Every Power 5 College Football Team's Most Talented NFL Star of All Time
Major-conference college football teams have produced some of the biggest stars in NFL history, and the upcoming draft may include players who are set to join that group.
But we're looking at—and appreciating—the past, as well as several current luminaries. While this year's prospects are full of potential, legends from Power Five schools (plus Notre Dame) boast immense production from their time in the NFL.
Since the list is based on conference affiliation in 2016, a program's previous membership is not considered. For example, Miami was an independent in the mid-1980s—the era of its greatest star—but today is a part of the ACC.
Among other factors, we used statistics, Pro Bowl appearances, Super Bowl rings and inductions into the Pro Football Hall of Fame to create the list.
Alabama
1 of 65
Joe Namath, QB
Other Alabama players have recorded better numbers, but "Broadway Joe" Namath is a legend.
The 1965 AFL Rookie of the Year, Namath is most famous for guaranteeing a win in Super Bowl III and backing it up, earning Super Bowl MVP. The quarterback won Player of the Year twice.
Namath, a five-time Pro Bowler, tallied 27,663 passing yards and 173 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Arizona
2 of 65
Tedy Bruschi, LB
Tedy Bruschi spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls and heading to the Pro Bowl once. He accrued 735 total tackles, 12 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles.
Most impressively, the linebacker was named the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a stroke. He initially intended to sit out the season but ended up playing nine games.
Bruschi occupies a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Canton could be next.
Arizona State
3 of 65
Mike Haynes, CB
The No. 5 overall pick of the New England Patriots in 1976, Mike Haynes exploded onto the NFL scene. He snatched what would be a career-best eight picks en route to being named Rookie of the Year.
Overall, Haynes tallied 46 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. The nine-time Pro Bowler also took two punts to the house.
He was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII-winning Los Angeles Raiders. The Patriots retired Haynes' No. 40, and the cornerback joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Arkansas
4 of 65
Lance Alworth, WR
Of players whose career ended in the 1970s, only Don Maynard has more receiving yards than Lance Alworth.
He starred at Arkansas and claimed a place in the College Football Hall of Fame and then notched seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the San Diego Chargers, who retired Alworth's No. 19.
A 1978 Pro Hall of Fame inductee, the seven-time Pro Bowler amassed 10,266 yards and 85 touchdowns. As a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Alworth was a part of the winning team in Super Bowl VI.
Auburn
5 of 65
Cam Newton, QB
Bo Jackson is the best athlete to emerge from Auburn, but he only recorded 2,782 yards and 16 touchdowns. That's not the definition of a brilliant NFL career.
On the other hand, Cam Newton is headed for one.
After winning a Heisman Trophy and national championship in college, Newton has guided the Carolina Panthers to three straight division titles and one NFC championship.
He was the 2011 Rookie of the Year and 2015 MVP, is a three-time Pro Bowler and already has more rushing yards (3,207) and scores (43) than Jackson. Newton has five consecutive 3,000-yard passing seasons for a total of 18,263 with 117 touchdowns.
Baylor
6 of 65
Mike Singletary, LB
Baylor's recent teams are recognized for their offensive prowess, but the school's best NFL player excelled on defense.
Mike Singletary spent 12 seasons on the Chicago Bears and reached 10 Pro Bowls. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was a critical part of the franchise's Super Bowl XX win.
He registered 885 solo tackles, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame—where he was inducted in 1998.
Boston College
7 of 65
Matt Ryan, QB
Although Doug Flutie is the best-known Boston College product, his NFL career was relatively mediocre.
Perhaps someone will say Matt Ryan isn't more than an above-average quarterback, but he's eclipsed Flutie in terms of production. Ryan has thrown for 32,757 yards and 202 touchdowns compared to just 14,715 and 86 for Flutie.
Ryan was the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year, has appeared in four postseasons and has earned three trips to the Pro Bowl. He holds Atlanta Falcons records in completions, yards and touchdowns.
Luke Kuechly will have a chance to overtake Ryan, but the gunslinger holds Boston College's No. 1 place for now.
Cal
8 of 65
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Patience defines Aaron Rodgers' career. He waited a stunning 24 picks on draft night and then spent a few seasons as Brett Favre's backup. Now, Rodgers extends plays to shred defenses.
