Throughout the history of NFL, numerous offensive players have made a lasting impact on the game with their remarkable skills.
Various offensive players, including quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, and many others, have significantly contributed to the success of their respective teams.
These athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence in their positions, playing a pivotal role in inspiring the next generations of players.
In this list, we rank the top 10 offensive players in NFL history, highlighting their contributions and legacy on the field.
Offensive Players | Net Worth |
1. Tom Brady | $300 million |
2. Jerry Rice | $50 million |
3. Jim Brown | $30 million |
4. Peyton Manning | $250 million |
5. Barry Sanders | $20 million |
6. Walter Payton | $3 million |
7. Joe Montana | $150 million |
8. Emmitt Smith | $25 million |
9. Randy Moss | $25 million |
10. Brett Favre | $100 million |
10 Best Offensive Player in NFL of All Time
1. Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr., professionally known as “Tom Brady” is a former quarterback who played in the NFL for 23 seasons.
Born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, he established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL’s history.
Throughout this career, he has set numerous records and achieved several accolades, with five Super Bowl MVP awards being the most notable.
Additionally, Brady has led his teams to seven Super Bowl wins, which is the most by any individual player.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, he has won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award three times and Best Offensive Player of the Year twice.
Subsequently, Brady retired in 2023, and June 12 was officially declared as “Tom Brady Day” in celebration of his undying legacy.
2. Jerry Rice
Jerry Lee Rice is a former American wide receiver who played for several prominent teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks.
With the 49ers, he won the Super Bowl Championship in 1988, 1989, and 1994, cementing his prominence.
Over the course of his 20-season career, he has earned the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award twice.
His stellar effort during the 1988 season led the former footballer to win the Super MVP that same year.
Furthermore, Rice earned acknowledgment for his outstanding work ethic and remarkable abilities, making him one of the most reliable players.
3. Jim Brown
Jim Brown, originally named “James Nathaniel Brown,” was an American fullback, civil rights activist, and actor.
Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965 and gained acclaim as one of the greatest running backs and players ever.
Moreover, the athlete secured the NFL championship with the Browns in 1964.
Despite reaching the peak of his career and recording the most yards, he retired after the 1965 season.
Tragically, Jim Brown passed away on May 18, 2023, at the age of 87 due to natural causes at his home.
4. Peyton Manning
American former professional football quarterback, Peyton Manning played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with the Denver Broncos.
Nicknamed “the Sheriff“, he is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks, having claimed NFL MVP awards five times.
He was widely known for his exceptional football IQ and defense reading ability and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Most notably, he secured two Super Bowl titles with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and the Denver Broncos in 2016.
Simultaneously, Manning accomplished the exceptional feat of becoming the first quarterback to achieve 200 career wins.
5. Barry Sanders
The 1968-born running back, Barry Sanders, played for the Detroit Lions and earned the NFL MVP in 1997.
Acknowledged for his agility and ability to break through defenses, Sanders received the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award in 1994 and 1997.
In acknowledgment of his remarkable accomplishment, the NFL awarded him the Most Valuable Player Award in 1997.
Similarly, he ranks among the top rushers in NFL history with over 15,000 career rushing yards.
Surprisingly, on July 27, 1999, the veteran retired at 30, having accumulated 15,269 rushing yards.
In 2004, the running back was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the most outstanding players.
6. Walter Payton
Nicknamed “Sweetness“, Walter Jerry Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi on July 25, 1953.
Throughout his 13-season career, Payton played as a running back for the Chicago Bears.
In addition, he has set numerous records, including leading the league for four consecutive seasons in rushing attempts.
Rushing for 1,852 yards and 14 touchdowns, the NFL awarded him the MVP for his phenomenal performance.
Adding to his list of achievements, he holds the record of starting 180 consecutive seasons by a running back.
Unfortunately, he took his last breath on November 1, 1999, at the age of 45, due to a rare liver disease.
7. Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford Montana Jr., the veteran quarterback born on June 11, 1956 is one of the iconic athlete in NFL’s history.
Nicknamed as “Joe Cool” and “the Comeback Kid“, he played in NFL for 16 seasons, mostly with the San Francisco 49ers.
During his remarkable career, Montana never threw an interception in any Super Bowl, highlighting his strong gameplay.
Additionally, he earned the nickname “Joe Cool” for his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.
Underscoring his impressive career, Joe Montana has won the Super Bowl MVP three times and the NFL MVP twice.
8. Emmitt Smith
Born on May 15, 1969, Emmitt Smith is a legendary running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.
During his 15 years of professional career, Smith set the record as the league’s all-time leading rusher.
A three-time Super Bowl Champion and one-time MVP winner, he is widely celebrated for his consistency and patience.
Following his retirement in 2004, Smith became involved in various business ventures and works as a broadcaster.
Honoring his lasting legacy and unparalleled contributions, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
9. Randy Moss
Born in Rand, West Virginia, on February 13, 1977, Randy Gene Moss is an electrifying wide receiver.
During his NFL career that spanned 14 seasons, he has played for several renowned teams, such as the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, and others.
A new term, “Moss-ing” was coined to describe his ability to dominate cornerbacks with his size and athleticism.
On top of that, Moss ranks second in career touchdown receptions and fourth in career receiving yards.
In 2007, he set a record with 23 touchdown receptions in a single season with the New England Patriots, a feat that still stands.
10. Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre, born on October 10, 1969, is a former quarterback who primarily played for the Green Bay Packers.
Acclaimed for his tackling ability and unmatched durability, he earned the nickname “Iron Man” after setting a record with 297 consecutive starts.
Favre became the only player to win three consecutive NFL Most Valued Player awards in 1995, 1996, and 1997.
Not only that, Favre guided the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl Championship victory in 1997, reclaiming the trophy after nearly 30 years.
As a result, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, honoring his extraordinary performance.