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Best player in team history, NFC edition:
By Elliot Harrison/NFL Media analyst
ARIZONA Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver
When you think of Fitzgerald's career, you probably begin to ponder hard-luck athletes across sports. Of course, that's really the story with every great player in Cardinals history -- there just haven't been enough winning seasons to go around. That said, the first thought that comes to my mind is Fitzgerald's performance in the 2008 postseason: 30 catches for 546 yards and seventouchdowns! Another Larry, Hall of Fame safety Larry Wilson, was the toughest competition here.
ATLANTA Mike Kenn, left tackle
We're only in the 2-hole and we're already having trouble with the lineup. Tommy Nobis was the organization's first elite-level player. Claude Humphrey will be enshrined in Canton this August, thanks to a brilliant decade in Atlanta. But the choice here is Kenn, despite his relative obscurity to much of the football world. A 17-year starter at left tackle, Kenn was named to five Pro Bowl teams and twice earned first-team All-Pro honors. His former teammate (and my current colleague) Jamie Dukes summed it up nicely: "He is among the 10 best tackles to ever play." Yes, Kenn held his own against the very best, including Lawrence Taylor.
CAROLINA Julius Peppers, defensive end
Peppers is the choice for one of the league's younger franchises. The reason: He was considered the best at his position for several seasons. There probably isn't another Carolina Panther you can say that about. (Sorry, Steve Smith.) From 2004 to '06, there was no better defensive end at all phases of the position. Also, he was an integral part of a Panthers team that nearly took down the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Peppers is a Hall of Famer, no doubt.
CHICAGO Walter Payton, running back
Talk about a team rich in tradition and history. This truly is one of the NFL's cornerstone franchises, making this selection all the more difficult. Payton, who once had the most rushing and receiving yards ever among NFL running backs, had to beat out Red Grange, Gale Sayers and Bronko Nagurski at his own position. And then there was that Dick Butkus guy -- kind of a notable name, eh? "Sweetness" led the NFC in rushing every year from 1976 to 1980 and eclipsed 1,000 yards 10 times.
DALLAS Bob Lilly, defensive tackle
I'd love to tell you I debated this pick ... but typing Bob Lilly's name took all of about five seconds. He is arguably the greatest defensive tackle ever, and was one of the premier players of the 1960s. This guy was so good that he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and '70s -- first team. Even among all the legendary Cowboys, Lilly stands out. He is the only Dallas player to be named first-team All-Pro seven times.
DETROIT Barry Sanders, running back
Guessing you weren't anticipating Scott Mitchell here, eh? Sanders is a relatively easy choice, as he might be the most spectacular player with a ball in his hands the game has ever known. He certainly was the most elusive. Among his 10 stellar seasons, two in particular stand out. ... In 1994, Sanders rushed for 1,883 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. And then he outdid himself in 1997, totaling 2,053 ground yards at an eye-popping 6.1 yards a pop. Some consider Sanders the best running back in NFL history. Dutch Clark deserves mention, but ultimately falls short.
GREEN BAY Don Hutson, wide receiver
Like the Bears, the Packers boast a history that is exceedingly rich in tradition, championships and, of course, stars. Not picking guys like Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Forrest Gregg, among others, was extremely difficult. Yet, Hutson might be the greatest wide receiver this side of Jerry Rice. Some people question the level of competition Hutson faced during the World War II era, but the bottom line is that he absolutely destroyed every other receiver's numbers in his era. Hutson quit pro football with 99 touchdown catches. No one else even had 30 at the time of his retirement.
MINNESOTA Alan Page, defensive tackle
If you pore over the pages of the NFL encyclopedia -- or, more realistically, cruise around ProFootballReference.com -- you might find that it's a tad bit difficult to find a defensive player who earned the AP's NFL MVP honor. In fact, there have been just two: Lawrence Taylor (arguably the premier defensive player in the history of the NFL) and Page. This guy was that dominant. He could knife through blocking schemes and make hay seemingly before the play even started. Page performed at the highest level over 11 full seasons in Minnesota, making the Pro Bowl in nine of those years. We'll see where Adrian Peterson falls in NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2014," but for this list, he just hasn't had a long enough tenure (yet).
NEW ORLEANS Drew Brees, quarterback
Larry Fitzgerald is not the only current player to make this prestigious list. After eight highly productive seasons in which he has been the maestro of an explosive offense that has lifted this franchise to new heights, Brees hasearned this honor. He led the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game berth in his first year with the club and brought home the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy three years later. Along the way, he's accounted for half of the NFL's eight 5,000-yard seasons. I love me some Rickey Jackson, but old No. 57 will have to step aside. And perhaps apologies to Willie Roaf are in order, but Brees' arrival completely changed this franchise.
