone Super Bowl appearance in 1999, the drafting of Michael Vick, the team's uniform and logo switch, the fall of the Michael Vick era, the Bobby Petrino debacle, and the 2008 rebirth. Brooking was there throughout all of that and was great player at the same time. The leader of Atlanta's defense and one of the best linebackers in the league in his prime, Brooking helped give Atlanta some consistency throughout his tenure.
Honorable Mention: Warrick Dunn, Patrick Kerney, Michael Vick
Baltimore Ravens - Ray Lewis
1996-Present with Ravens
1660 Tackles
33.5 Sacks
28 Interceptions
12 Fumbles Forced
10 Pro Bowls
8 All-Pro Selections
Super Bowl XXXV MVP
2000 and 2003 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Would you expect anybody else? Ray has been the face of the Ravens for years and the only player to be on the team since its first season in 1996. He was the best player on arguably the best defense in NFL history in the 2000 team and is still trucking to this, as his game-saving tackle on Darren Sproles earlier this season will show you.
Honorable Mention: Ed Reed, Jonathan Ogden, Derrick Mason
Buffalo Bills - Brian Moorman
2001-Present with Bills
610 Punts
43.2 Punt Yard Average
2 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
Yes, it's been that kind of decade for the Bills to the point that a punter is their MVP of the decade. But make no mistake, Moorman is no ordinary punter. One of the best in the business, he led the league with 45.7 yards per punt in 2005 and has made his name as one of the most versatile punters in recent NFL history. The Bills frequently use Moorman in trick plays where he runs or throws the ball for a first down. And he does both very well.
In fact, with Buffalo's shoddy quarterback play in the last 10 years, it wouldn't be out of the question to say that Moorman is the best passer of the decade as well. Plus, he is also the holder for the team and has done well at that too. So, he is the best player at three different positions for the Bills over the decade. Maybe it's not such a crazy selection after all.
Honorable Mention: Lee Evans, Nate Clements, Ruben Brown
Carolina Panthers - Julius Peppers
2002-Present with Panthers
309 Tackles
80 Sacks
5 Interceptions
30 Fumbles Forced
4 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
The highest draft pick in Carolina's draft history, Peppers has been a beast for the Panthers defense since being drafted. He has amassed over 10 sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons and is only half a sack away this year to make it six out of eight. He is also the Panthers career leader in sacks and forced fumbles.
Honorable Mention: Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Mike Minter
Chicago Bears - Brian Urlacher
2000-Present with Bears
816 Tackles
37.5 Sacks
17 Interceptions
8 Forced Fumbles
6 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
2000 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Urlacher was one of the best linebackers of the decade and the leader of a Bears defense that at its peak was the most fearsome in the league. Urlacher possessed a Ray Lewis-esque ability to make the other players of defense so much better just by playing alongside him, which propelled the Bears to the Super Bowl in the 2006 NFL season.
Honorable Mention: Olin Kreutz, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman
Cincinnati Bengals - Carson Palmer
2003-Present with Bengals
18,585 Passing Yards
63.4 Completion %
88.9 Quarterback Rating
126 Touchdowns
78 Interceptions
2 Pro Bowls
2007 Pro Bowl MVP
Finally an offensive player!
Paul Justin, Akili Smith, Scott Mitchell, Gus Frerotte, and Jon Kitna. Not only are they JaMarcus Russell's childhood idols, they are also the quarterbacks who started prior to Palmer. Needless to say, Palmer was a refreshing change for Bengals fans. A great leader above all else, he is also an elite talent and one of the top quarterbacks in the league when healthy. In 2005, Palmer threw for a league high 35 touchdowns as he lead the Bengals to a 11-5 record, their first winning season since 1990.
Honorable Mention: Chad Ochocinco, Corey Dillon, Willie Anderson
Cleveland Browns - Joshua Cribbs
2005-Present with Browns
6982 Kick Return Yards
8 Kick Return Touchdowns
1102 Punt Return Yards
2 Punt Return Touchdowns
1 Pro Bowl
1 All-Pro Selection
Yes, it's been that kind of decade for the Browns to the point where a kick returner is their MVP of the decade. But make no mistake, Cribbs is no ordinary kick returner. His eight career kickoff return for touchdowns is an NFL record and at many times, he is the only thing going right for Cleveland. In addition to returning kicks and punts, he is used as a receiver, running back, kick coverage man, and even emergency quarterback. In 2007, Cribbs lead the league in all-purpose yards and is currently the leader in 2009.
Honorable Mention: Joe Thomas, D'Qwell Jackson, Robert Griffith
Dallas Cowboys - Jason Witten
2003-Present with Cowboys
5772 Receiving Yards
511 Receptions
26 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
A pretty clear choice here. Through Dallas' inconsistencies during the decade, Witten has been a reliable target at tight end and one of the leaders in the locker room.
