5. Joe Namath
Joe Namath made the AFL relevant. While most fans regarded the NFL as superior to the AFL prior to Super Bowl III, Namath made the league relevant by guaranteeing victory for his team over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Not only did the New York Jets come out victorious, but the victory validated the AFL as an equal competitor ahead of the already-agreed-upon 1970 merger between the two leagues. Moreover, Namath became the first quarterback in professional football history to throw for over 4,000 yards during the regular season. In addition to winning, he transformed the image of professional football players by making them mainstream celebrities.
4. Randall Cunningham and Steve Young
The current NFL quarterback movement originated with Randall Cunningham and Steve Young. The duo introduced the idea that quarterbacks can use their running skills to change the course of a game. Cunningham played for the Philadelphia Eagles while Young played for the San Francisco 49ers. The latter perfected the running and throwing skills of his predecessor and introduced the idea that quarterbacks are dynamic players who can take the game by storm with both of those abilities. Each modern quarterback who combines running and passing skills has to thank these two players for establishing that trend.
3. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas revolutionized the passing game in football. During his career, the quarterback led the league in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes on numerous occasions. At the same time, most teams ran the ball and defenders were permitted to hit offensive players with great force. Unitas still dominated the league with his passing abilities, including his mastery of the two-minute offense, calling his own plays, and setting a historic record by throwing at least one touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games. His performance in the 1958 NFL championship game propelled professional football into popularity among Americans. Upon retirement, Unitas held the league records for passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.
2. Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor altered the way offenses approached the game. The New York Giants’ outside linebacker intimidated opponents and rendered their play calls obsolete. His agility and power in attacking the quarterback made offenses focus on protecting the passer. It became crucial for teams to bring in additional blockers and place a premium value on the left tackle position. Taylor’s dominance on the defensive side of the ball earned him the NFL MVP award in 1986. He is one of only two defensive players in league history to win the award, and no defensive player has managed to repeat that feat since. Any edge rusher in the league is compared to his performances and accomplishments.
1. Jim Brown
Jim Brown revolutionized the role of the running back in football. While playing for the Cleveland Browns, he utilized his exceptional speed, size, and power to score frequently and lead the league in rushing yards per game. Moreover, he managed to remain injury-free throughout his career while accumulating the highest-ever number of rushing touchdowns and yards at the time of his retirement. Brown retired as the all-time leader in both categories. He never missed a game, retired at the peak of his career at age 30, and scored touchdowns at a record-breaking rate. Additionally, he pioneered post-football endeavors for athletes as he became a successful actor and activist.
