Famous NFL Players

Jerry Rice was nicknamed 'Flash 80'. Rice earned this name due to his ability to make the most spectacular and stunning moves and also because he sported the number '80'.

Originally known as the 'American Professional Football Association', the NFL is one of the best leagues in the world and has produced many quality players who have reached the heights of popularity.

The profiles given here introduce us to few of the famous NFL players. Through these profiles of players from American Football, we get us a better idea of their achievements in the professional life.

He is considered as the greatest player in the history of NFL. In the first round of 1985 NFL Draft, Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. He played for this team from 1985 to 2000. From 2001 to 2004, Rice played for the Oakland Raiders; in 2004 and 2005 he played for the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos respectively.

Jerry Rice who played as a wide receiver is considered the greatest player for this position.

'Sporting News' named him the greatest professional football player ever in 2002. Jim Brown was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1957. He played as a running back during his entire career. Brown retired in 1965 with the then career rushing record of 12,312 yards. In 1971 he was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Apart from playing football, Jim Brown has acted in several films and played the lead role in most of them.

He played as a quarterback throughout his career. Joe Montana made his debut in 1979 and started playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Joe is remembered for his ability to stay calm under pressure. He won accolades and awards including the 'NFL Most Valuable Player' given by the Associated Press (in 1989 and 1990).

He was also named 'Sportsman of the Year' in 1990 by 'Sports Illustrated.'

He debuted in the year 1975 and played for the 'Chicago Bears'. Born on July 25, 1954, Walter Payton is known to have held the running back position for most of his career. He held the records for most number of touchdowns, rushing yards and carries. In 1993, Walter Payton's name was included in the 'Pro Football Hall of Fame'.

The greatness of Walter Payton lies in the fact that Mike Ditka called him a great football player and an even greater human being.

Known as the greatest linebacker of his time, Dick Butkus is one of the most renowned NFL players associated with Chicago Bears and also the University of Illinois. He was born on December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. Butkus played for the Chicago Bears in the NFL and continued to do so for 9 seasons.

Interceptions, tackles, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, etc. were the moves that Dick Butkus had mastered in his sporting career. In the year 1979, Dick Butkus was elected as a member of 'Pro Football Hall of Fame'.

Michael Keller Ditka Jr. also known as 'Iron Mike' was born on October 19, 1939 and started his career with the Chicago Bears in 1961. Mike Ditka who had 58 receptions was named the 'Rookie of the Year'. In 1967, Ditka was traded to Philadelphia Eagles. He played with the Philadelphia Eagles for 2 seasons and was once again traded to Dallas Cowboys in 1969.

Ditka's career record of 427 receptions, 43 touchdowns and 5,812 yards led to his inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988).

T.D. was the nickname given to Terrell Davis by his fellow players. Born on October 28, 1972 in San Diego (California), Terrell Davis played for the Denver Broncos. The leading rusher of this team, Davis played with the Broncos from 1995 to 2001. Davis has 7,607 rushing yards to his credit.

In the Super Bowl XXXII, Terrell Davis scored 3 rushing touchdowns. He was the first player in the Super Bowl history to attain this feat. Apart from the 3 rushing touchdowns, Davis also rushed 157 yards.

Dickerson was associated with teams like Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons during his career. Born on September 2, 1960 in Sealy (Texas), Eric Dickerson was selected for the Los Angeles Rams in 1983. As a rookie, he set records for rushing yards (1,808), rushing attempts (390) and also the rushing touchdowns (18).

Eric Dickerson was given the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 1983.

Lawrence Taylor played as a 'linebacker' in the NFL for the New York Giants. Also known as L.T. Taylor, he was drafted in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Giants. In the year 1999, Lawrence Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

1. Cam Newton
2. John Elway
3. Barry Sanders
4. Deion Sanders
5. Ronnie Lott
6. Clyde "Bulldog" Turner
7. Rod Woodson
8. Bruce Matthews
9. Herb Adderley
10. Paul Warfield

• Jim Kelly
• Art Monk
• Alan Page
• John Mackey
• Emmitt Smith
• Forrest Gregg
• Ernie Stautner
• Randy Moss
• Ed Reed
• Ozzie Newsome

• Ray Lewis
• Ted Washington
• Darrell Green
• Dan Marino
• Sam Huff
• Fran Tarkenton
• Jimmy Johnson
• Tom Brady

Football has been one of the popular sports in the United States. The details about the most famous NFL players presented here should help us know more about their career and notable achievements.