NEW YORK Lawrence Taylor, outside linebacker
Easy choice. Among all of the gifted players who've suited up for Big Blue over the past 89 years, no one was better than LT. Taylor had incredible strength and football IQ, but most importantly, he possessed a ridiculous motor that few in league history could match. He accumulated plenty of sacks, of course -- see: the 20.5 recorded in his MVP season of 1986 -- but his incredible desire made running away from him a risky proposition, as Taylor often would chase those plays down from the back side.
PHILADELPHIA Reggie White, defensive end
When it comes to defensive linemen, this is the big dog on the block. In NFL history, there hasn't been a better player up front. White could play outside or inside, and he was a master at getting after the quarterback. He legitimately took over games, which says something for a D-lineman. While many remember White for his days in Green Bay, it was during his eight years in Philadelphia that he forged his reputation as the best in the game. White was THE disruptive force on some fantastic defensive teams -- particularly the 1991 Eagles, who yielded just 150.8 passing yards per game. He was first-team All-Pro in six of his eight Philly campaigns.
SAN FRANCISCO Jerry Rice, wide receiver
Come on; Jerry Rice is the G.O.A.T. Joe Montana topped my list of all-time quarterbacks, and deservedly so. Unfortunately for Joe Cool -- at least, in terms of placement on this list -- Rice was the best player of a generation. As the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns, Rice certainly has the accolades to nab this honor. Throw in the fact he won three Super Bowls, setting a receiving record in one of them, and it's hard to touch the guy.
SEATTLE Steve Largent, wide receiver
While contemporary chatter about the Seahawks centers on defense and the quarterback, the Legion of Boom and Russell Wilson have a looooong way to go to catch up with the best pass-catcher in team history. Largent was a model of consistency. He was not only the first All-Pro in Seattle, but he played 14 seasons at a high level. When Largent retired, he was the all-time NFL leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Walter Jones and Cortez Kennedy give Largent a run for his money, but no dice.
ST. LOUIS Deacon Jones, defensive end
The most famous pass rusher to ever step on a football field influenced the premier players for decades to come, guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith. Everyone knew who Deacon Jones was, mainly because of his various moves, starting with the now-illegal head slap. Jones coined the term "sack," fitting for quite possibly the most proficient sack artist in league history. Jones and Merlin Olsen were the main cogs of the famed "Fearsome Foursome," and both guys were included on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. From 1964 to '69, Jones was the best defensive player in football.
TAMPA BAY Derrick Brooks, linebacker
He could play in coverage. He could play the run. He could lead. Simply put, Brooks was a complete NFL linebacker, the prototype at the position. Hey, it's not easy taking Brooks over Warren Sapp and John Lynch -- that's the triumvirate that delivered a Lombardi Trophy to Tampa Bay. The key for Brooks: This is the only team he ever played for, and he did so at a high level over 14 seasons. During that time, he made 11 Pro Bowls and tied former Cowboys great Chuck Howley for most pick-sixes by a linebacker (with six). Lee Roy Selmon was the franchise's top player for a long time, but he can't match Brooks' hardware.
WASHINGTON Sammy Baugh, quarterback
The premier player of the NFL's first 50 years, Sammy Baugh is still the greatest Redskin of them all, 62 years after taking his last snap. He led Washington to titles in 1937 and 1942, establishing himself as the most prolific passer of the era. "Slingin' Sammy" also pulled off a rare triple crown in 1943, leading the NFL in completion percentage, punting and interceptions made (he was a two-way player). Heck, he could still give Shane Lechler a run for his money as the best punter ever. Baugh spent 16 seasons in a Washington uniform, retiring as the league leader in most of the major passing categories. His 51.4 punting average in 1940 is still a record.
Best player in team history, AFC edition:
By Elliot Harrison/NFL Media analyst
Perhaps you've been watching "The Top 100 Players of 2014." There's some interesting fodder for debate there, and not just in terms of player pecking order -- it's fascinating to see which teams have the most representation and which have barely any at all.
As good as Tony Romo and Von Miller -- two players recently highlighted in that show -- are, will either end his career with an argument to be considered the top player in his franchise's history? It's a fun exercise in the proverbial lookahead. Romo, of course, has myriad legendary players to deal with, including a couple of signal-callers named Staubach and Aikman. Meanwhile,Miller's current boss seems to have a stranglehold on the Broncos' mantle.
