10 Stars from the 1990s Who Could Play in Today's NFL

There is no doubt that nostalgia for the 1990s is at an all time high. Nickelodeon is showing cartoons from the decade on late night time slots. Beavis and Butthead are back on television.

How about on the gridiron? What players from the decade that introduced us to Zubaz pants, Boyz II Men and the scare around Y2K would still be able to make the cut on the field today?

After some critical stat reviewing, and some high quality YouTube watching, the list has been thinned to 10.

Some stipulations to make this list include playing at least five years in the NFL during the 1990s, and only one player per unit of a team may make this slideshow list (Troy Aikman won't share this slideshow with Emmitt Smith. Ditto for Steve Young and Jerry Rice).

Here are 10 players from the 1990s who could still hang with the players of today.

Jerry Rice

Few players are timeless in the NFL quite like wide receiver Jerry Rice.

While his straight line speed might be low enough for concern (just like it did before his draft), his ability to run crisp routes and separate himself from defenders would make him an instant contributor.

In addition to his skill on the field, his determination and incredibly high work ethic off the field (see linked video) would make him a major asset to his teammates.

The only knock on Rice is that we would have no clue on how he would do with a lesser quality passer. Rice played the majority of his career with Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young.

Morten Andresen

Yes, kicker Morten Andersen is a...kicker.

In my defense, he was incredibly consistent, and is currently the all-time leading scorer in NFL history.

The placement of Andersen in this list is up…and it's good.

Deion Sanders

The monumental talent of cornerback Deion Sanders is only matched by his flashy style.

Playing for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in the decade, he was a fixture in Pro-Bowls throughout his career. Using his speed and form, Sanders would seamlessly make the lives of his rivals very unpleasant.

And that's before mentioning he might give Devin Hester a run for his money. Sanders grew a reputation as an excellent return man.

In a 24 hour sports cycle, there's no doubt that Sanders would provide an endless array of instant quotes from his press conferences.

On a side note, while his style of play ages very well, his musical talents may need some major retooling to prepare for release today.

And a new music video director.

Emmitt Smith

Another player who could make an immediate impact in today's game in Emmitt Smith. In addition to having an ability to gain yards almost automatically, Smith could do so even when the blocking might not have been the best.

While some coaches would consider him too small, his ability to pick up gains would immediately crush any lingering doubts on his ability to contribute.

That only seems natural for Smith, who ended his career holding the record in both career rushing yardage and touchdowns.

Marshall Faulk

Few backs could change a defensive gameplan based on his play quite like Marshall Faulk. His multi-faced skill set would make him an easy move to football in the present day.

His ability to both move the ball as a receiver would be incredibly helpful, especially for a squad that would struggle in initial blocking. It could also shake off the defense, just based on those short pass opportunities.

There's no doubt Faulk could have a gigantic role to play in any offense.

Barry Sanders

Running back legend Barry Sanders would have no problem reacquainting himself with football.

A highlight reel on the field, it's easy to visualize him being a YouTube star for his moves both in games and at practices. In a world where every fake out is grounds for mass celebration, Sanders' video clips would be a chorus of "Ohhhh myy gooodneesss" from online audiences.

The only issue some coaches would have is his frequent backtracking in order to find space. However, one could hope that with better protection, that kind of movement wouldn't be all that necessary any more. 

Reggie White

Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White would have no problem playing in today's game. In addition to his speed, his ability to shed blockers is unquestioned (his 198.5 career sacks is one-and-a-half off the career record set by Bruce Smith).

His faith might also be a big deal in today's game.

In a time where the faith of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has become a big story, it would be very interesting to see how White's scholarly approach to reading scripture would be broadcast out to the public.

Dan Marino

With the Miami Dolphins floundering this season, there's no doubt that having a quarterback like their own Dan Marino would help clear up the situation. 

In addition to being a proven winner, his accurate passing and arm strength would make him an asset to any squad. 

While he didn't win a Super Bowl, there's no doubt in my mind that if placed with some top level talent, it wouldn't be too far out of reach.

Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens during the 1990s, was best known for his ability to slip in to make interceptions.

In addition to being third in career interceptions, he also carries the record for the most touchdowns returned from interceptions.

He also could leave some devastating hits, like the one he placed on Warren Moon that removed him from the game. 

While he might initially struggle with some of the receiver-friendly rules that have been implemented, Woodson's combination of skills would make him devastating addition to any secondary.

Shannon Sharpe

As the NFL celebrated as Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez took over the record of second place for career receptions, it's important to remember that it was trailblazers like Shannon Sharpe who opened that lane in the first place.

Sharpe, for his credit, excelled in adjusting to passes thrown his way, and in getting away from initial defenders near the line.

With the receiving tight end a higher priority for most teams, Sharpe would easily find himself fitting in just fine.