The Top 10 NFL Players of All Time According to AI

This article is published by AllBusiness.com, a partner of TIME.

The NFL has produced countless legendary players, but only a handful have reached the highest heights of greatness. These athletes surpassed their positions and left an enduring legacy on the gridiron. Their exceptional hard work, skill, leadership, and consistency have earned them a place in the shrine of football immortality.

Selecting the top NFL players of all time is a difficult task given the league's rich history. Whether it’s the precision of quarterbacks, the dominance of running backs, or the fearlessness of defenders, each era has had its share of iconic athletes who shaped the game as we know it today.

This list highlights the top 10 NFL players of all time, with research assistance from ChatGPT, focusing on their achievements, impact, and contributions to the sport. While debates may persist, these players undeniably earned their status as the greatest to ever play the game.

Interesting Note: AI systems can suffer "hallucinations" (mistakes or inaccuracies). When we initially queried ChatGPT to list the top 10 NFL players, it ranked Jerry Rice no.1 and Tom Brady no.2. When we questioned ChatGPT if it had made an error, it corrected itself and listed Tom Brady as the greatest of all time.

1. Tom Brady (Quarterback)

Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest player in NFL history. His unmatched consistency, leadership, and record-setting career are unparalleled. With seven Super Bowl victories over two decades, Brady redefined what it means to be a champion.

Teams Played For: New England Patriots (2000–2019); Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022)
Key Records: Most career passing yards (89,214), passing touchdowns (649), and Super Bowl wins (7)
Super Bowl MVPs: 5 (most all-time)
Awards: 3-time NFL MVP, 15-time Pro Bowler
Legacy: Revolutionized the quarterback position with preparation, durability, and leadership
Impact: Elevated team performance, creating dynasties in two different franchises

2. Jerry Rice (Wide Receiver)

Jerry Rice is the undisputed king of wide receivers. Known for his work ethic, precision route running, and durability, Rice set records that may never be broken. His dominance helped the 49ers become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.

Teams Played For: San Francisco 49ers (1985–2000); Oakland Raiders (2001–2004); Seattle Seahawks (2004)
Key Records: All-time leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and touchdowns (208)
Super Bowl Wins: 3
Awards: 10-time First-Team All-Pro, 13-time Pro Bowler, 1987 NFL MVP
Memorable Moments: Dominant performances in Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV
Legacy: The benchmark for excellence at the wide receiver position

3. Jim Brown (Running Back)

Jim Brown’s combination of power, speed, and vision made him an unstoppable force during his nine-year career. Despite retiring early, he left an indelible mark as one of the most dominant players in NFL history.

Team Played For: Cleveland Browns (1957–1965)
Key Records: Led the league in rushing yards eight times
Awards: 3-time NFL MVP, 8-time First-Team All-Pro
Career Stats: 12,312 rushing yards, 5.2 yards per carry
Super Bowl Wins: None (pre-Super Bowl era)
Legacy: Widely considered the greatest pure football player ever

4. Lawrence Taylor (Linebacker)

Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his ferocity, athleticism, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He forced teams to develop new blocking schemes just to counter his dominance.

Team Played For: New York Giants (1981–1993)
Key Records: 132.5 career sacks
Awards: 2-time Super Bowl Champion, 1986 NFL MVP, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year
Career Highlights: Dominated in Super Bowl XXI and XXV
Impact: Changed how offenses protected quarterbacks
Legacy: The most feared defender in NFL history

5. Joe Montana (Quarterback)

Joe Montana earned his nickname “Joe Cool” for his calm demeanor under pressure. Known for his precision and clutch performances, Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and became synonymous with excellence.

Teams Played For: San Francisco 49ers (1979–1992); Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994)
Super Bowl Wins: 4 (all with the 49ers)
Awards: 3-time Super Bowl MVP, 2-time NFL MVP
Career Stats: 40,551 passing yards, 273 touchdowns
Legacy: Defined the West Coast offense and postseason greatness
Impact: Inspired a generation of quarterbacks with his poise

6. Walter Payton (Running Back)

Walter Payton, known as “Sweetness,” was a complete player, excelling as a runner, receiver, and blocker. His grit, determination, and skill helped him set multiple records during his legendary career.

Team Played For: Chicago Bears (1975–1987)
Key Records: Retired as the all-time leading rusher (16,726 yards)
Super Bowl Wins: 1 (Super Bowl XX)
Awards: 1977 NFL MVP, 9-time Pro Bowler
Impact: Known for his versatility and durability
Legacy: The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is named in his honor

7. Peyton Manning (Quarterback)

Peyton Manning, nicknamed “The Sheriff,” was a master of the cerebral aspects of football. His ability to read defenses and adjust plays at the line of scrimmage set him apart from other quarterbacks.

Teams Played For: Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011); Denver Broncos (2012–2015)
Key Records: Most touchdown passes in a season (55), 5-time NFL MVP (most all-time)
Super Bowl Wins: 2
Career Stats: 71,940 passing yards, 539 touchdowns
Impact: Revolutionized how quarterbacks approach the mental side of the game
Legacy: One of the greatest leaders in NFL history

8. Reggie White (Defensive End)

Reggie White, known as “The Minister of Defense,” was one of the most dominant defensive players ever. His combination of strength, speed, and relentless effort made him nearly impossible to block.

Teams Played For: Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1992); Green Bay Packers (1993–1998): Carolina Panthers (2000)
Key Records: 198 career sacks (second all-time)
Super Bowl Wins: 1 (Super Bowl XXXI)
Awards: 2-time Defensive Player of the Year, 13-time Pro Bowler
Legacy: A game-changer on the defensive line

9. Barry Sanders (Running Back)

Barry Sanders dazzled fans with his elusiveness, agility, and ability to turn broken plays into spectacular runs. Despite retiring at his peak, Sanders remains one of the most electrifying players in NFL history.

Team Played For: Detroit Lions (1989–1998)
Key Records: 15,269 rushing yards in 10 seasons
Awards: 1997 NFL MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler
Career Stats: Averaged 1,527 rushing yards per season
Legacy: Known for highlight-reel plays that left defenders grasping at air
Impact: Inspired a generation of running backs

10. Johnny Unitas (Quarterback)

Johnny Unitas was a pioneer of the modern passing game. Known for his consistency and leadership, “Johnny U” set the standard for quarterbacks and left a lasting legacy.

Teams Played For: Baltimore Colts (1956–1972); San Diego Chargers (1973)
Key Records: 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass (stood for over 50 years)
Super Bowl Wins: 1 (Super Bowl V)
Awards: 3-time NFL MVP
Legacy: A trailblazer for the quarterback position

Conclusion on Top 10 NFL Players

The top 10 NFL players of all time represent the epitome of greatness in professional football. From Tom Brady’s unmatched success to Jerry Rice’s record-breaking dominance, these athletes have shaped the league’s history and defined excellence.

Their contributions extend far beyond statistics, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. While debates about rankings will continue, the impact of these legends is undeniable. These players are not just part of NFL history—they are NFL history.

Related Articles:

About the Authors:

Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and AllBusiness.com. Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn.

Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at AllBusiness.com. She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.