On that note, my NFL Media overlords asked me to pick the best player ever for each organization, starting with the AFC teams. What kind of criteria factored into my decisions? Well, career accomplishments/accolades obviously played the chief role. That said, I also wanted each selection to be a player synonymous with the franchise, so longevity with the team was a huge factor, as well.
Now, it goes without saying that I anticipate some dissident voices, and I encourage you to let it fly:@HarrisonNFL is the place for your impassioned cries.
Without further ado, let's look at the greatest player for each AFC organization, presented alphabetically for your perusing pleasure (click on player names for career stats):
BALTIMORE Ray Lewis, inside linebacker
This was a tougher choice than you might think. Lewis was not a better linebacker than Jonathan Ogden was a left tackle, nor was he a notch above safety Ed Reed. Moreover, Lewis' murder trial in 2000 caused the franchise great angst. But throughout the course of his 17 seasons, he earned twoSuper Bowl rings, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and 13 Pro Bowl bids, and he became a leader both for the organization and in the community. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
BUFFALO Bruce Smith, defensive end
With no disrespect to Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas or anyone from the 1960s AFL Bills -- who won that league's championship in 1964 and '65 -- Smith is the greatest player in franchise history. He performed at a Pro Bowl level for almost all of his 15 seasons in Buffalo. Smith has the most sacks in NFL history -- 200 on the dot -- and was THE elite player on the Bills' Super Bowl teams. Oh, and he was named first-team All-Pro eight times. Now, I'm sure some people will bring up the elephant in the room: O.J. Simpson, who was indeed an incredible running back, despite his obviously sordid off-the-field life. Still, Simpson logged just five and a half seasons of top-notch football.
CINCINNATI Anthony Muñoz, left tackle
The most dominant offensive tackle in pro football history is either this guy or Forrest Gregg -- take your pick. Muñoz helped redefine the position, as clubs looked for larger tackles who just couldn't be bull-rushed. Muñoz was a first-team All-Pro selection in nine separate seasons, receiving the honor during both of the Bengals' Super Bowl campaigns (1981 and '88); the argument has been made that he is the greatest O-lineman ever, irrespective of position.
CLEVELAND Jim Brown, running back
Surprised? OK, don't answer that. Some picks are simply slam dunks, and this is one such example. Brown led the NFL in rushing during eight of his nine seasons. Think about this for a moment -- can you ever see that happening again? While Otto Graham is an in-the-ballpark second place here, Brown just might be the best football player ever. Only Jerry Rice can challenge in that regard. Brown's career average of 104.3 rushing yards per game boggles the mind.
DENVER John Elway, quarterback
The Broncos have featured more Hall of Very Good players than most other NFL clubs. Yet, despite all of Denver's success, only one Bronco has been a certifiable first-ballot Hall of Famer: John Elway. His come-from-behind directives are legendary, his physical tools otherworldly. The 1987 MVP also added a Super Bowl MVP (and a second ring) 11 seasons later before riding off into the sunset. Elway is so highly thought of that he was the first overall pick in both the 1983 draft and our recently executed All-Time Draft of 2014.
HOUSTON Andre Johnson, wide receiver
Johnson's a no-show at this week's OTAs, but he has shown up plenty for the Texans throughout his illustrious career. Johnson has never played for another team, having joined the franchise in its second year of existence. The 11-year vet has seven 1,000-yard seasons to his name, while also posting 976 yards in his rookie campaign and 851 yards in 2007, when he missed almost half the year.
INDIANAPOLIS Johnny Unitas, quarterback
Sorry, Peyton Manning worshippers, but we're going with Johnny U. At one time, Unitas was considered the best quarterback of all time, whereas Manning might not be the top QB of his era. (Yes, I know Unitas spent his playing days in Baltimore, but this is about the franchise, not the city.) Unitas led the Colts to a pair of NFL titles in the 1950s, and also snagged a Lombardi Trophy in 1970. Not to mention, his Colts also appeared in the 1964 NFL Championship Game and Super Bowl III. Some credit Unitas with pioneering the "two-minute offense." Well, he was definitelycredited with three MVPs (in 1959, '64 and '67).
