The top 10 NFL Offensive Lineman of All Time

By Jason Bolton December 27, 2023 21:15

When it comes to the game of football, offensive linemen are often unsung heroes. While quarterbacks and running backs steal the spotlight with their flashy plays and highlight reels, offensive linemen are the backbone of any successful offense. They protect the quarterback, create running lanes for the backs, and dictate the pace of the game. Over the years, the NFL has seen some truly exceptional offensive linemen who have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 NFL offensive linemen of all time.

1. Anthony Munoz

Anthony Munoz is widely regarded as the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history. He played his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1980 to 1992. Munoz was a 9-time First-Team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times. He was known for his incredible strength, technique, and agility. Munoz was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

2. Jim Parker

Jim Parker was an offensive tackle who played for the Baltimore Colts from 1957 to 1967. He was a dominant force on the field and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times. Parker was known for his exceptional footwork, strength, and ability to read the defense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.

3. Jonathan Ogden

Jonathan Ogden is widely regarded as one of the most dominant offensive tackles to ever play the game. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Baltimore Ravens and was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning team in 2000. Ogden was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro four times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

4. Bruce Matthews

Bruce Matthews played 19 seasons in the NFL, all with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. He was a versatile lineman who played every position on the offensive line. Matthews was selected to the Pro Bowl an incredible 14 times and was named First-Team All-Pro nine times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

5. Walter Jones

Walter Jones was a left tackle who spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1997 to 2009. He was a dominant force on the field and was known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism. Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and was named First-Team All-Pro four times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

6. Anthony Muñoz

Anthony Muñoz, not to be confused with the previously mentioned Anthony Munoz, was an offensive tackle who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1993 to 2005. Muñoz was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro six times. He was known for his exceptional technique, quickness, and durability. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

7. Orlando Pace

Orlando Pace was an offensive tackle who played in the NFL from 1997 to 2009. He spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Rams and was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning team in 1999. Pace was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro three times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

8. Larry Allen

Larry Allen was an offensive guard who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1994 to 2005 and the San Francisco 49ers from 2006 to 2007. He was known for his incredible strength and was one of the most dominant run blockers in NFL history. Allen was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and was named First-Team All-Pro seven times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

9. Gene Upshaw

Gene Upshaw was an offensive guard who played his entire career with the Oakland Raiders from 1967 to 1981. He was a key part of the Raiders' dominant offensive line during the 1970s and helped lead them to two Super Bowl victories. Upshaw was a 6-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro five times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

10. Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas is regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles of his generation. He played his entire career with the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017. Despite playing on a struggling team, Thomas was a model of consistency and excellence. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times and was named First-Team All-Pro seven times. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

These 10 offensive linemen have left an indelible mark on the game of football. Their strength, technique, and ability to dominate on the field have made them legends of the sport. Whether it's Anthony Munoz's dominance, Walter Jones' athleticism, or Bruce Matthews' versatility, each of these players has contributed to the success of their teams and the NFL as a whole. They are a testament to the importance of the offensive line and the impact it can have on the game.