The 75th NFL Anniversary All-Time Team (1 Viewer)

[Horrorshow]

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

Offense

QB Sammy Baugh

QB Otto Graham

QB Joe Montana

QB Johnny Unitas

RB Jim Brown

RB Marion Motley

RB Bronko Nagurski

RB Walter Payton

RB Gale Sayers

RB O.J. Simpson

RB Steve Van Buren

WR Lance Alworth

WR Raymond Berry

WR Don Hutson

WR Jerry Rice

TE Mike Ditka

TE Kellen Winslow

T Roosevelt Brown

T Forrest Gregg

T Anthony Muñoz

G John Hannah

G Jim Parker

G Gene Upshaw

C Mel Hein

C Mike Webster

Defense

DE David (Deacon) Jones

DE Gino Marchetti

DE Reggie White

DT Joe Greene

DT Bob Lilly

DT Merlin Olsen

LB **** Butkus

LB Jack Ham

LB Ted Hendricks

LB Jack Lambert

LB Willie Lanier

LB Ray Nitschke

LB Lawrence Taylor

CB Mel Blount

CB Mike Haynes

CB **** (Night Train) Lane

CB Rod Woodson

S Ken Houston

S Ronnie Lott

S Larry Wilson

Specialists

P Ray Guy

K Jan Stenerud

PR Billy (White Shoes) Johnson

KR Gale Sayers

 

[infantsam]

Peyton Manning

Barry Sanders

Ray Lewis

Tony Gonzalez

Too early to tell - but....

Champ Bailey

Troy Polamalu

LT2

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

QB Tom Brady

P/K R Devin Hester

RB Marshall Faulk

 

[paydrt]

John Elway

Bruce Smith

Peyton Manning

Tom Brady

 

[Pat Patriot]

Peyton Manning

Barry Sanders

Ray Lewis

Tony Gonzalez

Too early to tell - but....

Champ Bailey

Troy Polamalu

LT2

I dont think he belongs on that list. He's not the best safety in the league now.

 

[Pat Patriot]

John ElwayBruce SmithPeyton ManningTom Brady

I think you would HAVE to include Barry Sanders on that list.Ray Lewis would probably challenge for a spot.Bruce Matthews maybe somewhere along the OLine but that is a strong group.

 

[Mister CIA]

Deion Sanders.

 

[Boston]

Vinatieri

 

[matuski]

Larry Allen

 

[Mister CIA]

Charles Haley.

 

[Boston]

A few others who haven't been mentioned yet:

*If Tomlinson keeps up the pace he'll make a good case to find a way onto that list.

*Darrell Green has to be considered right up there but with only four CBs that's a tough roster to crack.

*He still has a ways to go but if Ed Reed can sustain his current level of play he can be mentioned with any safety not named Lott.

 

[The Shizzle]

Vinatieri

Beat me to it.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Obviously not all of these guys would make it, but all would challenge IMO:

Young, Marino and Manning.

Sanders, Smith, Tomlinson and Faulk.

Harrison. Moss.

Gonzalez.

Jones. Pace. Ogden.

Matthews. Allen.

Mawae. Dawson. Nalen.

B. Smith. Strahan.

Sapp.

Lewis. Seau. Brooks.

Sanders, Green, Bailey, A. Williams.

Reed.

Vinatieri.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

BRETT FAVRE

 

[Tau837]

QB - Favre and Elway would have a chance IMO. I don't know enough about Baugh and Graham to know if they would be bumped off... I suspect the answer is yes. I know they wouldn't bump off Unitas or Montana. I think it's too early for Manning. The team was chosen in 1994, so Marino was already (correctly) rejected.

RB - Barry Sanders would be a lock. IMO no one would bump off Brown, Payton, or Sayers, but there's 4 others... so there might also be room for Emmitt and/or Faulk. I suspect Emmitt would get it based on the record, though I'd personally take Faulk over him. IMO it's too early for LT.

WR - Harrison should make it over either Alworth or Berry.

TE - Gonzalez over Winslow is obvious IMO.

OL looks strong... I'd have a very hard time figuring out if anyone deserves to bump one of them.

DE - Others have mentioned Bruce Smith. I don't think he'd bump off White, Marchetti, or Jones, so I don't think he'd make it.

DT - I don't see Sapp or anyone else bumping off Greene, Lilly or Olsen.

