Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players

[L.Kizzle]

The NFL Network (along with NFL Films) today debuted there new series as they countdown the 100 greatest players in NFL History, they did the 1st ten today.

Schedule
1 (100-91 revealed) Friday, Sept. 3
2 (90-81 revealed) Tuesday, Sept. 7
3 (80-71 revealed) Thursday, Sept. 16
4 (70-61 revealed) Thursday, Sept. 23
5 (60-51 revealed) Thursday, Sept. 30
6 (50-41 revealed) Thursday, Oct. 7
7 (40-31 revealed) Thursday, Oct. 14
8 (30-21 revealed) Thursday, Oct. 21
9 (20-11 revealed) Thursday, Oct. 28
10 (10-1 revealed) Thursday, Nov. 4

[HisJoeness]

Michael Irvin was too low.

I sound like prime lol.

[L.Kizzle]

Michael Irvin was too low.

I sound like prime lol.
100-Joe Namath - QB
99 - Michael Strahan - DE
98 - Lee Roy Selmon - DE
97 - Derrick Brooks - LB
96 - Mel Hein - C
95 - Larry Allen - G/T
94 - Lenny Moore - RB
93 - Sam Huff - LB
92 - Michael Irvin - WR
91 - Fran Tarkenton - QB

We'll see how the rest of the list pans out next week.

[Scoooter]

Larry Allen had inhuman strength.

[Sarcastic]

If Barry Sanders is not the highest rated running back, then the list is bullshit.

[Jackass18]

If Barry Sanders is not the highest rated running back, then the list is bullshit.

That better be sarcasm...

[-playmaker-]

If Barry Sanders is not the highest rated running back, then the list is bullshit.
if he is the highest RB the list IS bullshit...

Jim Brown should not only be the best RB, but he should be #1 overall...

Lary Allen and Irvin are the best players on that list so far (no homer)...Allen is argueably the greatest guard ever...and Irvin is like a top 5-8 WR all time...but maybe where they are is fine because there are alot of positions you know...


top 3 should be:

1. Jim Brown
2. Jerry Rice
3. Joe Montana

in that order too..

but it won't be...NFL films will f*ck it up...

it will be like

1. Jerry Rice
2. Johny Unitas
3. Otto Grahm
4. Don Hutson

some silly shit like that...I just know it...

I don't think Barry should be above Emmitt...of course that is just me, they will probalby put him above Emmitt, but I will have alot of respect for them if they don't...cause Emmitt was a much better all around player, and unlike Barry, he loved the game...didn't quit...

[-playmaker-]

1) Jerry Rice
2) Jim Brown
3) Lawrence Taylor
4) Joe Montana
5) Johnny Unitas
6) Reggie White
7) Emmitt Smith
8) Deacon Jones
9) Don Hutson
10) Bob Lilly
11) Dick Butkus
12) Otto Graham
13) Barry Sanders
14) Tom Brady
15) Anthony Munoz
16) Joe Greene
17)Marion Motley
18) Sammy Baugh
19) Brett Favre
20). Steve Young
21) Ray Lewis
22) Walter Payton
23) Gino Marchetti
24) Peyton Manning
25) Dick "Night Train" Lane
26) Jack Lambert
27) John Elway
28) Ronnie Lott
29) Dan Marino
30) John Hannah
31) Alan Page
32) Deion Sanders
33) LaDanian Tomlinson
34) Roger Staubach
35) Forrest Gregg
36) Bronco Nagurski
37) Ray Nitschke
38) Marshall Faulk
39) Earl Campbell
40) Marvin Harrison
41) Larry Allen
42) Mel Blount
43) Lance Alworth
44) Bruce Smith
45) Willie Lanier
46) Jim Parker
47) Merlin Olsen
48) Herb Adderley
49) Mike Singletary
50) Terrell Owens
51) Joe Schmidt
52). Rod Woodson
53). Randy Moss
54). Derrick Brooks
55) Bruce Matthews
56). Sid Luckman
57). Eric Dickerson
58). Bart Starr
59). Chuck Bednarik
60). Fran Tarkenton
61). Steve Van Buren
62). Jonathan Ogden
63). Ken Houston
64). Randy White
65). Michael Strahan
66). Ted Hendricks
67). Mel Hein
68). Junior Seau
69). Jack Ham
70). Emlen Tunnell
71). Mike Webster
72). Warren Sapp
73). Willie Brown
74). Bobby Layne
75). Terry Bradshaw
76). Derrick Thomas
77). Roosevelt Brown
78). Franco Harris
79). Willie Wood
80). Gene Upshaw
81). Gale Sayers
82). Norm Van Brocklin
83). Tony Gonzalez
84). Bobby Bell
85). Will Shields
86). O.J. Simpson
87). Champ Bailey
88). Mel Renfro
89). Shannon Sharpe
90). Bill George
91). Y.A. Tittle
92). Randall McDaniel
93). Yale Lary
94). Larry Wilson
95). Darrell Green
96). Sam Huff
97). Torry Holt
98). Kellen Winslow
99). Willie Roaf
100). Raymond Berry

http://motownsportsrevival.blogspot.com/2008/05/top-100-football-players-of-all-time.html

^^^ hmm...Irvin didn't even make that list...

wonder if NFL Network will have Deion #1 CB overall...

[imdaman99]

As long as LT is the top defensive player ever, I'll be good with the list.

And LOL at Jets top guy who got them their only championship being 100. Strahan beat him out :lol

[MK2V1GP]

There IS a football forum....




NFL Net hates the Bucs lol. Lee Roy Selmon at 98? Derrick Brooks at 97? I'm not saying they deserve to be top 20 or even top 50, but Brooks is one of the greatest WLBs of ALL TIME. I wonder where they'll rank Warren Sapp?

NFL Network rarely does these types of lists right anyways.

[Dasher]

Joe Namath should not be on the list even with the guarantee.

[1manfastbreak]

Larry Allen had inhuman strength.

Larry Allen is the biggest mf'r ive ever seen in person

[GOBB]

Why am I having trouble accepting someone ranked Tom Brady 14th greatest player in NFL history?