JACKSONVILLE Jimmy Smith, wide receiver
Tough call, here. Tony Boselli was dominant, but he didn't play long enough. Keenan McCardell was a model of consistency, but he was never truly dominant. Fred Taylor's 11,271 rushing yards for the franchise, meanwhile, are tough to dismiss. Yet, with apologies to Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, Smith's résumé is simply impossible to ignore. Former Eagles coach Rich Kotite once told the guy he would never make it in the NFL. Smith responded by racking up nine -- NINE!! -- 1,000-yard seasons in Jacksonville. With 862 receptions to his name, Smith's easily the most prolific pass-catcher in Jags history.
KANSAS CITY Derrick Thomas, outside linebacker
Choices abound for the Chiefs, who had a Hall of Fame quarterback for 13 years (Len Dawson) as well as two game-changing linebackers in Willie Lanier and Bobby Bell. ... Well, add a third. Thomas gets the nod because he was always a fantastic player, notching 10 sacks as a rookie and 12 in his penultimate season. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Thomas played his entire career in Kansas City. "DT" was always considered the club's best player, even when Joe Montana was there.
MIAMI Dan Marino, quarterback
No, he didn't win a Super Bowl in Miami, but Marino is the most prolific player to wear the helmet with the dolphin on it. When he retired, he was the all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdowns. His 1984 season arguably remains the most ridiculous offensive campaign ever, as he threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns in a rules system that was nowhere near as mediocre-quarterback-friendly as today's. Marino played 17 seasons in Miami, all of them as the face of the franchise.
NEW ENGLAND Tom Brady, quarterback
This pick wasn't as easy-peasy as some might've anticipated. John Hannah has been called "the greatest offensive lineman ever" by many folks, and he played at a Hall of Fame level from stem to stern in his 13-year career with the Pats. That said, Brady has led New England to five Super Bowls (winning thrice), making the playoffs in all but one season as a full-time starter.Brady's 2007 and 2010 seasons -- both of which earned him MVP honors -- are among the best statistical seasons ever at the position.
NEW YORK Joe Namath, quarterback
Many criticize Namath for all the interceptions. Detractors claim he was hurt all the time and "only had one great game." But there was so much more to Broadway Joe than knee ailments and Super Bowl III. Namath's footwork and release were masterful -- stuff coaches still try to teach today. He was the first passer to eclipse 4,000 yards, playing in an era where 2,500 yards was pretty doggone good. And his contract -- the wooing of Joe Namath -- forced the AFL-NFL merger as much as anything. He was a terrific player. Period.
OAKLAND Jim Otto, center
The Raiders present one of the great quandaries on our list: With so many Hall of Famers and a two-decade run of excellence, who do you take? Howie Long deserves mention. Willie Brown merits commentary, as well. Ken Stabler, Cliff Branch and especially Fred Biletnikoff must be considered. Still, there was only one Jim Otto. Wearing the famous "00" made him noticeable to fans in the 1960s and '70s, but even more striking was his résumé -- Otto earned All-Pro, AFL All-Star and/or Pro Bowl honors in 13 of his 15 seasons. The game all starts with the snap of the football, and Otto was the best at it. His tough-guy image fit well with both his team and his era.
PITTSBURGH Joe Greene, defensive tackle
Like the Raiders, the Steelers just have so many premier players -- Hall of Fame-level players -- that trying to choose one name is a challenge bordering on the impossible. In a tight race among many, "Mean Joe" gets the nod. Was hebetter than Jack Ham? Probably not. Ernie Stautner is the only player to officially have his number retired. Yet, Greene was the first draft choice of the Chuck Noll era, the opening salvo of a glorious stretch that brought four Super Bowl titles to Pittsburgh. Greene was a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
SAN DIEGO Lance Alworth, wide receiver
I can already hear the calls for Dan Fouts or Junior Seau or LaDainian Tomlinson as the Chargers' best representative, but omitting Alworth's name from this list would be an oversight at best -- and a serious error at worst. "Bambi" was the first player who spent the majority of his career in the AFL to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Why? Because he was damn near unstoppable. He compiled seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, and his 1965 campaign was Randy Moss-like: 1,602 yards, 23.2 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns ... in 14 games.
TENNESSEE Bruce Matthews, offensive lineman
Went back and forth on Earl Campbell and Matthews. The argument for Campbell: He was the best player at his position for three NFL seasons. No other Oiler/Titan can make that claim. Yet, Matthews is the choice. He was always among the top guys at his position, and gave the franchise two decades of service. Oh, and the fact he made 14 Pro Bowls doesn't hurt, either. Fourteen?!