LB - I think at least one of Lewis, Brooks, and Seau would make it... perhaps over Lanier and/or Hendricks? However, I'm not sure how to rank Lewis, Brooks, and Seau, so I'm not sure which of them would make it.

CB - Deion Sanders would be a lock, probably over Mike Haynes. I have a hard time seeing Lane or Blount being bumped by Darrell Green, as great as Green was.

S - No changes.

P - I am not convinced Guy is the best punter in history, but I don't really know who should be named instead.

K - Morten Andersen should be the guy here. LOL at those saying Vinatieri.

PR - Not sure who is more deserving than Johnson.

KR - No change.

 

[BGP]

Favre might knock out Baugh.

Tony Gonzalez over Winslow.

Ray Lewis gets a LB spot.

Deion Sanders gets a CB spot.

 

[zed2283]

I think you guys are putting a little too much weight on these recent players. I'm not sure I've got any real good arguments, but here are a few comments.

1. There are no QB's who could bump any of these guys. Guys like Graham, Unitas, and Montana won beaucoup championships. As much as I love Elway, he and the others don't make the list.

2. Not sure any of today's RB's can make the list either, even the likes of Sanders and Faulk. LT has got a shot... he's way better than Sanders. Emmitt doesn't measure up, even with the record. Who would get bumped? I don't know much about Bronko... maybe him or Sayers (I'd take LT over Sayers any day of the week).

3. Hutson and Rice are in stone on the WR list. Not sure about Berry really. I don't know what Alworth's numbers look like, but he was fantastic. Maybe Harrison or someone can crack this list. Certainly not Moss.

4. Gonzo over Winslow? No way. He'd be in line behind Ozzie.

5. Hard to say about the O and D-lines. Those lineups are STRONG.

6. No linebackers bump anyone off these lists. Lewis, Seau, and Brooks aren't even close. Don't you remember just last year or the year before hearing Lewis crying because he couldn't be great because he was getting blocked?? Um... well maybe even I could be a decent LB if no one blocked me.

7. I don't think Sanders makes the list, but I could accept the arguments. Mike Haynes was great. I'm actually not sure that Woodson belongs here. I'm thinking there are several from years past (or maybe Deion) that bump Haynes and/or Woodson.

8. Sure... Andersen or Vinatieri at K.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Emmitt, the all-time leading rusher and #2 TD scorer, belongs on that list and I am so tired of him not getting his due.

If the line that he played with was so great, what other running back that ran behind it did well? Name one. How many Hall of Famers will come from that line? Alot of running backs did well behind the Denver O-Lines - why is it that every back they brought in to replace emmitt failed to produce?

Do you remember when he held out the first 2 games of the year after they won the super bowl? How many rushing yards did that line "grind" out before the 0-2 cowboys gave emmitt the money he was after? And then they went on to win it all that year.

One day people BESIDES the team he played with will recongnize that he was the best back to ever play. And I love Walter ~ he was my idol growing up. But even Walter recognized Emmitt as the one who would pass him. But just because he wasn't as "flashy" as Barry, Walter or Gayle, this was a guy who produced in EVERY GAME HE PLAYED.

This is a guy who deserves the recognition because he always carried himself with class and honer and played the game as a true warrior.

I just get so tired of the negativity. He has one Hall of Famer on that cowboy line (Allen). The only reason people feel the line was so good was because emmitt always played, even when he was hurt. And if he played, he produced.

*sheesh* Emmitt Smith should be the first RB on that list.

 

[-OZ-]

Emmitt, the all-time leading rusher and #2 TD scorer, belongs on that list and I am so tired of him not getting his due.If the line that he played with was so great, what other running back that ran behind it did well? Name one. How many Hall of Famers will come from that line? Alot of running backs did well behind the Denver O-Lines - why is it that every back they brought in to replace emmitt failed to produce?Do you remember when he held out the first 2 games of the year after they won the super bowl? How many rushing yards did that line "grind" out before the 0-2 cowboys gave emmitt the money he was after? And then they went on to win it all that year.One day people BESIDES the team he played with will recongnize that he was the best back to ever play. And I love Walter ~ he was my idol growing up. But even Walter recognized Emmitt as the one who would pass him. But just because he wasn't as "flashy" as Barry, Walter or Gayle, this was a guy who produced in EVERY GAME HE PLAYED.This is a guy who deserves the recognition because he always carried himself with class and honer and played the game as a true warrior.I just get so tired of the negativity. He has one Hall of Famer on that cowboy line (Allen). The only reason people feel the line was so good was because emmitt always played, even when he was hurt. And if he played, he produced.*sheesh* Emmitt Smith should be the first RB on that list.