Heading into 2016, the Green Bay Packers superstar has 32,399 passing yards and 257 touchdowns compared to 65 picks. His 1.6 interception percentage is the best mark in NFL history, per Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Rodgers has also scampered for 21 touchdowns, collecting five Pro Bowls, two league MVPs and a Super Bowl ring in the process.
Clemson
9 of 65
Brian Dawkins, S
Clemson is starting to produce more NFL talent, but the prospects will be chasing Brian Dawkins for this honor.
A 16-year pro, Dawkins registered 1,131 tackles, 37 interceptions, 36 fumbles and three defensive touchdowns. He tallied 120 pass deflections and 26 sacks.
Dawkins made nine Pro Bowls and is a top-15 safety in league history. The Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he won an NFC championship, retired Dawkins' No. 20.
Colorado
10 of 65
Kordell Stewart, QB
Slash was a dual-threat quarterback before it was popular.
During his first year as a full-time starter, Kordell Stewart threw for 3,020 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding 476 yards and 11 scores on the ground. No quarterback had previously accomplished those numbers in the same season, and only Newton has since.
Later on, Stewart was named the 2001 AFC Offensive Player of the Year and received a Pro Bowl nod. He accumulated 14,746 passing yards, 2,874 rushing yards, 658 receiving yards and 120 total touchdowns.
Duke
11 of 65
Sonny Jurgensen, QB
The Duke product assembled a terrific run from 1961 to 1970 as a starting quarterback for Philadelphia and Washington.
Sonny Jurgensen led the NFL in passing five times, ultimately recording 32,224 yards and 355 touchdowns. He earned five Pro Bowl nods during that stretch.
His lone championship came as an Eagles backup in 1960, and Jurgensen entered the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Florida
12 of 65
Emmitt Smith, RB
A three-time Super Bowl champion, Emmitt Smith was a workhorse.
Just once in 15 seasons did Smith not reach at least 937 yards. No wonder he's the all-time leading rusher with 18,355. Smith paced the NFL four times, each one as a member of the Cowboys.
While the eight-time Pro Bowler scored 164 times on the ground, he also snared 515 passes for 3,224 yards and 11 more touchdowns. Smith was the 1990 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, 1993 MVP and a 2010 Hall of Fame inductee.
Florida State
13 of 65
Deion Sanders, CB
Few superstars changed teams as many times as Deion Sanders did. That's not a slight on the former Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys, Washington and Baltimore Ravens standout.
Sanders totaled 513 tackles, 53 picks, 10 defensive scores and 10 forced fumbles in his career. The eight-time Pro Bowler and 1994 Defensive Player of the Year returned six punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns.
A member of the 2011 Hall of Fame class, Sanders won consecutive Super Bowls—first with the 49ers and then with the Cowboys.
Georgia
14 of 65
Fran Tarkenton, QB
A Super Bowl championship evaded Fran Tarkenton. Few other accomplishments did during his 18-year career.
The league MVP in 1975, Tarkenton claimed nine Pro Bowl bids, three NFC championships and a place in the Hall of Fame. He threw for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns, tacking on 3,674 yards and 32 scores as a runner.
Tarkenton is the Minnesota Vikings franchise leader in wins, completions, yards and touchdowns. The team retired his No. 10 jersey.
Georgia Tech
15 of 65
Calvin Johnson, WR
Known for an absurd combination of size and speed, Megatron dominated cornerbacks for nearly a decade with the Detroit Lions.
In a surprise, Calvin Johnson—the single-season record-holder with 1,964 receiving yards—retired following the 2015 campaign.
Johnson was the fastest receiver to reach 10,000 yards, collecting 11,619 on 731 receptions. The six-time Pro Bowler scored 83 touchdowns, which ranks 22nd in league history.
Illinois
16 of 65
Dick Butkus, LB
A college football award is named after Dick Butkus, but his NFL days will never be forgotten.
In a nine-year stretch with the Bears, he became a fearless hitter. Butkus notched 132 total tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 1970, a year that encapsulated his dominance.
