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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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos passes as he warms up before the 1986 season AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

16. John Elway

The Broncos orange cream uniforms are some of the best in NFL history, and no one made them look better than their Hall of Fame quarterback. From 1984-89, Denver didn’t have a losing season in large part because of Elway being under center, commanding the ship.

Elway had his first Pro Bowl season in 1986, throwing for just under 3,500 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

That season, Elway pulled off one of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Trailing by a touchdown with less than two minutes left in the AFC Championship Game, Elway and the Broncos started the drive at their own two yard-line. Elway led a masterful drive, including a conversion on 3rd and 18. 15 plays later, the Broncos were in the end zone and the game was sent to overtime, where the Broncos won on a field goal (that honestly went wide left, but that’s beside the point).

Elway made it to three Pro Bowls in the 1980s, and helped Denver reach three Super Bowls in four years. It would be another decade before Elway got a ring, but it was very clear he was one of the best quarterbacks in football.

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