Fansided

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1900s

By Jarrett Bailey

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)
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) /
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Baltimore Colts wide receiver Willie Richardson (87), Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey (88), Hall of Fame wide receiver Raymond Berry (82), and Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (wearing jacket) look discouraged on the sideline during a 34-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on December 17, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vic Stein/Getty Images)
Baltimore Colts wide receiver Willie Richardson (87), Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey (88), Hall of Fame wide receiver Raymond Berry (82), and Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (wearing jacket) look discouraged on the sideline during a 34-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on December 17, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vic Stein/Getty Images) /

26. John Mackey

Mackey was one of the first great tight ends in NFL history, and is regarded by many as the greatest tight end in the history of football. Mackey built himself an impressive Hall of Fame resume throughout his career.

Aside from Mike Ditka, Mackey was one of the first tight ends to be utilized as another receiver. His combination of size and speed made him a serious threat to stretch the field in the Colts’ offense. Defensive backs were too small to measure up to him, and linebackers weren’t fast enough to keep up with him downfield.

The Syracuse product was named First-Team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons from 1966-68. He was also a five-time Pro Bowler, as well as being a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. Even more impressive is that the Baltimore Colts great was named to both the NFL’s 50th anniversary and 100th anniversary teams. Mackey was an integral part of the Colts Super Bowl V winning team, where he caught a 75-yard touchdown pass in the Colts win over the Cowboys.

Even in the modern day, Mackey is still looked upon as one of the greats at his position, and he was one of the first true stretch tight ends.

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