The greatest NFL players of all time

• The NFL was established more than 100 years ago
• It was initially known as American Professional Football Association (APFA) before renaming itself to NFL in 1922
• Tom Brady is one of the best NFL players of all time
• He is the greatest winner the NFL has ever seen.

Who are the greatest NFL players in history? The National Football League (NFL) is an American football league that was established in 1920. It was initially known as American Professional Football Association (APFA) before renaming itself to NFL in 1922. 

NFL is one of the most followed sports leagues in America. The game was initially focused on run-first style offence and strong defence. However, the major playing style used by NFL teams now is passing. 

Several outstanding players have graced the NFL pitch in the last 100 years. This article will look at the top five greatest NFL players of all time. 

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady is one of the most decorated and accomplished NFL players to ever play the game. Brady is a master of manipulating defences who does not rely on a specific crutch to win games. He played with a great pocket sense, which enabled him to quickly get the ball away from opponents.

Tom Brady will go down in history as one of the greatest NFL players in history. Photo/ Marca.

Brady won his first Super Bowl during the 2000 season when he came in. He was ranked 199th overall but has developed over the years and is currently the greatest NFL player of all time. 

The American is a seven-time Super Bowl champion. He ranks first in NFL as the player with the most touchdowns and passing yards. Brady has twice won the offensive player of the year, five Super Bowl MVPs, the 2007 Bert Bell award, and three MVPs, among other titles. 

Tom Brady is the greatest winner the NFL has ever seen. 

2. Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice is one of the best NFL players of all time. According to statistics, he is the best player at the wide receiver position. The legendary NFL star played the game between 1985 and 2005. By the time he retired from the sport, he held records in reception, yards and touchdowns.

Jerry Rice. Photo/ YouTube.

Jerry is the only wide receiver in history who had 197 touchdowns and reached 20,000 yards. 

The now 63-year-old veteran of the game won three Super Bowls, the offensive players of the year award two times and a Super Bowl MVP. He also won three championships with the San Francisco 49ers. 

3. Jim Brown

Jim Brown is widely considered the best running back in NFL history. He is the only NFL player to average 100 or more yards per game. 

Brown was a Pro Bowl invitee every season he played in the NFL. The Sporting News ranked him as the greatest professional football player ever in NFL. He won three MVPs and NFL Championship before he retired from the sport. The American became an actor after retiring from NFL and has featured in several movies. 

4. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor is widely regarded as the best defensive NFL player of all time. He is credited with changing the defensive pass rushing schemes, offensive line blocking schemes, defensive game plans and offensive formations. 

Taylor was a disruptive force during his prime days in the 1980s and 1990s. The American was fast enough to cover receivers and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. The American won the Rookie of the year and the defensive players of the year three times in his career. He was the second defender in history to win the NFL MVP. 

5. Reggie White

Reggie White played defensive end for 15 seasons in the NFL between the 1980s and 1990s. He is considered as the best lineman of all time and one of the greatest NFL players in history.

Reggie White is the most complete pass rusher in the history of the NFL. Photo/ Sportscasting.

It is arguable that White is the most complete pass rusher in the history of the NFL. He was very good at swim moves, speed rushes, coverage sacks and stunts. 

White won 13 Pro Bowls and 12 All-Pro nods during his professional football career, which ended in 2000. He also won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice. He passed away as a result of cardiac arrhythmia on December 26, 2004.