Let's just put both Smith and Sanders in and call it a day. This debate has gone on forever.

 

[-OZ-]

TE - Gonzalez over Winslow is obvious IMO.

I agree, and KW might be knocked to #4 with Shannon Sharpe nudging ahead. Can't put him ahead of Ditka though.

 

[dgreen]

Favre might knock out Baugh.

I agree this could happen, but it shouldn't. Eventually, Baugh will be knocked off the list. That will happen will most people forget who he was.

 

[Chase Stuart]

TE - Gonzalez over Winslow is obvious IMO.

I agree, and KW might be knocked to #4 with Shannon Sharpe nudging ahead. Can't put him ahead of Ditka though.

How could I forget Sharpe? An absolute no brainer to add to the list of possible candidates. Sharpe probably goes down as one of the top two TEs of all time.I'd put Sharpe over Gonzo at this point, although with a couple more good years he might pass him. Sharpe also has three rings with two different teams, a pretty impressive feat.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Favre might knock out Baugh.

I agree this could happen, but it shouldn't. Eventually, Baugh will be knocked off the list. That will happen will most people forget who he was.

The Bears certainly did.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Emmitt, the all-time leading rusher and #2 TD scorer, belongs on that list and I am so tired of him not getting his due.

If the line that he played with was so great, what other running back that ran behind it did well? Name one. How many Hall of Famers will come from that line? Alot of running backs did well behind the Denver O-Lines - why is it that every back they brought in to replace emmitt failed to produce?

Do you remember when he held out the first 2 games of the year after they won the super bowl? How many rushing yards did that line "grind" out before the 0-2 cowboys gave emmitt the money he was after? And then they went on to win it all that year.

One day people BESIDES the team he played with will recongnize that he was the best back to ever play. And I love Walter ~ he was my idol growing up. But even Walter recognized Emmitt as the one who would pass him. But just because he wasn't as "flashy" as Barry, Walter or Gayle, this was a guy who produced in EVERY GAME HE PLAYED.

This is a guy who deserves the recognition because he always carried himself with class and honer and played the game as a true warrior.

I just get so tired of the negativity. He has one Hall of Famer on that cowboy line (Allen). The only reason people feel the line was so good was because emmitt always played, even when he was hurt. And if he played, he produced.

*sheesh* Emmitt Smith should be the first RB on that list.

Good Emmitt rant

With greatness comes backlash, and every great player has collected his share of detractors. But my observation is that Emmitt Smith has it worse than most. It seems to me like the majority of football fans believe Emmitt was nothing special. “You put him on any other team and he would’ve been good but not great,” is a common sentiment. Feel free to let me know if I’m flogging a straw man here, but I hear that a lot.

Consider the period from 1998 to 2000. During that time, the Cowboys were one game under .500, were coached by Chan Gailey and Dave Campo, and won zero playoff games. I’m a big Aikman fan, but he was pretty much finished. So was Irvin. Some of the great names were still on the line, but their best years were way behind them at that point. These were the age 29, 30, and 31 seasons for Emmitt, who had taken a ridiculous amount of punishment in his first 28 years. What you’ve got there is a situation where an RB who was merely above average would probably struggle.

Emmitt rushed for 3900 yards and 32 TDs during those three years. And they weren’t Eddie George yards, either. He was above 4.1 yards per carry all three years. He was in the top five in the NFL in rushing yards two of those three years.

We don’t need to speculate on what Emmitt would have done if he had played for a mediocre team. He did play for a mediocre team from 1998-2000, and what he did was amass more rushing yards from age 29-31 than any player in NFL history aside from Walter Payton and Curtis Martin (yes, I know, Sanders and Brown retired before their age 31 seasons). Most good-but-not-great running backs are struggling to hold a job at age 30. Emmitt was a top five rusher on a bad team.

Those of you who would now accuse me of selecting that particular three-year stretch in an effort to make Emmitt look good would be walking right into a trap. The fact is that you can pick any three-year stretch out of Emmitt’s career and he will be among the leading rushers in NFL history in that age group. And the point is that his supporting cast wasn’t great in all of those stretches and was downright bad in others.