Butkus smashed an unknown amount of runners, forcing 27 fumbles, picking off 22 passes and earning eight Pro Bowl nods en route to the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Indiana
17 of 65
Pete Pihos, WR
Early in his career, Pete Pihos achieved the pinnacle of team accolades. He won championships with the Eagles in 1948 and 1949.
After winning the titles, the wideout racked up individual honors. Pihos was named a Pro Bowler from 1950 to 1955 and became the 10th player ever to top 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
Pihos caught 373 passes for 5,619 yards and 62 touchdowns and entered the Hall of Fame in 1970.
Iowa
18 of 65
Paul Krause, S
If Bob Sanders could have stayed healthy, he'd probably lead Iowa products. Instead, the honor goes to a fellow safety.
Paul Krause snatched 12 interceptions as a rookie for Washington in 1964. He simply never stopped picking off quarterbacks. Krause, who spent 12 years with Minnesota, still holds an NFL record with 81 career interceptions.
The eight-time Pro Bowler forced 19 fumbles, won three NFC championships and claimed one league title. Krause donned a gold jacket for the Hall of Fame in 1998.
Iowa State
19 of 65
Matt Blair, LB
NFL success isn't exactly synonymous with Iowa State, but Matt Blair put together a commendable run.
The linebacker received six Pro Bowl nods and was a part of two Vikings teams that won NFC championships. He recovered 20 fumbles and intercepted 16 passes.
Blair's 1,452 tackles ranks second-best in franchise history, and he leads Minnesota with 20 blocked kicks.
Kansas
20 of 65
Gale Sayers, RB
Injuries kept The Kansas Comet from attaining greatness, but Gale Sayers was nevertheless a special talent.
He built an impressive resume, running for 4,956 yards and 39 touchdowns as well as logging 112 receptions for 1,307 yards and nine scores. Sayers posted a tremendous 30.6-yard kick-return average, taking back a total of eight kicks or punts to the house.
During two of his four healthy seasons, Sayers led the NFL in rushing. He garnered a Pro Bowl nod in each of those four years. The Hall of Fame welcomed Sayers in 1977.
Kansas State
21 of 65
Larry Brown, RB
Jordy Nelson and Darren Sproles are closing quickly, but Larry Brown holds an ever-so-slight advantage.
He spent eight seasons as a member of the Washington backfield, leading the league in rushing once. Brown earned the 1972 MVP, piling up 1,689 total yards and 12 combined touchdowns.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Brown had 5,875 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, adding 238 receptions, 2,485 yards and 20 more touchdowns in the air.
Kentucky
22 of 65
George Blanda, QB/K
A versatile point-producer, George Blanda logged a stunning 27 NFL seasons. He was a starting quarterback for the Bears and Houston Oilers, finishing as a kicker for the Raiders.
Blanda tossed 236 touchdown passes and ran in nine scores. The four-time Pro Bowler tallied 943 extra points—boasting a 98.3 success rate—and booted 335 field goals.
He was the 1961 Player of the Year and retired as the only player to achieve 2,000 career points. Blanda entered the Hall of Fame in 1981.
Louisville
23 of 65
Johnny Unitas, QB
The Golden Arm directed the Baltimore Colts to three titles, including a Super Bowl V victory over the Cowboys.
Johnny Unitas accrued 40,239 and 290 touchdowns through the air, pacing the league four times in each category. He scampered for 1,777 yards and 13 scores too.
A 1979 Hall of Fame inductee, Unitas grabbed 10 Pro Bowl nods and three Most Valuable Player awards.
LSU
24 of 65
Alan Faneca, G
"The guard position, he almost redefined it," ex-Steelers coach Bill Cowher said of Alan Faneca, per the team's site. "He was a guy who could block at the point of attack but also block in space."
A member of Pittsburgh's 2005 Super Bowl squad, Faneca was a Pro Bowler during nine straight years and a stalwart on NFL All-Pro teams.
Faneca is not enshrined in the Hall of Fame, but he was a finalist in 2016—the first time he was eligible. Canton will come calling soon enough for the guard.
Maryland
25 of 65
Randy White, DL/LB
"His performances range anywhere from spectacular to spectacular," former Cowboys coach Tom Landry once said of Randy White, according to the Dallas Morning News.
