Top 30 NFL players of the 1980s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1980s

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game September 30, 1990 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Mike Munchak #63 of the Houston Oilers blocks against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 24, 1991 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh defeated Houston 26-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

21. Mike Munchak

The Oilers of the 1980s had some of the best running seasons of the decade, and Mike Munchak was a big reason for that. The former No. 8 overall pick out of Penn State was the lead blocker for Earl Campbell on many a great run.

Munchak was selected to five Pro Bowls in the decade, including making three straight appearances from 1987-89. He made his first Pro Bowl in 1984 in this third season, then followed that with another Pro Bowl in 1985.

1987 was Munchak’s best season, making his first All-Pro team while playing in just 12 games. He made it to the Pro Bowl every year for the remainder of the decade.

Munchak is one of the greatest lineman of the 1980s, and among the best guards in NFL history. He was one of the lead blockers for one of the best running backs of all time, and he created large running lanes for Campbell more often than not.

He finished his career with nine Pro Bowl appearances and was twice named an All-Pro. He is a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade team, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

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