[Sarcastic]

and Irvin is like a top 5-8 WR all time...

Irvin was already put too low. I think he is the second best WR of all time.

[-playmaker-]

Irvin was already put too low. I think he is the second best WR of all time.
best Irvin could make is #5 I think...and my username is "playmaker"

1. Rice
2. Moss
3. Owens

-Don Hutson

NFL Network will have Don Hutson #2 though, even though he played in the stone ages...

after those 4:

-Mike Irvin
-Tim Brown
-Cris Carter
-Steve Largent
-Marvin Harrison
-Isaac Bruce

^^^ you can mix those names up almost anyway you want

[Sarcastic]

I hate the Cowgirls, but I would take Irvin over Moss and Owens.

Moss is slightly debatable since he is the greatest deep threat of all time, but he is too one dimensional compared to Irvin for me.

[Jackass18]

but it won't be...NFL films will f*ck it up...

it will be like

1. Jerry Rice
2. Johny Unitas
3. Otto Grahm
4. Don Hutson

some silly shit like that...I just know it...

I'll be a bit surprised if they don't put Montana #1.


Ray Lewis at 21? That list is garbage. Granted, it is quite difficult to compare players from different eras, but that's still horseshit.

[PowerGlove]

Why am I having trouble accepting someone ranked Tom Brady 14th greatest player in NFL history?
You're not the only one.

[-playmaker-]

yeah that list I posted is crap...

although it is 2 years old, if that counts for anything...before Brady fell...

he has Owens over Moss...I don't see that arguement really either...

[beasly15]

andre johnson #1 or the list is bullshit.:pimp:

[BDiesel324]

Irvin was already put too low. I think he is the second best WR of all time.
As do I. There is no question that he was a greater WR than Randy Moss was. I don't care how amazing Moss's numbers have been throughout his career. Irvin won Super Bowls, something Moss never did and never will do in the future.

[Jailblazers7]

As do I. There is no question that he was a greater WR than Randy Moss was. I don't care how amazing Moss's numbers have been throughout his career. Irvin won Super Bowls, something Moss never did and never will do in the future.

:oldlol:

How are you going to base WR rankings on SB rings?

[beasly15]

irvin should be moved up for the playa suits.

[BDiesel324]

:oldlol:

How are you going to base WR rankings on SB rings?
I believe Irvin was largely responsible for those three rings, arguably the most responsible. Arguably, I don't think he was more responsible than Smith, but I think you could argue he was. Irvin was a better playoff performer than Moss ever was, Moss was basically a choker throughout his entire career. Oh, and one last thing, I don't recall Irvin consistently giving up either like Moss does.

[Jailblazers7]

I believe Irvin was largely responsible for those three rings, arguably the most responsible. Arguably, I don't think he was more responsible than Smith, but I think you could argue he was. Irvin was a better playoff performer than Moss ever was, Moss was basically a choker throughout his entire career. Oh, and one last thing, I don't recall Irvin consistently giving up either like Moss does.

A big reason those teams were so great was because of their incredible offensive line.

I can understand being biased because Moss is viewed as a "quitter" but not because 1 WR has more rings than another. The only position I can see the rings argument being relevant is for QB's.

[-playmaker-]

wonder how many people can name anyone on that line other than Larry Allen though...

I can name them all, but they aren't like famous linemen really...

they were just BIIIIG MFers...

[Dasher]

Stepnoski, Tuinei, Eric Williams, and Nate Newton.

[boozehound]

where's charlie batch?

[boozehound]

I hate the Cowgirls, but I would take Irvin over Moss and Owens.

Moss is slightly debatable since he is the greatest deep threat of all time, but he is too one dimensional compared to Irvin for me.
owens for sure. Moss? Im not sold, but I think a case can be made either way. Been too long since Ive seen Irvin highlights. what would he have been without the cocaine?

[-playmaker-]

Stepnoski, Tuinei, Eric Williams, and Nate Newton.
did you see nate Newton got the stomach surgury done?

http://www.mylapbanddallas.com/wp-content/themes/lapbandsurgery/images/nate_newton_lap_band_polaroids.jpg



doesn't even look like him at all...


http://images.quickblogcast.com/4/0/3/8/2/137324-128304/nate_newton.jpg

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nate-newtonskinny2-260x294.jpg


he lost 135 lbs...

[boozehound]

did you see nate Newton got the stomach surgury done?

http://www.mylapbanddallas.com/wp-content/themes/lapbandsurgery/images/nate_newton_lap_band_polaroids.jpg



doesn't even look like him at all...


http://images.quickblogcast.com/4/0/3/8/2/137324-128304/nate_newton.jpg

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nate-newtonskinny2-260x294.jpg


he lost 135 lbs...
how weird is that? A dude who still weighs 265 looks like a cancer survivor.

[Jackass18]

I remember Nate Newton because he got busted with about 200lbs of marijuana.

Moss is much better than Irvin. Irvin might not even be a top 10 WR.

[steve]

Bump...next 10.

90. Kurt Warner
89. Ernie Nevers
88. Ed Reed
87. Crazylegs Hirsch
86. Willie Davis
85. Marcus Allen
84. Joe Schmidt
83. Norm Van Brocklin
82. Ted Hendricks
81. Steve Young

[Timmy D for MVP]

Steve Young at 81 was too low.

I may be biased cause he's my favorite player of all time. But damn...

[Dasher]

Steve Young at 81 was too low.

I may be biased cause he's my favorite player of all time. But damn...Steve won one Superbowl and had a very short prime. I would not include him, Joe Namath, or Try Aikman in a top 100 list.

[-playmaker-]

how weird is that? A dude who still weighs 265 looks like a cancer survivor.
his bones probably weigh 200 lbs alone...

he can use "I'm big boned" as a legit excuse...lol

[-playmaker-]

Steve won one Superbowl and had a very short prime. I would not include him, Joe Namath, or Try Aikman in a top 100 list.
Namath...alright

Young and Aikman off a top 100 list is completely insane...

[Sarcastic]

Steve won one Superbowl and had a very short prime. I would not include him, Joe Namath, or Try Aikman in a top 100 list.