Honorable Mention: Terence Newman, Bradie James, Tony Romo
Denver Broncos - Rod Smith
1994-2007 With Broncos
849 Receptions
11,389 Receiving Yards
70 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
One of the best receivers in the league in his prime and one of the most underrated, Smith was a reliable target for whoever was throwing passes his way. He rarely missed games, had more than 1,000 receiving yards in five of his seven years this decade, and led the league in 2001 with 113 receptions. Not to mention, he's as classy as they come.
Honorable Mention: Tom Nalen, Jake Plummer, John Mobley
Detroit Lions - Jason Hanson
1992-Present With Lions
422 Field Goals Made
1818 Points Scored
2 Pro Bowls
Yes, it's been that kind of decade for the Lions to the point where a kicker is their MVP of the decade. But make no mistake, Hanson is no ordinary kicker. First of all, it's very commendable that Hanson has stayed with the Lions for such a long time. Not to mention, he has only missed one game in that span. But it's not just his longevity and loyalty. Hanson is a hell of a kicker as well. For example, during the Lions 0-16 campaign last season, Hanson was 21-22 on field goals, and he netted 29 in each of the two years prior.
Honorable Mention: Calvin Johnson, Shaun Rogers, James Stewart
Green Bay Packers - Donald Driver
1999-Present With Packers
638 Receptions
8952 Receiving Yards
49 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls
1 All-Pro Selection
Wait, this isn't Brett Favre...
No, it is not and nor should it be. Despite what ESPN and John Madden may try to tell you, believing that Brett Favre is not only the Packers MVP of the decade, but the greatest sportsman in the history of competition, is nonsense, since Driver is the clear choice for Green Bay's player of the decade. Becoming a full-time starter in 2002, Driver has caught 1,000 yards in seven of his eight seasons since then. He has been a reliable target for Brett Favre and has helped Aaron Rodgers make his transition into the NFL as successful as is it. One of the toughest wide receivers in the league, Driver is also a team leader and a classy guy off the field, winning the Packers' Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2002.
Now, I suppose I'm obligated to explain why I did not choose The Football Jesu-I mean Brett Favre at this spot. The fact of the matter is that Favre's best years were in the 1990s, and after 2004, he played like a mediocre NFL quarterback most of the time. Not to mention, his play always diminished near the end of the season and in the playoffs, and his entire retirement/non-retirement/playing for Green Bay's division rivals saga was an unnecessary slap in the face to the Packers organization.
Honorable Mention: Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Nick Barnett
Houston Texans - Andre Johnson
2003-Present With Texans
576 Receptions
7812 Receiving Yards
41 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
This is far and away the easiest choice on this list. Johnson has been nothing but exceptional on and off the field since the Texans drafted him with the third pick in 2003. He has established himself as one of the best, if not the best wide receiver in the league, and his hard work, classy demeanor, and leadership makes this a no-brainer.
Honorable Mention: Mario Williams, Matt Schaub, DeMeco Ryans
Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning
1998-Present With Colts
49,841 Passing Yards
64.8 Completion %
95.3 Quarterback Rating
366 Touchdowns
180 Interceptions
10 Pro Bowls
7 All-Pro Selections
Super Bowl XLI MVP
3-time NFL MVP
2004 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
It's nice to have two obvious choices after the Donald Driver upset pick. I'm not gonna get into how good Peyton Manning is, because everyone is well aware already. Sorry Jim Sorgi, maybe next decade.
Honorable Mention: Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne
Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor
1999-2008 With Jaguars
11,271 Rushing Yards
62 Rushing Touchdowns
4.6 Yards per Attempt
1 Pro Bowl
1 All-Pro Selection
Despite plaguing injuries early in his career, Freddy Taylor has managed to carve out a nice career with the Jaguars. Both a quick runner and a dynamic receiver out of the backfield, Taylor has been a consistent weapon for the Jaguars. Time and time again he was wildly underrated to the point where he criminally didn't make a Pro Bowl until his 10th year in the league.
Honorable Mention: Rashean Mathis, Donovin Darius, David Garrard
Kansas City Chiefs - Tony Gonzalez
1997-2008 with Chiefs
994 Receptions
11,760 Receiving Yards
82 Touchdowns
10 Pro Bowls
9 All-Pro Selections
It was a tight race between Gonzalez and running back Priest Holmes, who was the best in the league when healthy, but Tony's brutal years of service with an extremely sub-par Kansas City team gives the edge to the converted basketball player. Gonzalez will go to the Hall of Fame one day likely considered the greatest tight end in NFL history.
