Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Walter Jones during 34-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in ESPN Monday Night Football game a Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. on November 27, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Walter Jones during 34-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in ESPN Monday Night Football game a Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. on November 27, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) /

23. Walter Jones

Jones was the best left tackle in the game throughout the 2000s. Whether it was opening up holes for Shaun Alexander in his historic MVP season in 2005, or protecting the blind side of Matt Hasselback, Jones was constantly reliable, and rarely missed any time with injury.

He made his second Pro Bowl in 2001, as well as being named First-Team All-Pro for the first time. From 2001-08, he wouldn’t miss a Pro Bowl, and would be named an All-Pro four times. The Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl in the 2005 season off the strength of Alexander’s tremendous season on the ground.

Jones opened up outside running lanes for the 2005 MVP, and helped Hasselback with a clean pocket more often than not. While Seattle didn’t win, it was the first time they had found real success in their franchise’s history. Their run in the 2000s of constant playoff appearances may not have happened if Jones wasn’t anchoring the line.

He retired after the 2008 season as a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro on four occasions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, and is one of the best lineman of his era.

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