He also won 2 MVPs, a SB MVP, set a record in that SB with 6 passing TDs, and has the highest QB rating of all time. If he didn't sit backup to Montana for so long, he would have ended up in the top 50 I think.

[Dasher]

He also won 2 MVPs, a SB MVP, set a record in that SB with 6 passing TDs, and has the highest QB rating of all time. If he didn't sit backup to Montana for so long, he would have ended up in the top 50 I think.He has a similar profile to Kurt Warner who will possibly not make this list. QB rating is a dubious stat because it is skewed for the modern era and is does not accurately account for the dominance or lack thereof of the passers of yesteryear.

[-playmaker-]

He has a similar profile to Kurt Warner who will possibly not make this list. QB rating is a dubious stat because it is skewed for the modern era and is does not accurately account for the dominance or lack thereof of the passers of yesteryear.
90. Kurt Warner
89. Ernie Nevers
88. Ed Reed
87. Crazylegs Hirsch
86. Willie Davis
85. Marcus Allen
84. Joe Schmidt
83. Norm Van Brocklin
82. Ted Hendricks
81. Steve Young

[Dasher]

Touche prime. I also would not put Ed Reed on the list. Is he really better than Darren Woodson who will not make this list?

[-playmaker-]

Touche prime. I also would not put Ed Reed on the list. Is he really better than Darren Woodson who will not make this list?
Reed is more dominate than Woodson ever was, that being said Woodson is very underrated as player in general...

I bet Dawkins makes the list and Woodson is probably better or just as good than Dawk ever was...

[steve]

He has a similar profile to Kurt Warner who will possibly not make this list. QB rating is a dubious stat because it is skewed for the modern era and is does not accurately account for the dominance or lack thereof of the passers of yesteryear.
Sure it does, you just have to adjust for the era that they were playing in and see how it's comparable to their contemporaries.

[Da KO King]

Why am I having trouble accepting someone ranked Tom Brady 14th greatest player in NFL history?
Because accepting that would mean being fine with Walter Payton at #22 and Gale Sayers in the 80's.

[Jackass18]

Bump...next 10.

90. Kurt Warner
89. Ernie Nevers
88. Ed Reed
87. Crazylegs Hirsch
86. Willie Davis
85. Marcus Allen
84. Joe Schmidt
83. Norm Van Brocklin
82. Ted Hendricks
81. Steve Young

This seems so random. It doesn't look like there's any rhyme or reason to it.

[Jackass18]

Steve won one Superbowl and had a very short prime. I would not include him, Joe Namath, or Try Aikman in a top 100 list.

Young is certainly a top 100 player without a doubt.

[raiderfan19]

wonder how many people can name anyone on that line other than Larry Allen though...

I can name them all, but they aren't like famous linemen really...

they were just BIIIIG MFers...
Larry allen was only on one of the superbowl teams and that was as a rookie.

[steve]

This seems so random. It doesn't look like there's any rhyme or reason to it.
After watching this portion of the special (or series or whatever), that feeling is only increased. The rankings seem arbitrary, and other than the opening of each segment the number is never actually referenced (in bears resemblance to the NFL Films bits that Steve Sabol doesn't narrate and they just let the interviewers talk).

Personally, I think they should just do away with the ranking and just come out with the top 100 in NFL history. It doesn't make any sense to me to rank because different positions are asked (and have always been asked) to do different things to the point where comparison doesn't make any sense. I mean, Ronnie Lott and Anthony Munoz are two of best football players ever, but there's absolutely no point of comparison between the two and any attempt seems rather pointless.

Of course, seeing as how they're trying to build a television show out of it, they have to build drama for the whole thing, so it makes sense in that way.

[-playmaker-]

how could there be a rhyme or reason to it?

they can rank by BPA just like they do in the draft...

at some point earlier this year the Rams had to compare Bradford (a QB) to Suh (a DT)...and figure out what best suits their needs...

well pretend you are starting a new team with a blank roster...this list should reflect the BPA in order of who you would draft to create a dream team...

[26Meast3621]

if he is the highest RB the list IS bullshit...

Jim Brown should not only be the best RB, but he should be #1 overall...

Lary Allen and Irvin are the best players on that list so far (no homer)...Allen is argueably the greatest guard ever...and Irvin is like a top 5-8 WR all time...but maybe where they are is fine because there are alot of positions you know...


top 3 should be:

1. Jim Brown
2. Jerry Rice
3. Joe Montana

in that order too..

but it won't be...NFL films will f*ck it up...

it will be like

1. Jerry Rice
2. Johny Unitas
3. Otto Grahm
4. Don Hutson

some silly shit like that...I just know it...

I don't think Barry should be above Emmitt...of course that is just me, they will probalby put him above Emmitt, but I will have alot of respect for them if they don't...cause Emmitt was a much better all around player, and unlike Barry, he loved the game...didn't quit...

Mr.Simpson we need you to pick up bart from school he seems to be suffering from dementia.....oh it runs in the family i see.......
Look I agree Jim brown is #1 Runningback/Player ever, but barry was better then emmit. The only stat the appears to give emmit the lead is career yards and touchdowns. Then again emmit played 5 more seasons then barry. Barry played one more season the Jim Brown. Jim ended with a 104.3 rushing yds a game, Barry with 99.8 and Emmitt with 81.9. Recieving yards JB had 21.2, BS 19.1, and ES 14.3.
What I'm getting at is your reasoning Emmitt is the best comes from being a Cowgirls fan. I'm sure you remember the line Emmitt ran behind, who handed the ball off, and maybe a "Playmaker" or two on the field at that time. I'm just saying.
My point is being great is not about the statistics you accumulate in your career, for the impact you have on your team paints the bigger picture

[-playmaker-]

Mr.Simpson we need you to pick up bart from school he seems to be suffering from dementia.....oh it runs in the family i see.......
Look I agree Jim brown is #1 Runningback/Player ever, but barry was better then emmit. The only stat the appears to give emmit the lead is career yards and touchdowns. Then again emmit played 5 more seasons then barry. Barry played one more season the Jim Brown. Jim ended with a 104.3 rushing yds a game, Barry with 99.8 and Emmitt with 81.9. Recieving yards JB had 21.2, BS 19.1, and ES 14.3.
What I'm getting at is your reasoning Emmitt is the best comes from being a Cowgirls fan. I'm sure you remember the line Emmitt ran behind, who handed the ball off, and maybe a "Playmaker" or two on the field at that time. I'm just saying.
My point is being great is not about the statistics you accumulate in your career, for the impact you have on your team paints the bigger picture
Barry quit...