Honorable Mention: Priest Holmes, Brian Waters, Greg Wesley
Miami Dolphins - Jason Taylor
1997-2007, 2009-Present With Dolphins
466 Tackles
124 Sacks
8 Interceptions
42 Fumbles Forced
6 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
There aren't many players from the Dolphins this decade who would be worthy of this award, but Taylor is definitely one. He has been one of the best defensive players in the league for years and the lead the league with 18.5 sacks in 2002. Dolphin fans would prefer to forget his one year stint with the Redskins, however.
Honorable Mention: Zach Thomas, Brock Marion, Sam Madison
Minnesota Vikings - Kevin Williams
2003-Present with Vikings
327 Tackles
48.5 Sackes
4 Interceptions
6 Fumbles Forced
4 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
It was a close call between Williams and Adrian Peterson, but Kevin's longer tenure in Minnesota was the deciding factor. A top 10 pick by Minnesota in 2003, Williams has emerged as one of the top defensive tackles in the league, able to rush the passer as well as most defensive ends. He has formed one half of the Williams Wall alongside run-stuffing defensive tackle Pat Williams. They combine to terrorize opposing offensive lines, as well as NFL drug testers.
Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, Antoine Winfield
New England Patriots - Tom Brady
2000-Present with Patriots
30,391 Passing Yards
63.2 Completion %
93.0 Quarterback Rating
221 Touchdowns
98 Interceptions
4 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
2-time Super Bowl MVP
2007 NFL MVP
2007 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
When the biggest debate for this selection is what picture to use, then I don't think an explanation is needed.
Honorable Mention: Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison
New Orleans Saints - Drew Brees
2006-Present with Saints
18,040 Passing Yards
66.4 Completion %
97.0 Quarterback Rating
121 Touchdowns
57 Interceptions
2 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Of all the players on this list, Brees has had the shortest tenure with his team thus far, but it's hard to overlook his impact on the Saints. In his first season, he led them to their first NFC Conference Championship and their first 13 win season this year with two games to go. In 2008, he was only the second player in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards behind Dan Marino. Above all else, Brees has been a fiery team leader and a great guy in the New Orleans community. The Saints organization and fans are truly proud to have him on their team.
Honorable Mention: Deuce McAllister, Joe Horn, Will Smith
New York Giants - Michael Strahan
1994-2007 with Giants
667 Tackles
141.5 Sacks
4 Interceptions
24 Fumbles Forced
7 Pro Bowls
6 All-Pro Selections
2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Another fairly obvious choice, Strahan has been excellent for the Giants during the past two decades. He set an NFL record in 2001 with 21.5 sacks and retired on top after the Giants Super Bowl XLII win. He's also pretty hilarious and charismatic. That never hurts.
Honorable Mention: Tiki Barber, Amani Toomer, Michael Barrow
New York Jets - Curtis Martin
1998-2006 with Jets
10,302 Rushing Yards
4.0 Yards per Attempt
58 Rushing Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls
3 All-Pro Selections
One of the toughest and classiest players in recent NFL history, Martin was absolutely fantastic for the Jets, rushing for over 1,000 yards in all but one of his seasons in New York. He is currently fourth in NFL history for career rushing yards, and had it not been for his nagging injuries, he would have surely been higher.
Honorable Mention: Chad Pennington, Kevin Mawae, Laveranues Coles
Oakland Raiders - Nnamdi Asomugha
2003-Present with Raiders
254 Tackles
10 Interceptions
2 Sacks
2 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
Poor Nnamdi. When the Raiders drafted him in 2003, they were coming off a Super Bowl loss. Since then, Asomugha has established himself as the best shutdown corner in the league and the Raiders have established themselves as one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Asomugha has been a bright spot for Oakland in that span, possessing a rare ability to take away half of the field. His numbers, particularly interceptions, may not seem that impressive, but a large part is due to the fact that he defends the opposing wide receiver so well that quarterbacks don't throw in his direction very often. Bonus points on the cool name.
Honorable Mention: Shane Lechler, Kirk Morrison, Justin Fargas
Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Dawkins
1996-2008 with Eagles
723 Tackles
21 Sacks
34 Interceptions
32 Forced Fumbles
7 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
It was a close call choosing between Dawkins and McNabb. In fact, if I dedicated my entire life to this list, then this would represent the hardest decision I ever had to make. Despite Dawkins donning #20 for the Broncos now, while McNabb is still an Eagle, the edge still goes to Brian.
Dawkins was the consummate play-maker and leader of Philly's consistently tough defense. He was a hard-hitter who fired up his teammates when needed and at the same time was a crafty ball-hawk who could bait quarterbacks as well as anybody. McNabb was good, real good. But Dawkins was great, real great.
