Top 10 most Underrated NFL Players of All-Time

By Jason Bolton April 22, 2024 13:23

When discussing the greatest NFL players of all time, names like Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, and Lawrence Taylor often dominate the conversation.

Yet, there are many exceptional players whose contributions have been somewhat overlooked in the grand scheme of NFL history.

1. Roger Craig

Position: Running Back

Roger Craig is often overshadowed by other legendary running backs, but his impact on the game cannot be overstated.

Craig was a versatile back who excelled as a runner, receiver, and blocker.

His performance in the 1985 season, where he became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, remains a remarkable feat.

2. Steve Atwater

Position: Safety

Steve Atwater was a hard-hitting safety who played a crucial role in the Denver Broncos' defense during the late 1980s and 1990s.

Despite being a two-time Super Bowl champion and an eight-time Pro Bowler, Atwater's name often gets overlooked in discussions about the greatest safeties in NFL history.

3. Derrick Brooks

Position: Linebacker

Derrick Brooks was the cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' dominant defense in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Known for his exceptional speed, coverage skills, and football IQ, Brooks was a key factor in the Buccaneers' victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Despite his numerous accolades, including 11 Pro Bowl selections, Brooks is sometimes underrated in discussions about the best linebackers in NFL history.

4. Sterling Sharpe

Position: Wide Receiver

Sterling Sharpe's career was cut short due to a neck injury, which has led to him being overlooked in discussions about the greatest wide receivers of all time.

But during his seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers, Sharpe was a dominant force, amassing impressive statistics and earning five Pro Bowl selections.

5. Alan Faneca

Position: Offensive Guard

Alan Faneca was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line during the early 2000s.

His exceptional blocking skills and consistency earned him nine Pro Bowl selections and a place on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

Despite his remarkable career, Faneca often doesn't receive the same level of recognition as other offensive linemen.

6. Cliff Harris

Position: Safety

Cliff Harris was a key member of the Dallas Cowboys' "Doomsday Defense" in the 1970s. His impact on the field was instrumental in the Cowboys' success, leading to six Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl championships.

7. Randy Gradishar

Position: Linebacker

Randy Gradishar was the epitome of consistency and excellence during his career with the Denver Broncos. Despite being a seven-time Pro Bowler and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978, Gradishar's contributions to the game are often overlooked in discussions about the greatest linebackers in NFL history.

8. L.C. Greenwood

Position: Defensive End

L.C. Greenwood was a crucial member of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense during the team's dominant run in the 1970s. Despite being a six-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection, Greenwood is often underrated when discussing the top defensive linemen of his era.

9. Joe Jacoby

Position: Offensive Tackle

Joe Jacoby played an integral role in the Washington Redskins' offensive line during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Despite being a key figure in the team's three Super Bowl victories, Jacoby's contributions are sometimes overlooked in discussions about the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history.

10. Zach Thomas

Position: Linebacker

Zach Thomas was a tackling machine during his career with the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite accumulating impressive statistics and earning seven Pro Bowl selections, Thomas often doesn't receive the same level of recognition as other linebackers of his era.

The NFL has seen numerous exceptional players whose contributions and impact on the game have been somewhat underrated.

The players mentioned in this article, despite their remarkable skills and achievements, have not always received the same level of recognition as some of their peers.

It's important to acknowledge and appreciate the legacies of these underrated NFL players, as they have played a significant role in shaping the history of the sport.