I never said Emmit was the best...I said Brown was

did you join just to tell me this or are you hiding?

[-playmaker-]

Barry Sanders -- Overrated

Barry Sanders, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004 (his first year of eligibility), scored one touchdown for every 35 touches in his 153 regular-season games, but just one touchdown in 112 postseason touches in six playoff games.

Indeed, Sanders' only career playoff touchdown was a 47-yard run against the Dallas Cowboys in a 1991 divisional-round playoff game in the Pontiac Silverdome. The Lions won that game 38-6. Sanders' touchdown came in the final minutes of the fourth quarter with Detroit already leading 31-6. The following week, the Lions went on the road to play the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium. Sanders was not a factor. Detroit took a 41-10 beating.

Sanders' postseason performance supports the notion that he was a product of the cozy, climate-controlled Silverdome. Nice carpet for easy, stop-on-a-dime maneuvering. Seventy-two degrees. Detroit faithful keeping the defensive line off balance with high decibel support.

In four career outdoor postseason games, Sanders averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. He never scored a touchdown. And he never ran for more than 65 yards in a single game. With Sanders, the Lions went 0-4 in outdoor playoff games, losing by an average of 17 points.

Nobody is suggesting that a bust of Barry should not be in Canton. He's the third-leading rusher of all time with 15,269 yards. He holds the all-time NFL record for consecutive 1,000 seasons with 10, from 1989 to 1998. Sanders was the first player to rush for 1,500 yards in a season five times. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls. In 1997, when he rushed for 2,053 yards, he was NFL co-MVP, an honor he should have not had to share with Brett Favre that season. In 1988, Sanders won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma State.

But this picture of perfection has a nasty blemish. Once Sanders got to the big stage, and got out of the Silverdome, he was a bust.

Take the wild-card playoff game at Lambeau Field in 1994. That season, Sanders averaged 5.7 yards per carry -- the second-highest total of his career. In the first round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, on Lambeau Field's frozen tundra, Sanders set an NFL postseason record for rushing futility. He had 13 carries for minus-one yard. He had four catches that day -- for four yards. Which means he had 16 touches for a total of three yards -- 2.7 yards less than he averaged per rush in the regular season.

Now, the spirited defense of putting him in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot always includes the theory that Sanders was the only thing the Lions had going for them in The Barry Sanders Era. That's exactly what it is -- a theory, and a bad one at that.

Did we forget about wide receivers Herman Moore and Brett Perriman? The Lions stretched the field for Sanders -- especially in the Dome. This helped him be wildly successful -- in the regular season. And in the years when the Lions went to the playoffs, their defense was not awful. It was middle of the pack -- ranked 11th in 1991, 15th in 1993, 19th in 1994, 14th in 1995 and 10th in 1997.

There is another ugly scar on Sanders' career: His Greta Garbo act on the way out the door.

After rushing for 1,491 yards in 1998, Sanders abruptly and mysteriously retired. At the time, he was 1,457 yards shy of Walter Payton's all-time rushing record. His defenders say Sanders -- who played the game with dignity and class -- did not owe anybody anything. As long as he was at peace with the decision, that was enough. That's bunk.

Here was a man who benefited greatly from the support of his teammates, his organization and his fans -- and he just turned his back on them without a word of gratitude. He left his teammates and a franchise in the lurch, to the point that the Lions demanded he return $7.3 million of his signing bonus.

Years later, when it was time for him to become eligible for Canton, Sanders had to be coaxed into providing some kind of explanation for his untimely retirement.

It was too little, too late.

Postscript: Of the five leading rushers in NFL history, Sanders is the only one to never reach a Super Bowl. The others -- Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis -- all reached at least one Super Bowl. And all but Martin won at least one NFL championship ring.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=3055421


it is a good read...seriously

[ROCSteady]

I remember Nate Newton because he got busted with about 200lbs of marijuana.

Moss is much better than Irvin. Irvin might not even be a top 10 WR.

+1. Plus he wears tacky suits. Dr. Evil sh!t.

http://passtheword.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/michael_irvin30.jpg?w=600

That's horrendous

[Blackisbig]

I'm not really worried about overall placement on the top 100 list, because people evaluate positions differently, but rather how many players from the same position are ahead of the player in question. I'll wait and see how the draft goes before critiquing further.

[Jackass18]

Mr.Simpson we need you to pick up bart from school he seems to be suffering from dementia.....oh it runs in the family i see.......
Look I agree Jim brown is #1 Runningback/Player ever, but barry was better then emmit. The only stat the appears to give emmit the lead is career yards and touchdowns. Then again emmit played 5 more seasons then barry. Barry played one more season the Jim Brown. Jim ended with a 104.3 rushing yds a game, Barry with 99.8 and Emmitt with 81.9. Recieving yards JB had 21.2, BS 19.1, and ES 14.3.
What I'm getting at is your reasoning Emmitt is the best comes from being a Cowgirls fan. I'm sure you remember the line Emmitt ran behind, who handed the ball off, and maybe a "Playmaker" or two on the field at that time. I'm just saying.
My point is being great is not about the statistics you accumulate in your career, for the impact you have on your team paints the bigger picture

I'm a Redskin fan/Cowboy hater, but I'd put Emmitt over Barry.

[Sarcastic]

Barry Sanders played for a crappy organization that ran the Run N Shoot offense for most of his prime. Give him a real team/offense, and he would be at 20,000 yards, with about 4 or 5 2,000+ yard seasons.

The first year he played in a normal offense was his junior year in college, and he ran for 2,600 yards and 39 touchdowns. He didn't get to play with a normal offense again until his 9th year in the NFL, and he ran for 2,000 yards.