By Elliot Harrison/NFL Media analyst
ARIZONA Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver
When you think of Fitzgerald's career, you probably begin to ponder hard-luck athletes across sports. Of course, that's really the story with every great player in Cardinals history -- there just haven't been enough winning seasons to go around. That said, the first thought that comes to my mind is Fitzgerald's performance in the 2008 postseason: 30 catches for 546 yards and seventouchdowns! Another Larry, Hall of Fame safety Larry Wilson, was the toughest competition here.
ATLANTA Mike Kenn, left tackle
We're only in the 2-hole and we're already having trouble with the lineup. Tommy Nobis was the organization's first elite-level player. Claude Humphrey will be enshrined in Canton this August, thanks to a brilliant decade in Atlanta. But the choice here is Kenn, despite his relative obscurity to much of the football world. A 17-year starter at left tackle, Kenn was named to five Pro Bowl teams and twice earned first-team All-Pro honors. His former teammate (and my current colleague) Jamie Dukes summed it up nicely: "He is among the 10 best tackles to ever play." Yes, Kenn held his own against the very best, including Lawrence Taylor.
CAROLINA Julius Peppers, defensive end
Peppers is the choice for one of the league's younger franchises. The reason: He was considered the best at his position for several seasons. There probably isn't another Carolina Panther you can say that about. (Sorry, Steve Smith.) From 2004 to '06, there was no better defensive end at all phases of the position. Also, he was an integral part of a Panthers team that nearly took down the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Peppers is a Hall of Famer, no doubt.
CHICAGO Walter Payton, running back
Talk about a team rich in tradition and history. This truly is one of the NFL's cornerstone franchises, making this selection all the more difficult. Payton, who once had the most rushing and receiving yards ever among NFL running backs, had to beat out Red Grange, Gale Sayers and Bronko Nagurski at his own position. And then there was that Dick Butkus guy -- kind of a notable name, eh? "Sweetness" led the NFC in rushing every year from 1976 to 1980 and eclipsed 1,000 yards 10 times.
DALLAS Bob Lilly, defensive tackle
I'd love to tell you I debated this pick ... but typing Bob Lilly's name took all of about five seconds. He is arguably the greatest defensive tackle ever, and was one of the premier players of the 1960s. This guy was so good that he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and '70s -- first team. Even among all the legendary Cowboys, Lilly stands out. He is the only Dallas player to be named first-team All-Pro seven times.
DETROIT Barry Sanders, running back
Guessing you weren't anticipating Scott Mitchell here, eh? Sanders is a relatively easy choice, as he might be the most spectacular player with a ball in his hands the game has ever known. He certainly was the most elusive. Among his 10 stellar seasons, two in particular stand out. ... In 1994, Sanders rushed for 1,883 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. And then he outdid himself in 1997, totaling 2,053 ground yards at an eye-popping 6.1 yards a pop. Some consider Sanders the best running back in NFL history. Dutch Clark deserves mention, but ultimately falls short.
GREEN BAY Don Hutson, wide receiver
Like the Bears, the Packers boast a history that is exceedingly rich in tradition, championships and, of course, stars. Not picking guys like Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Forrest Gregg, among others, was extremely difficult. Yet, Hutson might be the greatest wide receiver this side of Jerry Rice. Some people question the level of competition Hutson faced during the World War II era, but the bottom line is that he absolutely destroyed every other receiver's numbers in his era. Hutson quit pro football with 99 touchdown catches. No one else even had 30 at the time of his retirement.
MINNESOTA Alan Page, defensive tackle
If you pore over the pages of the NFL encyclopedia -- or, more realistically, cruise around ProFootballReference.com -- you might find that it's a tad bit difficult to find a defensive player who earned the AP's NFL MVP honor. In fact, there have been just two: Lawrence Taylor (arguably the premier defensive player in the history of the NFL) and Page. This guy was that dominant. He could knife through blocking schemes and make hay seemingly before the play even started. Page performed at the highest level over 11 full seasons in Minnesota, making the Pro Bowl in nine of those years. We'll see where Adrian Peterson falls in NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2014," but for this list, he just hasn't had a long enough tenure (yet).
NEW ORLEANS Drew Brees, quarterback
Larry Fitzgerald is not the only current player to make this prestigious list. After eight highly productive seasons in which he has been the maestro of an explosive offense that has lifted this franchise to new heights, Brees hasearned this honor. He led the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game berth in his first year with the club and brought home the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy three years later. Along the way, he's accounted for half of the NFL's eight 5,000-yard seasons. I love me some Rickey Jackson, but old No. 57 will have to step aside. And perhaps apologies to Willie Roaf are in order, but Brees' arrival completely changed this franchise.