After two years at linebacker, White moved to defensive tackle and put up numbers that were flat-out ridiculous. He topped the 100-tackle barrier five times, gathering 1,104 total with 111 sacks during 14 seasons, per the team's official site.
The 1994 Hall of Fame inductee made nine Pro Bowls, won three NFC championships and lifted a Super Bowl trophy once.
Miami
26 of 65
Michael Irvin, WR
The Playmaker eased into excellence, but only Jerry Rice was a more productive receiver than Michael Irvin in his prime.
From 1991 to 1995, Irvin caught 449 passes for 7,039 yards and 38 touchdowns. He received Pro Bowl nods each year, and the Cowboys won three Super Bowls.
Irvin, who entered the Hall of Fame in 2007 after two years as a finalist, totaled 750 receptions, 11,904 yards and 65 scores.
Michigan
27 of 65
Tom Brady, QB
A sixth-round pick in 2000, Tom Brady has assembled a pretty decent career. That is, if you like championships.
Since taking over under center for the New England Patriots, the franchise has claimed four Super Bowl victories. Brady has the most playoff wins in NFL history.
Through the 2015 campaign, he's accumulated 58,028 yards and 428 touchdowns. The three-time Super Bowl and two-time league MVP has 11 Pro Bowl nods, two Offensive Player of the Year awards and a Comeback Player of the Year award.
Brady is probably never leaving this position.
Michigan State
28 of 65
Herb Adderley, CB
Winning a championship was simply a part of Herb Adderley's routine.
The Hall of Fame cornerback claimed six league titles, winning five with the Packers (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967) and another in Dallas (1971)—which includes three Super Bowls (I, II, VI).
Adderley picked off 48 passes and returned seven for touchdowns. He recovered 14 fumbles, forced nine and reached five Pro Bowls. He joined the Hall of Fame in 1980.
Minnesota
29 of 65
Bronko Nagurski, FB
Complete stats for Bronko Nagurski's career are unavailable, but the descriptions of his ability will suffice.
"There was something strange about tackling Nagurski," Bears teammate Red Grange said, according to the team's official site. "When you hit him at the ankles, it is almost like getting an electric shock. If you hit him above the ankles, you are likely to get killed."
Nagurski powered his way to at least 2,778 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns and a 1963 induction into the Hall of Fame.
Mississippi State
30 of 65
D.D. Lewis, LB
Following a Hall of Fame-worthy college career at Mississippi State, D.D. Lewis joined the professional ranks and slowly worked his way into Cowboys history.
Lewis was a part of five NFC championship teams and two Dallas squads that won a Super Bowl.
Overall, the linebacker appeared in 186 games, recovered 14 fumbles and snatched eight interceptions. Tackles were not an official stat at the time, but Lewis registered several hundred.
Missouri
31 of 65
Kellen Winslow, TE
For decades, blocking was the most important ability for a tight end. Kellen Winslow helped create a new normal.
During his second and third NFL seasons, Winslow led the NFL with 89 and 88 receptions, respectively. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in both years, hauling in 19 total touchdowns.
Winslow, a five-time Pro Bowler, snared 541 passes for 6,741 yards and 45 scores. The Hall of Fame added him in 1995.
Nebraska
32 of 65
Will Shields, OL
"He didn't want to let anybody down. As long as he could physically get up for each game, he could play," BJ Kissel of the Chiefs official site notes former team executive Carl Peterson said of Will Shields.
The offensive lineman logged 224 appearances throughout his 14-year career, quite literally never missing a given Sunday. It's also the most games played in franchise history.
Shields went to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls and received a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2015.
North Carolina
33 of 65
Lawrence Taylor, LB
The 1980s belonged to Lawrence Taylor, who checked off the Pro Bowl box from 1981 to 1990.
L.T. earned Defensive Player of the Year honors during his first two seasons, unsurprisingly adding a Rookie of the Year accolade. Taylor grabbed Defensive Player of the Year and league MVP in 1986 when he notched 20.5 sacks, the second-highest single-season output at that time.
Taylor racked up 1,088 total tackles, 132.5 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries and nine interceptions, leading to a 1999 Hall of Fame induction.
