We are compiling a list of the greatest players from the sport of American football, which will then be voted on and the winner placed on the shortlist of the all-time greatest athlete ever (all sports).

The first stage is to get nominations for American football before the vote is started. See the current list below of top athletes, compiled using other published lists and visitor feedback. If you believe that there is someone missing from this list, please send a message, including any relevant details about the person.

A somewhat similar poll to determine the Greatest Pro Football Athlete of All Time was conducted on the ESPN Sport Science website in 2013 - looking for the greatest athlete, not player, from the sport of American football.

American football game American football game

American Football Greatest List

The athletes below are listed in alphabetical order - once the shortlist is complete then you will be able to vote for who you think is the greatest of all.

Name Notes
Aaron Rodgers He is one of the six quarterbacks of all-time with 150+ wins. He also won the MVP award four times. Rodgers also has one Super Bowl to his name.
Adrian Peterson Ran for 2,097 yards during 2012 season. In high school, he ran 10.33 secs for the 100m.
Barry Sanders One of three players in NFL history with more than 15,000 rushing yards.
Brett Favre He won three consecutive league MVPs from 1995 to 1997
Calvin Johnson he set NFL record with 1,964 receiving yards in a single season (2012). Only player in NFL history with eight straight 100-yard receiving games.
Dan Marino He is one of the most prolific passers in NLF history.
Deion Sanders He was a memorable defensive back. Deion won the Hall of Fame, two Super Bowl championships, Hall of Fame (HOF) All-1990s Team
Don Maynard Wide Receiver
Drew Brees He finished his NFL career as the first player to ever throw for 80,000 yards. He has won 13 Pro Bowl, one Super Bowl championship, and the 2004 AP Comeback Player of the Year
Ed Reed He won the Hall of Fame, one Super Bowl championship, Hall of Fame (HOF) All-2000s Team.
Emmitt Smith From 1991-1995, he won four titles, league, and Super Bowl MVPs and three Super Bowls.
Herschel Walker He is one of the top running backs in the pros. Walker finished his professional career with a total of 8,225 yards and 61 rushing touchdowns.
Jerry Rice Wide Receiver. NFL record holder in career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. 13 career Pro Bowl selections.
Jim Brown In 2002, he was named by Sporting News as the greatest professional football player ever. Brown averaged 104.3 rushing yards per game, the most in NFL history. He led the league in rushing in eight of his nine seasons. A great all-around athlete, at Syracuse he earned 10 varsity letters in four different sports (basketball, football, lacrosse, track).
Joe Montana Quarterback. 3-time Super Bowl MVP.
John Elway Quarterback. Elway ranks in top 5 in NFL history in career pass attempts, pass completions and passing yards. He ran more than 3,000 yards with 300 touchdown passes in his career.
Johnny Unitas He was the NLF's best quarterback during the league's first 50 years. He led the Colts to NFL titles in 1958 and 1959, and a Super Bowl title in 1970.
Ladainian Tomlinson He won the Hall of Fame, five Pro Bowl, 2006 NFL MVP, and the Hall of Fame (HOF) All-2000s Team
Lawrence Taylor Defense. Only player to win AP Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Marshall Faulk He was a spectacular running back and pass catcher. He has won the Hall of Fame, seven Pro Bowl, one Super Bowl championship, and 2000 NFL MVP.
Peyton Manning He has a unique legacy that includes a record five league MVPs, as well as being the first starting quarterback to win Super Bowls with two different clubs.
Randy Moss Randy is the best wide receiver in the history of the NFL to many because his ability to make big plays down the field was unmatched. Some of his accomplishments included Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame (HOF) All-2000s Team, 2007 PFWA Comeback Player of the Year.
Reggie White Second in NFL history with 198 career sacks. 13 career Pro Bowl selections, tied for second most all time.
Rob Gronkowski Rob played a huge role in the Patriot's dynasty. He won four Super Bowl champions, Hall of Fame (HOF) All-2010's Team, and 2014 Comeback Player of the Year.
Steve Young 43 career rushing touchdowns, most by a quarterback in NFL history. Third all-time in career rushing yards by a quarterback. During his senior year at High School, he was co-captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams.
Tom Brady He is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. He has won seven Super Bowls, and he is the league's all-time leader in passing yards (89.214). Brady also won six championships with the Patriots and then a seventh in his first year with the Buccaneers.
Tony Gonzalez 13 career Pro Bowl selections. He had the most career receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for NFL tight ends. Second in NFL history with 1,242 career receptions.
Walter Payton He is one of the greatest backs since the 1970 merger. Payton led the Bears to a championship after gaining over 2,000 all-purpose yards for the Super Bowl XX champions.