Smith played on good teams early in his career and bad teams late in his career. Walter Payton did the opposite. Barry Sanders played on bad teams in September and October every year and good ones in November and December. Jim Brown, of course, only played on good teams. During his career, Emmitt’s Smith’s teams were a total of 12 games over .500. Jim Brown’s were 45 games over .500. Walter Payton’s were 28 games over .500. (Sanders’ were four under). Why does Emmitt get singled out for being a coattail-rider?

No one knows how Emmitt’s prime would have looked without Troy, Erik, et al. I am not going to argue that he would still be the all-time rushing champ had he switched places with Sanders or Payton. Nor am I going to argue that he didn’t benefit from some good fortune. All record holders did. But he was and is one of the very best running backs in history.

 

[Biabreakable]

Rod Woodson.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Emmitt, the all-time leading rusher and #2 TD scorer, belongs on that list and I am so tired of him not getting his due.If the line that he played with was so great, what other running back that ran behind it did well? Name one. How many Hall of Famers will come from that line? Alot of running backs did well behind the Denver O-Lines - why is it that every back they brought in to replace emmitt failed to produce?Do you remember when he held out the first 2 games of the year after they won the super bowl? How many rushing yards did that line "grind" out before the 0-2 cowboys gave emmitt the money he was after? And then they went on to win it all that year.One day people BESIDES the team he played with will recongnize that he was the best back to ever play. And I love Walter ~ he was my idol growing up. But even Walter recognized Emmitt as the one who would pass him. But just because he wasn't as "flashy" as Barry, Walter or Gayle, this was a guy who produced in EVERY GAME HE PLAYED.This is a guy who deserves the recognition because he always carried himself with class and honer and played the game as a true warrior.I just get so tired of the negativity. He has one Hall of Famer on that cowboy line (Allen). The only reason people feel the line was so good was because emmitt always played, even when he was hurt. And if he played, he produced.*sheesh* Emmitt Smith should be the first RB on that list.

Let's just put both Smith and Sanders in and call it a day. This debate has gone on forever.

 

[-OZ-]

TE - Gonzalez over Winslow is obvious IMO.

I agree, and KW might be knocked to #4 with Shannon Sharpe nudging ahead. Can't put him ahead of Ditka though.

How could I forget Sharpe? An absolute no brainer to add to the list of possible candidates. Sharpe probably goes down as one of the top two TEs of all time.I'd put Sharpe over Gonzo at this point, although with a couple more good years he might pass him. Sharpe also has three rings with two different teams, a pretty impressive feat.

I wasn't sure on Gonzo / Sharpe. I lived in Kansas too long to be unbiased. I was wondering why nobody was mentioning Sharpe.

 

[Bojang0301]

Peyton Manning

Barry Sanders

Ray Lewis

Tony Gonzalez

Too early to tell - but....

Champ Bailey

Troy Polamalu

LT2

I dont think he belongs on that list. He's not the best safety in the league now.

... Ok I bite who is the best safety in the league?

 

[Hairy Snowman]

IMO Orlando Pace>Forrest Gregg

Gotta say that I love the defense. Not sure if Ray Lewis could even crack that list.

 

[Bri]

Bruce Smith of course

Strahan ....I don't know but when his career is done maybe. Some tough guys to bump though.

I think there's been a few T that will press the ones on that list too.

Elway(definitely) and Young(maybe)

Brady(as was said)

Marvin Harrison absolutely esp if he keeps up his pace for much longer

 

[BGP]

Favre might knock out Baugh.

I agree this could happen, but it shouldn't. Eventually, Baugh will be knocked off the list. That will happen will most people forget who he was.

Yah. Favre might, but probably not.

 

[Tau837]

TE - Gonzalez over Winslow is obvious IMO.

I agree, and KW might be knocked to #4 with Shannon Sharpe nudging ahead. Can't put him ahead of Ditka though.

How could I forget Sharpe? An absolute no brainer to add to the list of possible candidates. Sharpe probably goes down as one of the top two TEs of all time.I'd put Sharpe over Gonzo at this point, although with a couple more good years he might pass him. Sharpe also has three rings with two different teams, a pretty impressive feat.

I didn't forget Sharpe and wouldn't put him over Gonzalez or Ditka. My perception is that Gonzalez and Ditka were both much better blockers and probably just as good as receivers.

 

[Tau837]

Rod Woodson.

What about him? He is already on the team.

