Top 30 NFL players of the 1900s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1900s

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers passes during pregame warm up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 13, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the 49ers 30-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

29 of 30

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 01: Former professional football player Jim Brown attends the Audi Forum New Orleans at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on February 1, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Audi) /

2. Jim Brown

Que the classical music and static radio calls, it’s time to talk about the greatest running back in the history of professional football. Jim Brown ran the football with such elegant anger. He was a wrecking ball on two legs, and ran with such violent grace.

Even in 12 and 14 game seasons, Brown still put up unbelievable numbers. He led the NFL in rushing in eight of his nine NFL seasons. In 1958, he ran for 1,527 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games. In that span, he averaged just under six yards per carry and slightly more than 127 yards per game. He followed up that season with 1,329 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1959.

Brown was named NFL MVP three times. He was a Pro Bowler in each of his nine seasons, and an All-Pro in eight. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. After his retirement, he put together a moderately successful acting career because of course he did, Jim Brown can do anything.

In terms of pure dominance, there hasn’t been anyone that has equaled the long-term success of Jim Brown. Few have come close, but the accolades speak for themselves- Jim Brown is the best running back in NFL history.

Home/NFL