[Kblaze8855]

The Lions have won 1 playoff game in 55 years and Barry Sanders is hated on for it? The Lions have not mattered in 50 years without him. And dude talking about superbowl RBs...and mentions Walter who won on the greatest defense of all time when I think they only made the playoffs once in his early career, smith who won with one of the more stacked teams ever, Bus who got there at the end of his career when he was more motivational than effective 5 years past his last 1000 yard season, and Curtis Martin. Im not looking it up to confirm...but im pretty sure Bledsoe was throwing the ball at damn near record rates back then. Curtis had good numbers I know but it was a passing team. A passing team that didnt even win.

And talking about what he rushed for on 13 attempts? he had 10, 13, 12, and 11 carries in 4 of his playoff games and 18 and 27 in the other 2. In the 18 he had 108 total yards and in the 27 he had 169. We all know how Barry worked. run him till he breaks one. You dont give Barry Sanders 10 carries then talk about his production. He wasnt a guy who gets 10 touches and kills you. you run him 20-30 times and 3 of them go for 40-60 yards. Team gives up 58 points in a playoff game and throws it over 50 times with 6 picks and he gets 10 carries(happened vs Philly)...the **** is he supposed to do?

Giving his playoff numbers is misleading as hell. Give him 30 touches in a playoff game like Smith got(several times...with a peak of 37) you think hes getting -3 yards out of it?

They were rarely in position to play the kind of game that he normally would.

Barry had things you can pick on. But that article is just bullshit.

[raiderfan19]

The early 90s cowboys are an interesting case study. They are routinely sited as loaded when it comes to discussing emmitt/aikman/irvin but where is the credit for these other loaded players? The oline is generally said to be the best ever when speaking about emmitt but how many of them are going to the HOF? And no larry allen doesnt count because he wasnt on the dominant cowboy offensive lines. The defense was great but you rarely here woodson mentioned among the goat safeties. Its just interesting that they are supposedly awesome when discussing aikman and emmitt but not when discussing the other players themselves.

And emmitt was better than Barry because emmitt was better at running between the tackles, receiving out of the backfield, picking up the blitz and running in short yardage situations. Barry was better in the open field.

[Sarcastic]

Barry could run between the tackles, but he didn't get too many chances to do so because he didn't play in a normal offense with a fullback. You wanted him to do it without a lead blocker?

Emmitt was probably the better receiver, but who really cares?

You also forgot to mention how good Novacek and Johnston were.

[raiderfan19]

Barry could run between the tackles, but he didn't get too many chances to do so because he didn't play in a normal offense with a fullback. You wanted him to do it without a lead blocker?

Emmitt was probably the better receiver, but who really cares?

You also forgot to mention how good Novacek and Johnston were.
Johnston was a great blocker. Novacek was a GREAT receiver but couldnt block to save his life.

[-playmaker-]

The early 90s cowboys are an interesting case study. They are routinely sited as loaded when it comes to discussing emmitt/aikman/irvin but where is the credit for these other loaded players? The oline is generally said to be the best ever when speaking about emmitt but how many of them are going to the HOF? And no larry allen doesnt count because he wasnt on the dominant cowboy offensive lines. The defense was great but you rarely here woodson mentioned among the goat safeties. Its just interesting that they are supposedly awesome when discussing aikman and emmitt but not when discussing the other players themselves.

And emmitt was better than Barry because emmitt was better at running between the tackles, receiving out of the backfield, picking up the blitz and running in short yardage situations. Barry was better in the open field.

Allen won a ring in 95...and Deion...both HOFers first found (should be)

Charles Haley won all 3 with Dallas and 2 with SF..he should be in the HOF

Ken Norton, Russell Maryland, Leon Lett were all complete studs...


you know, with those o-lines it wasn't really that they were so skilled...it was just that they were all so f*ckin big...made the d-lines look like little midgets...they just over powered and mauled everything in their way...

LT Mark Tuinei 6'5" 302 lbs (2 time probowler)
LG Nate Newton 6'3" 318 lbs (6 time probowler)
C Mark Stepnoski 6'2" 269 lbs (5 time probowler)
RG Kevin Gogan 6'7" 317 lbs (3 time probowler)
RT Erik Williams 6'6" 324 lbs (4 time probowler)


all huge, and multiple probowls...greatest lines ever...

then in 95 came Allen...who is better than all of them...

[raiderfan19]

Allen won a ring in 95...and Deion...both HOFers first found (should be)

Charles Haley won all 3 with Dallas and 2 with SF..he should be in the HOF

Ken Norton, Russell Maryland, Leon Lett were all complete studs...


you know, with those o-lines it wasn't really that they were so skilled...it was just that they were all so f*ckin big...made the d-lines look like little midgets...they just over powered and mauled everything in their way...

LT Mark Tuinei 6'5" 302 lbs (2 time probowler)
LG Nate Newton 6'3" 318 lbs (6 time probowler)
C Mark Stepnoski 6'2" 269 lbs (5 time probowler)
RG Kevin Gogan 6'7" 317 lbs (3 time probowler)
RT Erik Williams 6'6" 324 lbs (4 time probowler)


all huge, and multiple probowls...greatest lines ever...

then in 95 came Allen...who is better than all of them...
Before his car wreck williams was better than allen ever was(and i say that as a big larry allen fan.) I live about an hour south of dallas and i watched EVERY game those teams played.

The 95 teams was the worst of the dynasty teams(including the 94 team that didnt win the superbowl) Players being on those teams doesnt mean they were on the entire dynasty team.

[-playmaker-]

Before his car wreck williams was better than allen ever was(and i say that as a big larry allen fan.) I live about an hour south of dallas and i watched EVERY game those teams played.

The 95 teams was the worst of the dynasty teams(including the 94 team that didnt win the superbowl) Players being on those teams doesnt mean they were on the entire dynasty team.
raider fan in Dallas huh?

I actually think the 95 team was the greatest ever...most don't

Parcells agrees with me though...