NEW YORK Lawrence Taylor, outside linebacker
Easy choice. Among all of the gifted players who've suited up for Big Blue over the past 89 years, no one was better than LT. Taylor had incredible strength and football IQ, but most importantly, he possessed a ridiculous motor that few in league history could match. He accumulated plenty of sacks, of course -- see: the 20.5 recorded in his MVP season of 1986 -- but his incredible desire made running away from him a risky proposition, as Taylor often would chase those plays down from the back side.
PHILADELPHIA Reggie White, defensive end
When it comes to defensive linemen, this is the big dog on the block. In NFL history, there hasn't been a better player up front. White could play outside or inside, and he was a master at getting after the quarterback. He legitimately took over games, which says something for a D-lineman. While many remember White for his days in Green Bay, it was during his eight years in Philadelphia that he forged his reputation as the best in the game. White was THE disruptive force on some fantastic defensive teams -- particularly the 1991 Eagles, who yielded just 150.8 passing yards per game. He was first-team All-Pro in six of his eight Philly campaigns.
SAN FRANCISCO Jerry Rice, wide receiver
Come on; Jerry Rice is the G.O.A.T. Joe Montana topped my list of all-time quarterbacks, and deservedly so. Unfortunately for Joe Cool -- at least, in terms of placement on this list -- Rice was the best player of a generation. As the NFL's all-time leader in catches, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns, Rice certainly has the accolades to nab this honor. Throw in the fact he won three Super Bowls, setting a receiving record in one of them, and it's hard to touch the guy.
SEATTLE Steve Largent, wide receiver
While contemporary chatter about the Seahawks centers on defense and the quarterback, the Legion of Boom and Russell Wilson have a looooong way to go to catch up with the best pass-catcher in team history. Largent was a model of consistency. He was not only the first All-Pro in Seattle, but he played 14 seasons at a high level. When Largent retired, he was the all-time NFL leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Walter Jones and Cortez Kennedy give Largent a run for his money, but no dice.
ST. LOUIS Deacon Jones, defensive end
The most famous pass rusher to ever step on a football field influenced the premier players for decades to come, guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith. Everyone knew who Deacon Jones was, mainly because of his various moves, starting with the now-illegal head slap. Jones coined the term "sack," fitting for quite possibly the most proficient sack artist in league history. Jones and Merlin Olsen were the main cogs of the famed "Fearsome Foursome," and both guys were included on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. From 1964 to '69, Jones was the best defensive player in football.
TAMPA BAY Derrick Brooks, linebacker
He could play in coverage. He could play the run. He could lead. Simply put, Brooks was a complete NFL linebacker, the prototype at the position. Hey, it's not easy taking Brooks over Warren Sapp and John Lynch -- that's the triumvirate that delivered a Lombardi Trophy to Tampa Bay. The key for Brooks: This is the only team he ever played for, and he did so at a high level over 14 seasons. During that time, he made 11 Pro Bowls and tied former Cowboys great Chuck Howley for most pick-sixes by a linebacker (with six). Lee Roy Selmon was the franchise's top player for a long time, but he can't match Brooks' hardware.
WASHINGTON Sammy Baugh, quarterback
The premier player of the NFL's first 50 years, Sammy Baugh is still the greatest Redskin of them all, 62 years after taking his last snap. He led Washington to titles in 1937 and 1942, establishing himself as the most prolific passer of the era. "Slingin' Sammy" also pulled off a rare triple crown in 1943, leading the NFL in completion percentage, punting and interceptions made (he was a two-way player). Heck, he could still give Shane Lechler a run for his money as the best punter ever. Baugh spent 16 seasons in a Washington uniform, retiring as the league leader in most of the major passing categories. His 51.4 punting average in 1940 is still a record.
Best player in team history, AFC edition:
By Elliot Harrison/NFL Media analyst
Perhaps you've been watching "The Top 100 Players of 2014." There's some interesting fodder for debate there, and not just in terms of player pecking order -- it's fascinating to see which teams have the most representation and which have barely any at all.
As good as Tony Romo and Von Miller -- two players recently highlighted in that show -- are, will either end his career with an argument to be considered the top player in his franchise's history? It's a fun exercise in the proverbial lookahead. Romo, of course, has myriad legendary players to deal with, including a couple of signal-callers named Staubach and Aikman. Meanwhile,Miller's current boss seems to have a stranglehold on the Broncos' mantle.
