Best American Football Players of All Time and Current Stars

Here’s a list of the best American football players of all time and the best current players based on their impact, achievements, and dominance in the game.

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Best American Football Players of All Time

(Based on career achievements, legacy, and impact on the sport)

Quarterbacks (QBs)

1. Tom Brady – 7× Super Bowl Champion, 5× Super Bowl MVP
2. Joe Montana – 4× Super Bowl Champion, 3× Super Bowl MVP
3. Peyton Manning – 5× NFL MVP, 2× Super Bowl Champion
4. Johnny Unitas – 3× NFL MVP, revolutionized passing game
5. Brett Favre – 3× NFL MVP, Iron Man of the NFL

Running Backs (RBs)

6. Jim Brown – 3× NFL MVP, considered most dominant RB ever
7. Walter Payton – Super Bowl Champion, 16,726 career rushing yards
8. Barry Sanders – 10× Pro Bowler, retired at his peak
9. Emmitt Smith – All-time leading rusher, 3× Super Bowl Champion
10. LaDainian Tomlinson – 2006 NFL MVP, elite dual-threat RB

Wide Receivers (WRs)

11. Jerry Rice – All-time leader in receptions, yards, TDs, 3× Super Bowl Champion
12. Randy Moss – One of the most dominant deep threats ever
13. Calvin Johnson – "Megatron," retired early but dominated
14. Larry Fitzgerald – 2nd all-time in receiving yards, great longevity
15. Steve Largent – 7× Pro Bowler, dominant in his era

Defensive Players

16. Lawrence Taylor (LB) – 2× Super Bowl Champion, revolutionized defense
17. Reggie White (DE) – 198 sacks, one of the greatest pass rushers ever
18. Ray Lewis (LB) – 2× Super Bowl Champion, legendary leader
19. Deion Sanders (CB) – Shutdown corner, two-sport athlete
20. Dick Butkus (LB) – One of the hardest hitters in history

Other Notables

21. Tony Gonzalez (TE) – Greatest tight end of all time
22. Bruce Smith (DE) – All-time sack leader (200)
23. Aaron Donald (DT) – One of the most dominant DTs ever
24. Drew Brees (QB) – All-time leader in passing yards when retired
25. Patrick Mahomes (QB) – Already among the greats

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Best Current American Football Players (2024-2025 Season)

(Based on current dominance and impact in the league)

Quarterbacks (QBs)

1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) – Best QB today, multiple Super Bowls
2. Josh Allen (Bills) – Elite dual-threat QB
3. Joe Burrow (Bengals) – Precise passer, led Bengals to Super Bowl
4. Lamar Jackson (Ravens) – 2× NFL MVP, best running QB
5. Jalen Hurts (Eagles) – Dual-threat, Super Bowl appearance

Running Backs (RBs)

6. Christian McCaffrey (49ers) – Best all-around RB
7. Derrick Henry (Titans) – Pure power back, rushing leader
8. Nick Chubb (Browns) – One of the most consistent RBs
9. Saquon Barkley (Giants) – Elite when healthy
10. Josh Jacobs (Raiders) – Rushing leader in 2022

Wide Receivers (WRs)

11. Justin Jefferson (Vikings) – Arguably the best WR today
12. Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) – Fastest WR in the game
13. Davante Adams (Raiders) – Elite route-runner
14. Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals) – Explosive playmaker
15. Stefon Diggs (Bills) – Reliable top WR

Defensive Players

16. Aaron Donald (Rams - DT) – Still dominant, 3× DPOY
17. Micah Parsons (Cowboys - LB/Edge) – Game-wrecking pass rusher
18. Nick Bosa (49ers - DE) – Elite edge rusher, DPOY winner
19. Myles Garrett (Browns - DE) – One of the best pass rushers
20. T.J. Watt (Steelers - LB) – Sack machine, DPOY winner

Other Notables

21. Travis Kelce (TE, Chiefs) – Best tight end in the game
22. Fred Warner (LB, 49ers) – Best linebacker today
23. Maxx Crosby (DE, Raiders) – Underrated but elite
24. Sauce Gardner (CB, Jets) – Top young cornerback
25. Jalen Ramsey (CB, Dolphins) – Still one of the best CBs