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) /

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Deacon Jones #75 of the Los Angeles Rams in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game circa 1962 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

24. Deacon Jones

Deacon Jones was so menacing and talented that he had his first name on the back of his jersey. He was mean, he was nasty, and he was ruthless in all of the best ways possible. A constant nuisance to opposing offensive lineman, quarterbacks, and running backs alike, Jones made a living off of infiltrating NFL backfields and throwing ball carriers like rag dolls. Then, he would line up and do it again and repeat for 60 minutes.

Jones was the best defensive lineman of his generation. He was named an All-Pro five times, and a Pro Bowler eight times. He is a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Deacon Jones was a man who instilled fear. If he felt like he had your number, you may as well put your head between your legs and kiss your butt goodbye-Deacon was going to punish you, and he did it more often than not. On top of being one of the most talented players at his position, he was also one of the most feared. If you asked the man himself, he;d tell you that the fear he instilled is better than any other accolade.

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