The NFL Network’s countdown of the top 100 players concluded yesterday. The top rated QB was Joe Montana, and I certainly don’t have a problem with that. People will argue he was a system quarterback, but I would argue he was success with two different teams.
Sweetness landed in the number five spot . . . he should have been ranked higher. But I thought it was cool that he was presented by Jim Brown. Did you know when he broke the NFL rushing record that it didn’t even make the first page of the sports section in Chicago? The bigger news was the Cubs’ playoff run.
The 49’ers has three players, teammates in the 80’s, in the top eleven.
It was interesting that Bert Reynolds presented Jim Brown.
I don’t have a problem with Jerry Rice being labeled the greatest wide receiver of all time, but I don’t think he’s the greatest to player of in the history of the league. The man had the benefit of playing for both Montana and Young, and although a trendsetting, he’s records aren’t untouchable anymore. Don’t believe me, compare T.O.’s stats to his and you’ll be surprised.
My top seven in no specific order: Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Gayle Sayers, Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, Sammy Baugh, Rafael Septien.
Number of Players in teh Top 100 by Decade:
1920s – 3
1930s – 5
1940s – 7
1950s – 13
1960s – 23
1970s – 15
1980s – 19
1990s -12
2000s – 3
I’m not sure how they broke that down because many of those players played in more than one decade, so I’m assuming they chose by the number of years played in a decade.
Teams With Most Players in Top 100
1978 Steelers – 6
1958 Colts – 5
1966 Packers – 5
1995 Cowboys – 5
1976 Raiders – 4
How silly is this list? Well, lets talk about the great Tony Gonzalez who comes in at #45. Per this list he is greater than #46 Roger Staubach, #47 Ray Nitschke, #52 Eric Dickerson, #55 Earl Campbell, #58 Mike Singletary?
For the heck of it I would like to see a list, albeit a much shorter list, of best coaches, GMs, and owners. And for the heck of it, cheerleaders.
What’s male has the best job? I would argue Steve Sabol. What are your suggestions?
Since 1969 the Pittsburgh Steelers have only had three head coaches. Since 1969, the Cowboys have had seven, counting Wade Phillips.
Letterman beat Leno all last week in the ratings that count, but surprisingly Jon Stewart has beaten them all. UncleBarky
I would add Johnny Unitas and Dick Butkus to your list. These lists are a waste of time for me because it is impossible to evaluate the players of the past against today's players. Most of the list makers are too young to accurately remember the players from the 50's or even the 60's. Also the earlier eras did not play the same number of games. There were fewer teams which may have made the individual teams stronger because the talent pool did not have to be spread as thin. On the other hand, players of today are much bigger and probably faster. The offensive unit of the National Champion Texas Longhorns from a few years back was bigger, man-for-man, than the defensive unit of the 1986 Chicago Bear Superbowl team. Vince Young was bigger than all of the Bears' linebackers.
I would add Johnny Unitas and Dick Butkus to your list. These lists are a waste of time for me because it is impossible to evaluate the players of the past against today's players. Most of the list makers are too young to accurately remember the players from the 50's or even the 60's. Also the earlier eras did not play the same number of games. There were fewer teams which may have made the individual teams stronger because the talent pool did not have to be spread as thin. On the other hand, players of today are much bigger and probably faster. The offensive unit of the National Champion Texas Longhorns from a few years back was bigger, man-for-man, than the defensive unit of the 1986 Chicago Bear Superbowl team. Vince Young was bigger than all of the Bears' linebackers.