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) /

30 of 30

17 Dec 2000: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field during the game against the Chicago Bears at the 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Bears 17-0.Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

1. Jerry Rice

It’s hard to put anyone else in the No. 1 spot. Jerry Rice is the greatest non-quarterback to ever play professional football.

Rice’s list of accomplishments are almost unfathomable. He was a thirteen-time Pro Bowl selection and made 10 First-Team All-Pro teams. The greatest receiver ever also led the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns six times each.

Rice holds a number of records that seemingly will never be eclipsed. His 22,985 receiving yards are more than 5,000 yards ahead of anyone else in league history. Larry Fitzgerald is currently second all-time with 17,492. His 197 touchdowns are also 41 more than second place Randy Moss’ 156.

Several incredible receiving talents have come after Rice, but none have been able to surpass his accomplishments. In a league that was much more run-oriented, he was still able to set records that are nearly impossible to reach. He holds several records, including most receptions, receiving yards, career touchdowns, and all-purpose yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 after a career that spanned two decades.

If there is one thing that can be said for near certainty, it’s that there will never be another Jerry Rice.

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