North Carolina State
34 of 65
Philip Rivers, QB
The Chargers gunslinger likely won't be included in many "best quarterback to never win a Super Bowl" lists, but Philip Rivers has massive numbers and no rings.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Rivers has posted seven 4,000-yard seasons as well as eight straight years of at least 26 touchdown passes. In all, he's put up 41,447 yards and 281 scores.
Rivers, the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year, is the franchise record-holder for wins, completions and touchdowns. Needing just 1,594 yards in 2016 to eclipse the team record for passing yards, Rivers will soon own that mark too.
Northwestern
35 of 65
Otto Graham, QB
"The test of a quarterback is where his team finishes. By that standard, Otto was the best of them all," former Cleveland head coach Paul Brown said, per Larry Schwartz of ESPN.com.
It's hard to disagree, considering the Browns won seven championships during Graham's 10-year tenure.
A 1965 Hall of Fame inductee, he tossed 174 touchdowns while collecting 23,584 yards and running for 44 more scores. Graham earned five Pro Bowl nods and three MVPs.
Notre Dame
36 of 65
Joe Montana, QB
Few football resumes have more accolades than Joe Montana's. Honestly, you could look at four Super Bowl victories, find yourself satisfied and move along.
But we won't.
Montana registered 40,551 passing yards and 273 touchdowns, collecting an additional 1,676 yards and 20 scores on the ground. The eight-time Pro Bowler won three Super Bowl MVPs, two NFL MVPs and one Offensive Player of the Year.
Upon his retirement, the Hall of Fame reserved a place for Montana as a first-ballot inductee in 2000.
Ohio State
37 of 65
Cris Carter, WR
The journey to superstardom isn't easy. For Cris Carter, the path included overcoming alcohol and drug abuse, which resulted in the Eagles cutting him following the 1989 season.
Carter caught on with Minnesota and turned his life around while sending defensive backs in the wrong direction.
His 1,101 receptions and 130 touchdowns each rank No. 4 in league history. The eight-time Pro Bowler and 2013 Hall of Fame inductee's 13,899-yard career output is 12th-best.
Oklahoma
38 of 65
Lee Roy Selmon, DE
If you prefer Adrian Peterson, the argument is valid. He's at No. 17 on the all-time rushing list and rising.
Lee Roy Selmon, however, has owned Oklahoma's place for three decades since terrorizing offensive lines from 1976 to 1984 on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He earned six trips to the Pro Bowl and a Defensive Player of the Year honor, recording 742 tackles with 78.5 sacks. Selmon donned a gold jacket in 1995, and the team retired his No. 63 jersey.
Oklahoma State
39 of 65
Barry Sanders, RB
After a decade of highlight-reel jukes and stealing the pride of countless defenders, Barry Sanders retired while still productive.
The Lions legend posted 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, collecting a staggering 2,053 in his 1997 MVP season. At the time of retirement, Sanders was second all-time with 15,269 yards.
Every year, he made the Pro Bowl. Sanders added a pair of Offensive Player of the Year honors, a Rookie of the Year and one MVP in a career with 109 total touchdowns. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Ole Miss
40 of 65
Eli Manning, QB
New England's greatest Super Bowl enemy, Eli Manning has soared to the top of New York's franchise record book.
Through 12 years, he adds to completion, yardage and touchdown benchmarks with every throw. Manning has 44,191 yards—which ranks No. 11 in NFL annals—and is eighth at 294 scores.
Major regular-season awards have escaped the Ole Miss product, but Manning is a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP.
Oregon
41 of 65
Dan Fouts, QB
A leader of the NFL's shift to the aerial attack, Dan Fouts once owned the two best single-season passing outputs.
The 1993 Hall of Fame inductee amassed 43,040 yards and 254 touchdowns during a 15-year career with the Chargers. He held every franchise record before Rivers' ascent.
Fouts, whose No. 14 jersey is retired in San Diego, made six Pro Bowls and was the 1982 Offensive Player of the Year.
Oregon State
42 of 65
Chad Johnson, WR
When the No Fun League cracked down on celebrations, Chad Johnson started losing money. Using a pylon to putt the football, though, was genius in action.