"the 1995 Dallas Cowboys are the most talented group of athletes ever assembled in the NFL, for they won despite their coach"


and he is right, I love Switzer but he let those guys do whatever the f*ck they wanted to do....he was a total "player's coach"...half the team was coked out...lol

that team was so great, they could have won a SB without a head coach at all...infact that is pretty much what they did...

the additions of Allen and Deion put it over the top for me...plus it was the triplets primes...

[Jackass18]

The Lions have not mattered in 50 years without him.

They were decent in the early '80s with Sims, and they actually improved and made the playoffs the year after Sanders retired.


And dude talking about superbowl RBs...and mentions Walter who won on the greatest defense of all time

He played for the 2000 Ravens? Yeah, you need to be surrounded by talent, but a number of teams with a mediocre defense have either won or made it to the SB. This past SB was played by a team with a defense ranked #25 and the other ranked #18.


Giving his playoff numbers is misleading as hell. Give him 30 touches in a playoff game like Smith got(several times...with a peak of 37) you think hes getting -3 yards out of it?

You can't excuse his poor performances simply because he didn't have 20-30 carries in those games. Maybe if he was more effective running the ball in those carries, then they wouldn't have been in passing situations so much. I don't even know how you can excuse 13 carries for -1 yards by saying he didn't get enough carries. Maybe he could have broken a 50-yarder if he got 7 more carries? Maybe he should have broken a 50-yarder or 2 in one of those 13 carries instead of losing yards. Isn't it a bit telling that his only 2 good rushing games in the playoffs came at home (and he only had 12 carries in of those games)? He was ineffective in the playoffs. Sanders isn't alone. Payton wasn't great in the playoffs, either. Hell, he only averaged 2.8 ypc in the postseason the season they won it all.

[raiderfan19]

raider fan in Dallas huh?

I actually think the 95 team was the greatest ever...most don't

Parcells agrees with me though...

"the 1995 Dallas Cowboys are the most talented group of athletes ever assembled in the NFL, for they won despite their coach"


and he is right, I love Switzer but he let those guys do whatever the f*ck they wanted to do....he was a total "player's coach"...half the team was coked out...lol

that team was so great, they could have won a SB without a head coach at all...infact that is pretty much what they did...

the additions of Allen and Deion put it over the top for me...plus it was the triplets primes...
Not those raiders. I was going to texas tech when i made this screen name. The raiders means the red raiders which is why i have the 19 attached to it(was a Taurean Henderson fan)

[-playmaker-]

There is another ugly scar on Sanders' career: His Greta Garbo act on the way out the door.

After rushing for 1,491 yards in 1998, Sanders abruptly and mysteriously retired. At the time, he was 1,457 yards shy of Walter Payton's all-time rushing record. His defenders say Sanders -- who played the game with dignity and class -- did not owe anybody anything. As long as he was at peace with the decision, that was enough. That's bunk.

Here was a man who benefited greatly from the support of his teammates, his organization and his fans -- and he just turned his back on them without a word of gratitude. He left his teammates and a franchise in the lurch, to the point that the Lions demanded he return $7.3 million of his signing bonus.

^^^ I like that part

I hate how Barry gets a free pass for quitting on his team because they weren't the greatest ever...you'll get coments like "he played for the Lions, I don't blame him for quitting...ect"

you don't quit on your team when times are hard...that IS "BUNK"...the writer is right...

this is something that Emmitt never would have done infact he loved the game so much he went to a "bad team" to play...he would rather play with crap than nothing at all because he loved the game...

barry openly admitted to not loving football...he was never seen with a smile on his face...he was never having fun laughing...he DIDN'T LIKE PLAYING FOOTBALL...

that should be a HUUUUGE knock imo...yeah, he could have had that record...BUT HE QUIT!!!...he didn't want the record...Emmitt wanted it more, so he is more deserving of it...

[-playmaker-]

Not those raiders. I was going to texas tech when i made this screen name. The raiders means the red raiders which is why i have the 19 attached to it(was a Taurean Henderson fan)
I have a couple freinds that went there...back in like the late 90s...

that's good stuff though...didn't know you were from around here...

[raiderfan19]

I have a couple freinds that went there...back in like the late 90s...

that's good stuff though...didn't know you were from around here...
You know where Corsicana is?

[-playmaker-]

You know where Corsicana is?
yeah, never been there though...

bout an hour south of Dallas I would guess?

:D

[raiderfan19]

yeah, never been there though...

bout an hour south of Dallas I would guess?

:D
Haha yeah, its a town of about 30k.

[Horde of Temujin]

^^^ I like that part

I hate how Barry gets a free pass for quitting on his team because they weren't the greatest ever...you'll get coments like "he played for the Lions, I don't blame him for quitting...ect"

you don't quit on your team when times are hard...that IS "BUNK"...the writer is right...

this is something that Emmitt never would have done infact he loved the game so much he went to a "bad team" to play...he would rather play with crap than nothing at all because he loved the game...

barry openly admitted to not loving football...he was never seen with a smile on his face...he was never having fun laughing...he DIDN'T LIKE PLAYING FOOTBALL...

that should be a HUUUUGE knock imo...yeah, he could have had that record...BUT HE QUIT!!!...he didn't want the record...Emmitt wanted it more, so he is more deserving of it...


Playmaker, i know you didnt mean that. the Lions management didnt give a crap about him or his fans, never have. Not a knock at all, did the man not give it his all while he played.
And also his humility should not be downplayed in contrast to the egocentric madonnas that dominate sports today. He was tired of playing for a sh!tty owner and management that never cared about assembling a halfway decent team.

[Sarcastic]

^^^ I like that part

I hate how Barry gets a free pass for quitting on his team because they weren't the greatest ever...you'll get coments like "he played for the Lions, I don't blame him for quitting...ect"

you don't quit on your team when times are hard...that IS "BUNK"...the writer is right...

this is something that Emmitt never would have done infact he loved the game so much he went to a "bad team" to play...he would rather play with crap than nothing at all because he loved the game...

barry openly admitted to not loving football...he was never seen with a smile on his face...he was never having fun laughing...he DIDN'T LIKE PLAYING FOOTBALL...

that should be a HUUUUGE knock imo...yeah, he could have had that record...BUT HE QUIT!!!...he didn't want the record...Emmitt wanted it more, so he is more deserving of it...