 

[Tau837]

Bruce Smith of courseStrahan ....I don't know but when his career is done maybe. Some tough guys to bump though.I think there's been a few T that will press the ones on that list too.Elway(definitely) and Young(maybe)Brady(as was said)Marvin Harrison absolutely esp if he keeps up his pace for much longer

at Brady.And why Young? He only had 1 great season after the 75th team was chosen. Young is below Favre IMO. As is Brady for now. Brady still has more to do to surpass Favre.Bruce Smith over who? I don't see it. No chance for Strahan IMO.Agree with Harrison... and I think he's deserving even if he retires today.

 

[BGP]

Bruce Smith of courseStrahan ....I don't know but when his career is done maybe. Some tough guys to bump though.I think there's been a few T that will press the ones on that list too.Elway(definitely) and Young(maybe)Brady(as was said)Marvin Harrison absolutely esp if he keeps up his pace for much longer

I'd say Marino was the best of the class of 1983, but even he doesn't get on.

 

[Bri]

Bruce Smith of courseStrahan ....I don't know but when his career is done maybe. Some tough guys to bump though.I think there's been a few T that will press the ones on that list too.Elway(definitely) and Young(maybe)Brady(as was said)Marvin Harrison absolutely esp if he keeps up his pace for much longer

at Brady.

Nononono...not being unrealistic here if he gets more Supes it's gonna be darn hard to keep him off any best of list and his career is far from done. Still a long ways to go til his career is over so, as many alluded to, in time it looks like he will be. I'm not putting him in here just yet.

And why Young? He only had 1 great season after the 75th team was chosen. Young is below Favre IMO.

I wasn't breaking down his career pre 75th vote and post 75th vote. I wrote "maybe" and think he'll be considerred that's all. Not sure if he gets in.

As is Brady for now. Brady still has more to do to surpass Favre.

You used "now" so I'm replying to "now". Brady is quite possibly the best at this point in his career in ALOT of people's minds. ALOT of people use Supes as a barometer, sometimes I agree sometimes I don't but it is very often used for QBs. He has alot for a short time. Yardage and other stats...he's pretty good but probably not the slinger Favre and Manning and Marino were

Bruce Smith over who? I don't see it.

I don't know but he was definitely one of the best I've ever seen. The way the sacks weren't calculated early on it's hard to tell but I gotta believe his career stats would hold up well to these guys too. Cont...

No chance for Strahan IMO.

Ya see I guess here's why with Bruce. Strahan will probably wind up with career stats like White and/or Bruce but he has not dominated or controlled the game as much as those two did. I've seen(and read) Ds run away from him all game and all but Bruce had a significantly bigger impact IMO. It's just a watching the game thing I guess.Also, rookie Boselli handling Bruce made him instantly great. IIRC Bruce played him twice that year and got him for 2 sacks one game but the first time when Tony held him in check, Tony rrrrreally got praised. He and Brady made a great corner to run behind and all, I don't mean to discount Boselli's career yet it really seemed to get a boost from his play against Bruce Smith.ET give a little more credit-I have yet to see an OL with as great feet and arms as Tony his first 4-5 years. I DO think Pace and Jones are significantly better and I know they have those abilities but watching Tony was like some freak that my HS coach made up for a video or something, his technique was picture perfect. Sorry for Boselli tangent here, not saying his brief career belongs in 75

 

[Tau837]

Bri -The question posed in this thread is:

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

To me, that means we're considering this as if the team was being selected now... not at some point in the future. Consequently, Brady and Strahan don't get in. Maybe I misread the question, but that's how I saw it.On the QBs, as great as Young was, IMO he was not one of the best 4 QBs to ever play. And IMO, as of today, Favre's amazing career totals, MVPs, and 1 Super Bowl trumps everyone else other than Unitas, Montana, and possibly Elway... but I'd rank Favre above Elway. As for Favre vs. Brady, as of today, that's a nobrainer choice for Favre. All that said, I'm not sure I know enough about Baugh and Graham to know for sure whether Favre deserves to be in over them.As for Bruce Smith, I assume no one would argue for him over Reggie White. So that means he'd have to bump either Deacon Jones or Gino Marchetti. (I'm assuming the numbers are held steady at each position.)In 1999, Deacon Jones was ranked as the #2 all time defensive lineman on the Sporting News list of top 100 players of all time, behind only Bob Lilly. Marchetti was the next highest defensive end, at #15 overall. Jones' unofficial career sack count is 180.5... not as high as Bruce Smith, but he played 14 years to Smith's 19. Jones' unofficial sack total for 1967 was 26, higher than Strahan's single season record. Marchetti was All NFL 9 straight seasons, made 11 straight Pro Bowls, and was NFL MVP in 1958. I didn't get to see either of them play, but it's hard for me to believe Smith could displace either of them. My perception is that both Jones and Marchetti were better than Smith against the run, while being his equal (at least) against the pass.