The six-time Pro Bowler spent a majority of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson—once Ochocinco—posted top-50 NFL ranks of 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns.
Although the 2011 campaign—his lone year in New England—was statistically forgettable, it was the only season Johnson won an AFC championship.
Penn State
43 of 65
Franco Harris, RB
Penn State's position could be shared. Franco Harris and Jack Ham were essential pieces of the 1970s Steelers dynasty.
Tie goes to the record holder.
A member of four Super Bowl-winning teams, the running back owns franchise marks with 11,950 yards and 91 touchdowns. Harris snagged 306 passes for 2,287 yards, though no regular-season catch tops his "Immaculate Reception" in the 1972 playoffs.
Harris was the 1972 Offensive Rookie of the Year and Super Bowl IX MVP and was enshrined in Canton as a member of the 1990 class.
Pittsburgh
44 of 65
Dan Marino, QB
Tony Dorsett had an outstanding career, and Mike Ditka is a legend, but Dan Marino helped usher in the pass-first era of the NFL.
He was the first quarterback to ever eclipse the 5,000-yard barrier, throwing for a then-record 48 touchdowns in 1984. Unfortunately, that was the year Marino made his only Super Bowl appearance, and the Miami Dolphins lost to the 49ers.
Marino amassed 61,361 yards, 420 touchdowns, nine Pro Bowls, one league MVP, one Comeback Player of the Year, a bust in Canton and franchise records in every significant category.
Purdue
45 of 65
Drew Brees, QB
Practically every rule has an exception. Drew Brees is an undersized quarterback who turned into a superstar.
Standing just 6'0", the New Orleans Saints gunslinger has literally stood on his toes for 15 NFL seasons. However, Brees has recorded at least 4,388 passing yards during all 10 years in New Orleans.
The nine-time Pro Bowler boasts two Comeback Player of the Year and Offensive POY honors. Brees, the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV, has paced the NFL with touchdowns four times and yards six times.
If he manages to play three more healthy seasons, Brees will likely end his career as the all-time leading passer.
Rutgers
46 of 65
Deron Cherry, DB
An undrafted punter out of Rutgers, Deron Cherry developed into one of the 1980s' best safeties.
Per the team's official site, he recorded 927 tackles, 50 interceptions, 15 fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns. Cherry was a Pro Bowl honoree in six straight seasons.
The Chiefs put Cherry into the franchise's Hall of Fame, but he's often considered a snub when discussing the shrines in Canton.
South Carolina
47 of 65
Sterling Sharpe, WR
Injuries are a nuisance. Sterling Sharpe seemed destined for a sensational NFL career before a neck problem cut it short.
When his brother Shannon was inducted into the Hall of Fame, per Doug Farrar of Yahoo, Shannon said, "I'm the only player of 267 men that's walked through this building to my left that can honestly say this: I'm the only pro football player that's in the Hall of Fame, and the second best player in my own family."
Sterling, a seven-year star for Green Bay, notched 595 receptions, 8,134 yards and 79 touchdowns. The five-time Pro Bowler is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.
Stanford
48 of 65
John Elway, QB
Andrew Luck has "legend" potential, but he's a long way behind John Elway's superstar status.
Elway cranked out 148 wins during a 16-year career in Denver, throwing for 51,475 yards and 300 touchdowns. He scampered for 3,407 yards and tacked on 33 trips to the end zone.
The nine-time Pro Bowler won five AFC championships, hoisted two Super Bowl trophies, claimed league MVP once and secured a bust in Canton, entering the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Syracuse
49 of 65
Jim Brown, RB
What the Syracuse product accomplished, well, it's borderline unfathomable. Jim Brown played nine NFL seasons and led the league in rushing eight times.
Eight. Of. Nine.
Brown shattered the previous all-time record, stepping away from football at just 29 years old after piling up 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. He also caught 262 passes for 2,499 yards and 20 scores.
The 1971 Hall of Fame class member made the Pro Bowl every season, claimed three MVP honors, won a championship and was Rookie of the Year.