I was angry that he quit, because I was spoiled and wanted to see him play more, but you know what? He knew his body's threshold and probably knew he couldn't perform at the same level anymore. Running backs only have so many carries in their legs before their bodies break down. While I think he should have gone for the record, it was his choice to make. The numbers he put up playing for historically the worst franchise in the sport, speak for themselves.

[-playmaker-]

Playmaker, i know you didnt mean that. the Lions management didnt give a crap about him or his fans, never have. Not a knock at all, did the man not give it his all while he played.
And also his humility should not be downplayed in contrast to the egocentric madonnas that dominate sports today. He was tired of playing for a sh!tty owner and management that never cared about assembling a halfway decent team.
it isn't like they are the only "crappy managed" team to ever exist...

hundreds of players have played entire careers for "crap" teams without quitting, including MANY of barry's teammates...

what Barry did was rare...infact I can't think of another player that has quit the sport altogether for that reason...


Barry is also not involved in anything NFL related today, I understand he is a soft spoken quiet man but it seems like if he realy loved the game so much he could find a place doing something NFL related...I think damn near every star player for the 90s Cowboys are working as analysts or something, Troy, Emmitt, Irvin, Deion, Woodson, Moose, ect...it is obvious to me that they all just love football...Barry? What is he even doing today?...does he even care about the NFL at all?...does he even watch the games?

It just kinda bugs me when people bow to him like he is an NFL God (nd really, he is an NFL God, no doubt) bt then just ignore the fact that he doesn't really care about the NFL...you are praising someone that doesn't want your praise...

[-playmaker-]

I was angry that he quit, because I was spoiled and wanted to see him play more, but you know what? He knew his body's threshold and probably knew he couldn't perform at the same level anymore. Running backs only have so many carries in their legs before their bodies break down. While I think he should have gone for the record, it was his choice to make. The numbers he put up playing for historically the worst franchise in the sport, speak for themselves.
this is another thing...everyone always assumes that it is a given that he would have just blown Emmitt away, but yeah, RBs can hit walls just like Tomlinson did...loosing a step can mean loosing half your stats...

or he could have had battles with injury...there is no way to know what Barry would have done had he not quit...

[Sarcastic]

this is another thing...everyone always assumes that it is a given that he would have just blown Emmitt away, but yeah, RBs can hit walls just like Tomlinson did...loosing a step can mean loosing half your stats...

or he could have had battles with injury...there is no way to know what Barry would have done had he not quit...

I still believe in my heart that had Barry gotten to play in a normal offense with a full time fullback, he would have easily put up 20,000 yards, and probably even peaked with a 2,500 yard season. Despite the Lions lining up in a Run N Shoot offense, defenses would still put 8 or 9 guys in the box to stop him. He was the most dangerous player ever with the ball in his hands.

[-playmaker-]

I still believe in my heart that had Barry gotten to play in a normal offense with a full time fullback, he would have easily put up 20,000 yards, and probably even peaked with a 2,500 yard season. Despite the Lions lining up in a Run N Shoot offense, defenses would still put 8 or 9 guys in the box to stop him. He was the most dangerous player ever with the ball in his hands.
I agree that he was the greatest open feild runner EVER...no doubt

he still had MAJOR flaws though...one of those flaws was not being able to hit a hole...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvNdTSWob84

^^^ BARRY RUNS BACKWARDS


people always say "well if Barry had the Cowboy's o-line, he would have blah blah blah..."

HE COULDN'T HIT A HOLE!!!...it is almost like he NEEDED a bad lin ein order to do what he did...get in the open feild...what good would it do Barry to have large holes???...he never ran through them, infact he was benched in the redzone because of it, and on short yardage plays...

that is why Emmitt would have beat him in TDs regarless, because Emmitt could run short yardage...Emmitt was PERFECT for that Dallas line...barry running through holes would have been strange honestly, it isn't his style...

[Sarcastic]

I agree that he was the greatest open feild runner EVER...no doubt

he still had MAJOR flaws though...one of those flaws was not being able to hit a hole...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvNdTSWob84

^^^ BARRY RUNS BACKWARDS


people always say "well if Barry had the Cowboy's o-line, he would have blah blah blah..."

HE COULDN'T HIT A HOLE!!!...it is almost like he NEEDED a bad lin ein order to do what he did...get in the open feild...what good would it do Barry to have large holes???...he never ran through them, infact he was benched in the redzone because of it, and on short yardage plays...

that is why Emmitt would have beat him in TDs regarless, because Emmitt could run short yardage...Emmitt was PERFECT for that Dallas line...barry running through holes would have been strange honestly, it isn't his style...

He didn't hit holes because he didn't have a lead blocker. Go watch his highlights at OSU. He ran threw the tackles.

[Sarcastic]

After they finally got rid of Wayne Fontes, they brought in Bobby Ross who installed a normal pro offense. He got Tommy Vardell as his fullback. He ran for 2053 yards with a 6.1 y/a. This was his 8th year in the league.

[-playmaker-]

no dude, watch the video, i am old enough to clearly remember Barry playing...he was CONSTANTLY avoiding the hole and running around them, that was his style...it wasn't because he had the worst FB in the NFL...he didn't...

listen to his teammates...


"if you asked Barry Sanders to hit a hole then he wouldn't be Barry Sanders"

"His running style was completely unconventional"

ect...

IT WAS HIM!!!!...not his team...that is just how he was...

[Horde of Temujin]

it isn't like they are the only "crappy managed" team to ever exist...

hundreds of players have played entire careers for "crap" teams without quitting, including MANY of barry's teammates...

what Barry did was rare...infact I can't think of another player that has quit the sport altogether for that reason...


Barry is also not involved in anything NFL related today, I understand he is a soft spoken quiet man but it seems like if he realy loved the game so much he could find a place doing something NFL related...I think damn near every star player for the 90s Cowboys are working as analysts or something, Troy, Emmitt, Irvin, Deion, Woodson, Moose, ect...it is obvious to me that they all just love football...Barry? What is he even doing today?...does he even care about the NFL at all?...does he even watch the games?

