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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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 26: Kellen Winslow #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a pass against the Baltimore Colts during an NFL football game December 26, 1982 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Winslow played for the Chargers from 1979-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

12. Kellen Winslow

While Kellen WInslow’s career lasted only nine seasons, the impact he had over that span was immense, and he was an innovator of the tight end position. The favorite target of Dan Fouts in the Air Coryell offense that made San Diego famous in the late 1970s-mid 1980s.

From 1980-1984, Winslow was the end all, be all of the tight end position. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls, and was selected as a first-team All-Pro in three consecutive years from 1980-82.

He led the NFL in catches in both 1980 and 1981, hauling in 89 and 88 passes, respectively. Winslow only played in nine games in 1982, but was still named as an All-Pro, catching 54 passes and six touchdowns. He had his third season of 80+ catches in 1983, where he once again had 88 receptions for nearly 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns.

Winslow’s performance in the 1981 AFC Divisional round against the Miami Dolphins is one of the gutsiest performances of all time. Playing with severe cramps, a pinched nerve in his shoulder, and multiple other symptoms and injuries, Winslow had 13 receptions for 166 yards. He also blocked a field goal that sent the game into overtime.

The Chargers won the game, and in one of the most infamous shots in NFL history, he was carried off the field. An absolute legend at the position, and one of the toughest players of his day.

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