TCU
50 of 65
Sammy Baugh, QB/P
Today's NFL wouldn't be the same without Slingin' Sammy Baugh. He "helped revolutionize pro football, making the forward pass a routine play from scrimmage," according to ESPN.com's Larry Schwartz.
A 16-year professional for Washington, the quarterback tallied 21,886 yards and 187 touchdowns. Baugh led two championship teams and twice earned Player of the Year.
Oh, and the 1963 Hall of Fame inductee is a legendary punter too. Until a recent surge, his 45.1-yard average was tops in league history. Baugh's 51.4-yard clip in 1940 remains No. 1.
Tennessee
51 of 65
Peyton Manning, QB
Farewell tours don't have better endings than winning it all. Peyton Manning left the NFL as a champion.
The all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, the Tennessee product hoisted his second Lombardi Trophy in 2015. Manning won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.
In addition to numerous other records, Manning finished his career with 14 Pro Bowls, five league MVPs and a Comeback Player of the Year award. He's undoubtedly bound for Canton.
Texas
52 of 65
Earl Campbell, RB
Drafted No. 1 overall in 1978, Earl Campbell wasted no time making an impression for the Houston Oilers.
The Texas product paced the NFL in rushing during each of his first three campaigns, including a 1,934-yard performance in 1980. Campbell was the Offensive Player of the Year all three seasons.
Campbell edged the 1,300-yard mark five times, totaling 9,407 in just nine years. The five-time Pro Bowler received his well-deserved gold jacket in 1991.
Texas A&M
53 of 65
Yale Lary, S/P
A third Lions lifer, Yale Lary headlined Detroit rosters for 12 seasons—with a two-year break in 1954 and 1955 while he was on active military duty.
Lary grabbed 50 interceptions and recovered 13 fumbles while also contributing as a punter. His 44.3-yard career average remains the 24th-best mark in NFL history.
Nine Pro Bowls, three league championships and a 1979 Hall of Fame induction highlight Lary's resume.
Texas Tech
54 of 65
Wes Welker, WR
Apparently, Texas Tech breeds undersized superstars. Zach Thomas, a 5'11" linebacker, eclipsed the 1,000-tackle mark for his career and would be an excellent choice for this honor.
But Wes Welker was once the league's premier slot receiver and is now considered the benchmark for the position.
Though a recent concussion issue has overshadowed his career, the 5'9" target has caught 903 passes for 9,924 yards and 50 scores. Welker was a primary target for both Brady and Manning—something no other receiver can say.
Welker never experienced a Super Bowl victory, but he received five Pro Bowl nods and won three AFC championships.
UCLA
55 of 65
Jonathan Ogden, LT
Although Troy Aikman won three Super Bowls, Jonathan Ogden is among the greatest left tackles in league history. At worst, he's the best of the 2000-2009 decade.
"It was amazing watching how easily, fluidly and violently [he] played left tackle," Steve Wyche said on NFL.com. "He was seemingly too tall and massive to be able to keep up against some of the great pass-rushers and run-stuffers in the NFL, but he simply annihilated most of them."
Ogden was an 11-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXXV champion. He headed to Canton in 2013.
USC
56 of 65
Ronnie Lott, S
Many terrific NFL players have worn a USC uniform, but Ronnie Lott tackled several of them.
A member of the 1,000-tackle club, the hard-hitting safety jarred 16 balls loose and recovered 17 fumbles. He intercepted 63 passes, leading the league with 10 in 1986.
Lott gathered most of his accolades while with the 49ers, who won four Super Bowls when he roamed the secondary. The 2000 Hall of Fame inductee notched 10 Pro Bowl bids.
Utah
57 of 65
Steve Smith Sr., WR
We thought 2015 would be Steve Smith's final year. After an Achilles injury prematurely ended his farewell tour, the Utah standout decided he'd give 2016 a try.
If the former Panthers and current Ravens star manages to reach 1,003 yards, Smith could hang up the cleats as the No. 6 receiver in NFL history. He's at 13,932 yards, thanks to 961 career receptions—76 of which resulted in six points.
Smith has reached five Pro Bowls, won an NFC championship with Carolina and claimed a Comeback Player of the Year award.