On that note, my NFL Media overlords asked me to pick the best player ever for each organization, starting with the AFC teams. What kind of criteria factored into my decisions? Well, career accomplishments/accolades obviously played the chief role. That said, I also wanted each selection to be a player synonymous with the franchise, so longevity with the team was a huge factor, as well.
Now, it goes without saying that I anticipate some dissident voices, and I encourage you to let it fly:@HarrisonNFL is the place for your impassioned cries.
Without further ado, let's look at the greatest player for each AFC organization, presented alphabetically for your perusing pleasure (click on player names for career stats):
BALTIMORE Ray Lewis, inside linebacker
This was a tougher choice than you might think. Lewis was not a better linebacker than Jonathan Ogden was a left tackle, nor was he a notch above safety Ed Reed. Moreover, Lewis' murder trial in 2000 caused the franchise great angst. But throughout the course of his 17 seasons, he earned twoSuper Bowl rings, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and 13 Pro Bowl bids, and he became a leader both for the organization and in the community. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
BUFFALO Bruce Smith, defensive end
With no disrespect to Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas or anyone from the 1960s AFL Bills -- who won that league's championship in 1964 and '65 -- Smith is the greatest player in franchise history. He performed at a Pro Bowl level for almost all of his 15 seasons in Buffalo. Smith has the most sacks in NFL history -- 200 on the dot -- and was THE elite player on the Bills' Super Bowl teams. Oh, and he was named first-team All-Pro eight times. Now, I'm sure some people will bring up the elephant in the room: O.J. Simpson, who was indeed an incredible running back, despite his obviously sordid off-the-field life. Still, Simpson logged just five and a half seasons of top-notch football.
CINCINNATI Anthony Muñoz, left tackle
The most dominant offensive tackle in pro football history is either this guy or Forrest Gregg -- take your pick. Muñoz helped redefine the position, as clubs looked for larger tackles who just couldn't be bull-rushed. Muñoz was a first-team All-Pro selection in nine separate seasons, receiving the honor during both of the Bengals' Super Bowl campaigns (1981 and '88); the argument has been made that he is the greatest O-lineman ever, irrespective of position.
CLEVELAND Jim Brown, running back
Surprised? OK, don't answer that. Some picks are simply slam dunks, and this is one such example. Brown led the NFL in rushing during eight of his nine seasons. Think about this for a moment -- can you ever see that happening again? While Otto Graham is an in-the-ballpark second place here, Brown just might be the best football player ever. Only Jerry Rice can challenge in that regard. Brown's career average of 104.3 rushing yards per game boggles the mind.
DENVER John Elway, quarterback
The Broncos have featured more Hall of Very Good players than most other NFL clubs. Yet, despite all of Denver's success, only one Bronco has been a certifiable first-ballot Hall of Famer: John Elway. His come-from-behind directives are legendary, his physical tools otherworldly. The 1987 MVP also added a Super Bowl MVP (and a second ring) 11 seasons later before riding off into the sunset. Elway is so highly thought of that he was the first overall pick in both the 1983 draft and our recently executed All-Time Draft of 2014.
HOUSTON Andre Johnson, wide receiver
Johnson's a no-show at this week's OTAs, but he has shown up plenty for the Texans throughout his illustrious career. Johnson has never played for another team, having joined the franchise in its second year of existence. The 11-year vet has seven 1,000-yard seasons to his name, while also posting 976 yards in his rookie campaign and 851 yards in 2007, when he missed almost half the year.
INDIANAPOLIS Johnny Unitas, quarterback
Sorry, Peyton Manning worshippers, but we're going with Johnny U. At one time, Unitas was considered the best quarterback of all time, whereas Manning might not be the top QB of his era. (Yes, I know Unitas spent his playing days in Baltimore, but this is about the franchise, not the city.) Unitas led the Colts to a pair of NFL titles in the 1950s, and also snagged a Lombardi Trophy in 1970. Not to mention, his Colts also appeared in the 1964 NFL Championship Game and Super Bowl III. Some credit Unitas with pioneering the "two-minute offense." Well, he was definitelycredited with three MVPs (in 1959, '64 and '67).