 

[zed2283]

Bri -The question posed in this thread is:

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

To me, that means we're considering this as if the team was being selected now... not at some point in the future. Consequently, Brady and Strahan don't get in. Maybe I misread the question, but that's how I saw it.On the QBs, as great as Young was, IMO he was not one of the best 4 QBs to ever play. And IMO, as of today, Favre's amazing career totals, MVPs, and 1 Super Bowl trumps everyone else other than Unitas, Montana, and possibly Elway... but I'd rank Favre above Elway. As for Favre vs. Brady, as of today, that's a nobrainer choice for Favre. All that said, I'm not sure I know enough about Baugh and Graham to know for sure whether Favre deserves to be in over them.

You wouldn't happen to be from Green Bay, would you? First of all, there's no way Favre ranks ahead of Elway. Secondly, neither of those guys could bump Otto Graham, who was possibly better than both Unitas AND Montana. He led the Browns to 6 consecutive NFL Championship games, winning three of those. And he led the Browns to 4 consecutive AAFC Championships before the Browns joined the NFL. Throw in his MVP's and passing titles and you've got yourself a resume.

 

[Tau837]

Bri -The question posed in this thread is:

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

To me, that means we're considering this as if the team was being selected now... not at some point in the future. Consequently, Brady and Strahan don't get in. Maybe I misread the question, but that's how I saw it.On the QBs, as great as Young was, IMO he was not one of the best 4 QBs to ever play. And IMO, as of today, Favre's amazing career totals, MVPs, and 1 Super Bowl trumps everyone else other than Unitas, Montana, and possibly Elway... but I'd rank Favre above Elway. As for Favre vs. Brady, as of today, that's a nobrainer choice for Favre. All that said, I'm not sure I know enough about Baugh and Graham to know for sure whether Favre deserves to be in over them.

You wouldn't happen to be from Green Bay, would you? First of all, there's no way Favre ranks ahead of Elway. Secondly, neither of those guys could bump Otto Graham, who was possibly better than both Unitas AND Montana. He led the Browns to 6 consecutive NFL Championship games, winning three of those. And he led the Browns to 4 consecutive AAFC Championships before the Browns joined the NFL. Throw in his MVP's and passing titles and you've got yourself a resume.

Nope, not from Green Bay. I think Favre's career > Elway's career. I specifically said I wasn't sure about Baugh and Graham, so I'm not surprised they are very worthy... after all they were chosen to the 75th anniversary team.

 

[JetMaxx]

At safety, I'd add Brian Dawkins and get rid of Wilson or Houston.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

If the NFL put out this all-time team today, there's no way OJ Simpson is on it, for reasons other than football. Therefore, either B Sanders or Emmitt definitely makes the list. IMO, Marion Motley would get knocked off for the other one - not saying he should necessarily, but both players have basically been lionized by the media, NFL Films, etc. in recent years, so they'd both get in.

The only player today I see definitely cracking this list is Champ Bailey, but not for another 5 years or so.

 

[zed2283]

Bri -The question posed in this thread is:

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

To me, that means we're considering this as if the team was being selected now... not at some point in the future. Consequently, Brady and Strahan don't get in. Maybe I misread the question, but that's how I saw it.On the QBs, as great as Young was, IMO he was not one of the best 4 QBs to ever play. And IMO, as of today, Favre's amazing career totals, MVPs, and 1 Super Bowl trumps everyone else other than Unitas, Montana, and possibly Elway... but I'd rank Favre above Elway. As for Favre vs. Brady, as of today, that's a nobrainer choice for Favre. All that said, I'm not sure I know enough about Baugh and Graham to know for sure whether Favre deserves to be in over them.