Vanderbilt
58 of 65
Will Wolford, OL
Fans and franchises alike hope a first-round draft pick can supplant a fringe starter. Will Wolford jumped in at right tackle for the Bills as a rookie before shifting out to left tackle.
Wolford started all 191 of his NFL appearances, which spanned a 13-year timeline, three teams and three positions. The Vanderbilt product's best years came in Buffalo, where he achieved Pro Bowl status twice. Wolford tacked on one more with the Colts.
He protected Jim Kelly's blind side during three (1990, 1991, 1992) of the Bills' four straight AFC titles.
Virginia
59 of 65
Ronde Barber, CB
Reliability is an important trait. Ronde Barber's 240-game streak is practically the definition of it.
The cornerback spent all 16 years with the Bucs, collecting 1,231 total tackles, 47 interceptions and 12 defensive touchdowns. He defended 166 passes, had 28 sacks, forced 15 fumbles and recovered 12.
Barber made five Pro Bowls and was a member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning 2002 team. He's eligible for Hall of Fame voting in 2018.
Virginia Tech
60 of 65
Bruce Smith, DE
One of these days, a defensive star might close in on Bruce Smith's career sack record. For around another decade—at least—however, the 2009 Hall of Fame inductee will be the master.
He spent 15 seasons with Buffalo, ending a tremendous tenure with four years in Washington. Eleven years and two Defensive Player of the Year honors later, the D-end accumulated exactly 200 sacks.
Smith tallied 1,075 tackles, forced 43 fumbles and recovered 15, helping the Bills win four straight AFC championships.
Wake Forest
61 of 65
Bill George, LB
The Bears seem to have cycled through superstar after superstar at middle linebacker. Bill George was the first.
Literally.
"Bill George was the first great middle linebacker," former Bears coach Abe Gibron said, per the team's official site. "He brought all the romance and charisma to the position. He was like having Clark Shaughnessy on the field. He called all the plays and had a special knack for it."
An eight-time Pro Bowler over 15 seasons, the 1974 Hall of Fame inductee registered 19 fumble recoveries and 18 interceptions in addition to the assuredly many uncounted tackles.
Washington
62 of 65
Warren Moon, QB
Had he not spent five (championship-winning) seasons in the Canadian Football League, there's a legitimate chance Warren Moon would still be the NFL all-time passing yardage leader.
The strong-armed quarterback retired with 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns after 17 years in the NFL, mostly with the Oilers. He also ran for 1,736 yards and 22 more scores.
Moon's path to entering the Hall of Fame in 2006 traveled through nine Pro Bowl nods, numerous franchise records and an Offensive Player of the Year award.
Washington State
63 of 65
Drew Bledsoe, QB
A championship eluded Drew Bledsoe when he was a starter. An injury forced him out of the lineup in 2001, which allowed a young kid named Tom Brady to take over and lead a Super Bowl run.
Nevertheless, Bledsoe put together a solid 14-year tenure with the Patriots, Bills and Cowboys. The four-time Pro Bowler threw for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdowns.
Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers figure to pass Bledsoe in 2016, but he currently ranks No. 10 on the career passing list.
West Virginia
64 of 65
Sam Huff, LB
Most teams today run a 3-4 defense. But when then-New York Giants defensive coordinator Tom Landry instituted a 4-3 alignment, Sam Huff was the legendary coach's first star.
"Landry built the 4-3 defense around me," Huff said in an interview, according to Nate Davis of USA Today. "It revolutionized defense and opened the door for all the variations of zones and man-to-man coverage, which are used in conjunction with it today."
Huff recorded 30 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles during a 13-year career that included five Pro Bowls, one league title and a 1982 induction into the Hall of Fame.
Wisconsin
65 of 65
J.J. Watt, DE
It's fitting that Wisconsin's top two candidates are linemen. Cleveland Browns stalwart Joe Thomas is one of this generation's best left tackles.
But J.J. Watt is on track to become a legend.
He's only played five seasons in the NFL, but the Houston Texans standout owns three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He's tallied 74.5 sacks—which already ranks in the top 70 in league history—45 pass deflections and 15 forced fumbles.
Once Watt—a four-time Pro Bowler—matches Thomas' longevity, there will no longer be an argument.
Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