Honorable Mention: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Tra Thomas
Pittsburgh Steelers - Aaron Smith
1999-Present with Steelers
385 Tackles
44 Sacks
1 Interception
7 Fumbles Forced
1 Pro Bowl
Perhaps the most underrated player of the decade, Smith was just as important to the Steelers success this decade Ben Roethlisberger or Troy Polamalu, if not more so. Smith is the quintessential 3-4 defensive end, so the sheer fact that he put up 44 sacks at that position is amazing. However, he also stuffs the run and occupies lineman so that guys like Joey Porter and Lamar Woodley can run free.
If you need an example of the impact he brings, look no further than 2007. That season, Smith missed the final five games of the season. When he was in the lineup, the Steelers allowed 13.2 points per game. With him out, they allowed a staggering 25.8 points per game. Respect the 3-4 end, people.
Honorable Mention: Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward
San Diego Chargers - Ladainian Tomlinson
2001-Present with Chargers
12,430 Rushing Yards
85 Rushing Touchdowns
4.3 Yards per Carry
5 Pro Bowls
6 All-Pro Selections
2006 NFL MVP
2006 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Once again, if you need an explanation, stick to curling or croquet or whatever it is that your kind play.
Honorable Mention: Jamal Williams, Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman
San Francisco 49ers - Bryant Young
1994-2007 with 49ers
512 Tackles
89.5 Sacks
12 Forced Fumbles
4 Pro Bowls
The Niners haven't had very many consistently good players to choose from this decade, but Young stands out from the crowd. One of the best defensive tackles in the NFL throughout his career, his 89.5 sacks for that position is very impressive, and while his best years were arguably in the 90s, he didn't really lose a step in the new millennium. He was the unquestionable leader of San Fran's defense this decade and still played at a high level despite his team not always doing the same.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Jeff Garcia
Seattle Seahawks - Walter Jones
1997-Present with Seahawks
9 Pro Bowls
7 All-Pro Selections
I don't have any stats to throw at you to convey Jones's greatness like I can with other players, but he has been one of the best left tackles in the game this decade. Walter, along with guard Steve Hutchinson, helped Shaun Alexander rush for 1,880 yards and win the NFL MVP in 2005. He's just good, OK? Stop asking questions.
Honorable Mention: Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Marcus Trufant
St. Louis Rams - Steven Jackson
2004-Present with Rams
6644 Rushing Yards
41 Rushing Touchdowns
4.3 Yards per Carry
1 Pro Bowl
1 All-Pro Selection
At the start of the decade, the Rams were a month away from winning the Super Bowl. Now at the end of the decade, the Rams have clinched the number one pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and there are rumors of the team moving. In the fall from grace known as the 2000s, Steven Jackson has been a bright spot for the organization. Even in this season which they were never competitive, Jackson has ran for 1,353 yards so far and is playing like the Rams are competing for a playoff spot. That's the kind of player St. Louis needs as they rebuild towards the future.
Honorable Mention: Marc Bulger, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Derrick Brooks
1996-2008 with Buccaneers
1301 Tackles
13.5 Sacks
25 Interceptions
24 Fumbles Forced
11 Pro Bowls
9 All-Pro Selections
2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
The Buccaneers have had a bevy of great players this decade, most of them big contributors on the 2002 Super Bowl winning team, but it's Brooks who has been "the man" in Tampa Bay. He was the best player on one of the toughest defenses in NFL history, as well as a leader in the locker room and community throughout the decade. It's no coincidence that Buccaneers are having their worst season in recent memory after releasing Brooks.
Honorable Mention: Warren Sapp, Mike Alstott, Ronde Barber
Tennessee Titans - Steve McNair
1995-2005 with Titans
3841 Passing Yards
59.5 Completion %
83.3 Quarterback Rating
156 Touchdowns
103 Interceptions
3439 Rushing Yards
36 Rushing Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls
1 All-Pro Selection
2003 NFL MVP
The late, great McNair emerged as an elite level quarterback this decade. His 2003 season was one for the ages, as he threw for 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions and had a stellar quarterback rating of 100.4. He was also one of the toughest players in NFL history, as he battled through multiple injuries and still retained his status as a top-flight quarterback. Rest in peace, Air McNair.
Honorable Mention: Keith Bulluck, Chris Johnson, Albert Haynesworth
Washington Redskins - Chris Samuels
2000-Present with Redskins
6 Pro Bowls
1 All-Pro Selection
Samuels was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, and he is likely to retire at the end of this season. So when you think about it, he is quite literally the player of the decade for the Redskins. And while it's been an extremely disappointing decade for Washington, Samuels has consistently been a force on the offensive line. As previously stated, he will likely retire at the end of the season due to injuries so it's disappointing that he has been a member of two winning seasons, but like Jason Hanson, his commitment and loyalty are commendable.
Honorable Mention: Sean Taylor, Clinton Portis, Champ Bailey
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