It just kinda bugs me when people bow to him like he is an NFL God (nd really, he is an NFL God, no doubt) bt then just ignore the fact that he doesn't really care about the NFL...you are praising someone that doesn't want your praise...


What, is the NFL some sacred institution that deserves your utmost loyalty and praise? its a business. A business that doesnt even properly take care of many of its pioneering players. What the man chooses to do with his life is his choice, and in no way takes away any crediblilty from him. and if i want to sing his praises for the amazing, mesmerizing accolades he performed on the field then i have my right. I think the fact that he hasnt sought out any more fame and he could easily do so and easy money is testimony to his character. Has the NFL paid your rent lately?

[Horde of Temujin]

What holes? the Detroit O-line had less holes than the hoover dam

[-playmaker-]

What, is the NFL some sacred institution that deserves your utmost loyalty and praise? its a business. A business that doesnt even properly take care of many of its pioneering players. What the man chooses to do with his life is his choice, and in no way takes away any crediblilty from him. and if i want to sing his praises for the amazing, mesmerizing accolades he performed on the field then i have my right. I think the fact that he hasnt sought out any more fame and he could easily do so and easy money is testimony to his character. Has the NFL paid your rent lately?
I don't know what you're talking about with the NFL paying my rent and sacred praise and loyality and all that shit...but if a dude quits a sport then it SHOULD reflect his image in that sport unless it is for health reasons or other things understandable...

Barry quit cause he didn't like his team...BUNK

half the NFL probalby hates thier team...

[-playmaker-]

What holes? the Detroit O-line had less holes than the hoover dam
such an exageration, in Barry's time he actually ran behind 2 probowl linemen...who openly critized him for not hit thier holes and dancing around in the back getting tacjled making THEM look worse than they were...

for every 60 home run Barry had he also had 3 negative plays that cost the team their drive...

[Horde of Temujin]

I don't know what you're talking about with the NFL paying my rent and sacred praise and loyality and all that shit...but if a dude quits a sport then it SHOULD reflect his image in that sport unless it is for health reasons or other things understandable...

Barry quit cause he didn't like his team...BUNK

half the NFL probalby hates thier team...


The man was 31 years old, 10 seasons of wear and tear, its his choice if he wants to retire. Unless youre equating to going AWOL in the middle of a war or something? what i meant about the sacred praise stuff, was that you said he does nothing for the NFL as if he owes them something.

[Sarcastic]

such an exageration, in Barry's time he actually ran behind 2 probowl linemen...who openly critized him for not hit thier holes and dancing around in the back getting tacjled making THEM look worse than they were...

for every 60 home run Barry had he also had 3 negative plays that cost the team their drive...

Still doesn't change the fact that the offensive scheme they were using was not meant to maximize his running ability.

[-playmaker-]

The man was 31 years old, 10 seasons of wear and tear, its his choice if he wants to retire. Unless youre equating to going AWOL in the middle of a war or something? what i meant about the sacred praise stuff, was that you said he does nothing for the NFL as if he owes them something.
no, you got me wrong...it IS his choice to quit, or do whatever he wants with his life...whatever makes him happy is what he should do...

HOWEVER, if playig football DOESN'T make him happy (like it does the other greats, see Favre in Minny) then it most certainly SHOULD be taken into consideration when ranking him as an NFL player...

he QUIT!!!...yes it is his choice...but the fact remains that HE QUIT!!!

you can make all the excuses you want for it, but they are meaningless...

[Jackass18]

He didn't hit holes because he didn't have a lead blocker. Go watch his highlights at OSU. He ran threw the tackles.

There's a big difference between college and the NFL.


After they finally got rid of Wayne Fontes, they brought in Bobby Ross who installed a normal pro offense. He got Tommy Vardell as his fullback. He ran for 2053 yards with a 6.1 y/a.

Then, he had 4.3 ypc the following season.

[Sarcastic]

There's a big difference between college and the NFL.

I know. The point was to compare the types of offenses he played in, not the competition.



Then, he had 4.3 ypc the following season.

Yup. Getting old sucks. Although, Emmitt Smith only had 4 seasons in which he did better than 4.3 y/a. Barry only ran that poorly in 2 seasons.

[Jackass18]

Emmitt ran in short yardage situations.

There's always some lame ass excuse for whenever anything negative is brought up about Sanders. Also, all his positives are are always overblown. Some want to act like he didn't have any faults and he was all the Lions had. It's all BS.

[Jailblazers7]

Barrys lack of love for the game causes me to lose some respect for him but it doesn't do anything to undermine his ability and achievements as a player.

[Sarcastic]

Emmitt ran in short yardage situations.



Are you implying Barry never did?

[-playmaker-]

Are you implying Barry never did?
Barry was not at all a "grinder"

in many (I think most) situations he was benched when the lions were in the red zone or it was 3rd and short...

I don't know how many times I have to repeat this but the guy DIDN'T HIT HOLES!!!

for short yardage, you need a RB that lowers his head and smashes into the defense (Emmitt)...

Barry wasn't a short yardage RB...

[Sarcastic]

Barry was not at all a "grinder"

in many (I think most) situations he was benched when the lions were in the red zone or it was 3rd and short...

I don't know how many times I have to repeat this but the guy DIDN'T HIT HOLES!!!

for short yardage, you need a RB that lowers his head and smashes into the defense (Emmitt)...

Barry wasn't a short yardage RB...

You know what? It's not even worth arguing anymore.

I understand Barry has his haters, and that's all there is to it.

[-playmaker-]

You know what? It's not even worth arguing anymore.

I understand Barry has his haters, and that's all there is to it.
he really doesn't have ANY haters...I am a very rare breed of fan that understands his place in the NFL ranks...

99% of everyone else thinks he was perfect...

[Jackass18]

You know what? It's not even worth arguing anymore.

I understand Barry has his haters, and that's all there is to it.

I'm not a hater, I'm just not a ******ger that overrates him like many others do.

[Stringer Bell]

I'll be a bit surprised if they don't put Montana #1.


Ray Lewis at 21? That list is garbage. Granted, it is quite difficult to compare players from different eras, but that's still horseshit.

I think they'll have Jim Brown at #1.