You wouldn't happen to be from Green Bay, would you? First of all, there's no way Favre ranks ahead of Elway. Secondly, neither of those guys could bump Otto Graham, who was possibly better than both Unitas AND Montana. He led the Browns to 6 consecutive NFL Championship games, winning three of those. And he led the Browns to 4 consecutive AAFC Championships before the Browns joined the NFL. Throw in his MVP's and passing titles and you've got yourself a resume.

Nope, not from Green Bay. I think Favre's career > Elway's career. I specifically said I wasn't sure about Baugh and Graham, so I'm not surprised they are very worthy... after all they were chosen to the 75th anniversary team.

Ah, so you did. My mistake!Don't want to hijack the thread, but are there any particulars as to why you think Favre had a better career?

 

[LHUCKS]

Favre might knock out Baugh.Tony Gonzalez over Winslow.Ray Lewis gets a LB spot.Deion Sanders gets a CB spot.

Agree with all of these...an argument can be made for Manning and LT as well.

 

[LHUCKS]

You know it's interesting that there really hasn't been a super dominant DL for several years now...there have been very good ones obviously, but nothing close to Reggie White...Strahan would be the closest, but he obviously can't touch this list.

 

[Tclay80]

QB Tom Brady

P/K R Devin Hester

RB Marshall Faulk

You seem to have an unhealthy obsession.

 

[Bri]

Bri -The question posed in this thread is:

Of all the players who've competed in the National Football League since 1994 (whether they are still active or retired) who would you consider worthy enough to make - or at least challenge for a spot on the All-Time NFL team's roster?

To me, that means we're considering this as if the team was being selected now... not at some point in the future. Consequently, Brady and Strahan don't get in. Maybe I misread the question, but that's how I saw it.

fair point

On the QBs, as great as Young was, IMO he was not one of the best 4 QBs to ever play. And IMO, as of today, Favre's amazing career totals, MVPs, and 1 Super Bowl trumps everyone else other than Unitas, Montana, and possibly Elway... but I'd rank Favre above Elway. As for Favre vs. Brady, as of today, that's a nobrainer choice for Favre. All that said, I'm not sure I know enough about Baugh and Graham to know for sure whether Favre deserves to be in over them.

Elway was in too many Supes to not edge Favre IMO. I love Favre though so ...to each his own

As for Bruce Smith, I assume no one would argue for him over Reggie White. So that means he'd have to bump either Deacon Jones or Gino Marchetti. (I'm assuming the numbers are held steady at each position.)In 1999, Deacon Jones was ranked as the #2 all time defensive lineman on the Sporting News list of top 100 players of all time, behind only Bob Lilly. Marchetti was the next highest defensive end, at #15 overall. Jones' unofficial career sack count is 180.5... not as high as Bruce Smith, but he played 14 years to Smith's 19. Jones' unofficial sack total for 1967 was 26, higher than Strahan's single season record. Marchetti was All NFL 9 straight seasons, made 11 straight Pro Bowls, and was NFL MVP in 1958. I didn't get to see either of them play, but it's hard for me to believe Smith could displace either of them. My perception is that both Jones and Marchetti were better than Smith against the run, while being his equal (at least) against the pass.

Interesting bit here.I don't know what to reply here. Bruce was dominant and I enjoyed watching him a ton. I don't think anyone in today's game is as good so that leads me to think he stands up well over "all time" discussions. However I didn't see Deacon or Gino play and you have a strong argument here. I remember Abraham, Kevin Greene and a few others having high sack totals and not (IMO) dominating so I'm not sure how much weight a defensive sack holds IMO.

 

[Bri]

JWB,

Why isn't Thorpe on this list?

 

[MarshallRob]

JWB,Why isn't Thorpe on this list?

Thorpe's probably not on the list because his best years as a player predated the NFL. He was 32 in 1920, the first year of he NFL. He won three titles with the Ohio League in the teens. Also, rushing statistics weren't kept until the 1930's.

 

[Bri]

JWB,Why isn't Thorpe on this list?

Thorpe's probably not on the list because his best years as a player predated the NFL. He was 32 in 1920, the first year of he NFL. He won three titles with the Ohio League in the teens. Also, rushing statistics weren't kept until the 1930's.

That's interesting. I rememberred reading an article on him around the 75th time but couldn't remember the rationale.I'm not a baseball fan, is Jackie in the MLB HOF on merit or some special induction? I understand what he did and am not minimizing it, I'm simply asking if it was a normal type voting process to get him in

 

[Pipes]

I know he's still relatively young but I could see Walter Jones being on that list when his career is over.