JACKSONVILLE Jimmy Smith, wide receiver
Tough call, here. Tony Boselli was dominant, but he didn't play long enough. Keenan McCardell was a model of consistency, but he was never truly dominant. Fred Taylor's 11,271 rushing yards for the franchise, meanwhile, are tough to dismiss. Yet, with apologies to Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, Smith's résumé is simply impossible to ignore. Former Eagles coach Rich Kotite once told the guy he would never make it in the NFL. Smith responded by racking up nine -- NINE!! -- 1,000-yard seasons in Jacksonville. With 862 receptions to his name, Smith's easily the most prolific pass-catcher in Jags history.
KANSAS CITY Derrick Thomas, outside linebacker
Choices abound for the Chiefs, who had a Hall of Fame quarterback for 13 years (Len Dawson) as well as two game-changing linebackers in Willie Lanier and Bobby Bell. ... Well, add a third. Thomas gets the nod because he was always a fantastic player, notching 10 sacks as a rookie and 12 in his penultimate season. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Thomas played his entire career in Kansas City. "DT" was always considered the club's best player, even when Joe Montana was there.
MIAMI Dan Marino, quarterback
No, he didn't win a Super Bowl in Miami, but Marino is the most prolific player to wear the helmet with the dolphin on it. When he retired, he was the all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdowns. His 1984 season arguably remains the most ridiculous offensive campaign ever, as he threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns in a rules system that was nowhere near as mediocre-quarterback-friendly as today's. Marino played 17 seasons in Miami, all of them as the face of the franchise.
NEW ENGLAND Tom Brady, quarterback
This pick wasn't as easy-peasy as some might've anticipated. John Hannah has been called "the greatest offensive lineman ever" by many folks, and he played at a Hall of Fame level from stem to stern in his 13-year career with the Pats. That said, Brady has led New England to five Super Bowls (winning thrice), making the playoffs in all but one season as a full-time starter.Brady's 2007 and 2010 seasons -- both of which earned him MVP honors -- are among the best statistical seasons ever at the position.
NEW YORK Joe Namath, quarterback
Many criticize Namath for all the interceptions. Detractors claim he was hurt all the time and "only had one great game." But there was so much more to Broadway Joe than knee ailments and Super Bowl III. Namath's footwork and release were masterful -- stuff coaches still try to teach today. He was the first passer to eclipse 4,000 yards, playing in an era where 2,500 yards was pretty doggone good. And his contract -- the wooing of Joe Namath -- forced the AFL-NFL merger as much as anything. He was a terrific player. Period.
OAKLAND Jim Otto, center
The Raiders present one of the great quandaries on our list: With so many Hall of Famers and a two-decade run of excellence, who do you take? Howie Long deserves mention. Willie Brown merits commentary, as well. Ken Stabler, Cliff Branch and especially Fred Biletnikoff must be considered. Still, there was only one Jim Otto. Wearing the famous "00" made him noticeable to fans in the 1960s and '70s, but even more striking was his résumé -- Otto earned All-Pro, AFL All-Star and/or Pro Bowl honors in 13 of his 15 seasons. The game all starts with the snap of the football, and Otto was the best at it. His tough-guy image fit well with both his team and his era.
PITTSBURGH Joe Greene, defensive tackle
Like the Raiders, the Steelers just have so many premier players -- Hall of Fame-level players -- that trying to choose one name is a challenge bordering on the impossible. In a tight race among many, "Mean Joe" gets the nod. Was hebetter than Jack Ham? Probably not. Ernie Stautner is the only player to officially have his number retired. Yet, Greene was the first draft choice of the Chuck Noll era, the opening salvo of a glorious stretch that brought four Super Bowl titles to Pittsburgh. Greene was a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
SAN DIEGO Lance Alworth, wide receiver
I can already hear the calls for Dan Fouts or Junior Seau or LaDainian Tomlinson as the Chargers' best representative, but omitting Alworth's name from this list would be an oversight at best -- and a serious error at worst. "Bambi" was the first player who spent the majority of his career in the AFL to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Why? Because he was damn near unstoppable. He compiled seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, and his 1965 campaign was Randy Moss-like: 1,602 yards, 23.2 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns ... in 14 games.
TENNESSEE Bruce Matthews, offensive lineman
Went back and forth on Earl Campbell and Matthews. The argument for Campbell: He was the best player at his position for three NFL seasons. No other Oiler/Titan can make that claim. Yet, Matthews is the choice. He was always among the top guys at his position, and gave the franchise two decades of service. Oh, and the fact he made 14 Pro Bowls doesn't hurt, either. Fourteen?!
