Every NFL Team's Mount Rushmore
The NFL Mount Rushmores aren’t just a bunch of pretty hills. They’re the Mount Massive of pro team sports.
Do the math, kids. NFL roster sizes are roughly two to three times that of the other major team sports. Compared to Major League Baseball, for instance, each NFL Mount Rushmore should have eight faces, not four. Compared to the NBA, there should be 16 of them. If you’re part of a pro football one, you’ve reached rarified air.
Now the fine print: Players only. This isn’t a popularity contest but a combination of individual/team achievement and historical significance. Those who also have played in the AFL (marked with plus signs) receive credit for accomplishments after the 1966 merger, although their career totals include both leagues. Asterisks denote statistics are incomplete. Official sack totals prior to the 1982 season and Average Value (per Pro Football Reference) before 1960 are not available (NA).
Before we lobby the South Dakota state legislature for a major expansion, let’s hammer these out first.
Note: All stats are through the 2018 NFL season.
Chicago Cardinals/Chi-Pit Cardinals-Steelers/St. Louis-Phoenix-Arizona Cardinals
LARRY FITZGERALD, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 15 seasons, all with Cardinals (2004-present)
Career statistics: 234 games played/5.6 pass receptions per game/12.5 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 8.6
Super Bowl championships: None
OLLIE MATSON, HALFBACK-FLANKER-KICK RETURNER
Career: 14 seasons (1952-66)
Years with Cardinals: 6 seasons (1952-58)
Career statistics: 171 games played/8.1 run-pass touches per game/6.1 run-pass yards per touch/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Cardinals: 72/12.4/6.2/50
Average Value/16: NA
NFL/Super Bowl championships: None
PAT TILLMAN, SAFETY
Career: 4 seasons, all with Cardinals (1998-2001)
Career statistics: 60 games/2 interceptions/2.5 sacks/0 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 4.0
Super Bowl championships: None
LARRY WILSON, SAFETY
Career: 13 seasons, all with Cardinals (1960-72)
Career statistics: 169 games/52 interceptions/sacks NA/8 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 9.3
NFL/Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: How silly good was Ollie Matson, you ask? Good enough to be traded for nine players. The Hall of Fame back was Bo Jackson long before Bo Jackson, a two-time Olympic medalist who returned nine kicks for touchdowns and had a similar number called back.
The underrated Tillman made the ultimate sacrifice in combat after he turned down a $3.6-million contract offer. His spirit will live for as long as there’s a Cardinals franchise. And beyond.
Larry Fitzgerald and Larry Wilson are no-brainers as well.
Next man up: Cornerback-punt returner Patrick Peterson.
Honorable mention: Offensive tackle-center Dan Dierdorf, guard-linebacker Ken Gray, quarterback Jim Hart, cornerback Roger Wehrli, cornerback Aeneas Williams.
Atlanta Falcons
JULIO JONES, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Falcons (2011-present)
Career statistics: 111 games played/6.3 pass receptions per game/15.4 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 14.7
Super Bowl championships: None
TOMMY NOBIS, LINEBACKER
Career: 11 seasons, all with Falcons (1966-76)
Career statistics: 133 games/25 turnovers/sacks NA/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 8.1
Super Bowl championships: None
MATT RYAN, QUARTERBACK
Career: 11 seasons, all with Falcons (2008-present)
Career statistics: 174 games/653 completion percentage/268.5 pass yards per game/1.7 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 9.3
Super Bowl championships: None
DEION SANDERS, CORNERBACK-KICK RETURNER
Career: 14 seasons (1989-2000, 2004-05)
Years with Falcons: 5 seasons (1989-93)
Career statistics: 188 games/53 interceptions/1.0 sacks/22 touchdowns.
Statistics with Falcons: 70/24/1.0/10
Average Value/16: 11.2
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1994, 1995)
Bottom line: Tommy Nobis and defensive end Claude Humphrey were too close to call. But how could I snub the man known as Mr. Falcon, the first draft pick and All-Pro in franchise history?
Next man up: Humphrey.
Honorable mention: Quarterback Steve Bartkowski, offensive tackle Mike Kenn, linebacker Jessie Tuggle, center Jeff Van Note, wide receivers Andre Rison and Roddy White.
Baltimore Ravens
JOE FLACCO, QUARTERBACK
Career: 11 seasons (2008-present)
Career statistics: 163 games played/.617 completion percentage/234.6 pass yards per game/1.3 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.1
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2012)
RAY LEWIS, LINEBACKER
Career: 17 seasons, all with Ravens (1996-2012)
Career statistics: 228 games played/51 turnovers/41.5 sacks/3 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 15.5
Super Bowl championships: 2 (2000, 2012)
JONATHAN OGDEN, OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 12 seasons, all with Ravens (1996-2007)
Career statistics: 177 games played/10 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 10.9
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2000)
ED REED, SAFETY-PUNT RETURNER
Career: 12 seasons (2002-13)
Years with Ravens: 11 (2002-12)
Career statistics: 174 games played/64 interceptions/6.0 sacks/13 touchdowns
Statistics with Ravens: 160/61/6.0/13
Average Value/16: 13.1
Super Bowl championship: 1 (2012)
Bottom line: No way Flacco belongs here? Yes, way. If not for his 11 touchdown passes, zero interceptions and off-the-charts 117.2 rating in the 2012 postseason, the franchise has one fewer Lombardi in its trophy case.
Joe Cool also won 62 percent of his 163 career starts.
Hey, if you don’t stop it, I’ll put Trent Dilfer here instead.
Next man up: Linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Honorable mention: Running back Jamal Lewis, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, kicker Justin Tucker, offensive tackle Marshal Yanda.
Buffalo Bills
JIM KELLY, QUARTERBACK
Career: 11 seasons, all with Bills (1986-96)
Career statistics: 160 games played/.601 completion percentage/221.7 pass yards per game/1.5 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.2
Super Bowl championships: None
ANDRE REED, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 16 seasons (1985-2000)
Years with Bills: 15 seasons (1985-1999)
Career statistics: 234 games played/4.1 pass receptions per game/13.9 yards per reception/0.1 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Bills: 221/4.3/13.9/0.4
Average Value/16: 9.6
Super Bowl championships: None
BRUCE SMITH, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 19 seasons (1985-2003)
Years with Bills: 15 seasons (1985-1999)
Career statistics: 279 games played/17 turnovers/200.0 sacks/1 touchdown
Statistics with Bills: 217/16/171.0/1
Average Value/16: 14.3
Super Bowl championships: None
THURMAN THOMAS, RUNNING BACK
Career: 13 seasons (1988-2000)
Years with Bills: 12 seasons (1988-1999)
Career statistics: 182 games played/18.4 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Bills: 173/19.1/4.9/0.5
Average Value/16: 12.6
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: One more stinking first down in Super Bowl XXV, and we might view this Mount Rushmore in a much different light.
Next man up: Running back O.J. Simpson.
Honorable mention: Linebacker Cornelius Bennett, cornerback Butch Byrd, center Kent Hull, defensive tackle Fred Smerlas, guards Ruben Brown, Joe DeLamielleure and Billy Shaw.
Carolina Panthers
LUKE KUECHLY, LINEBACKER
Career: 7 seasons, all with Panthers (2012-present)
Career statistics: 102 games played/25 turnovers/12.5 sacks/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 15.1
Super Bowl championships: None
CAM NEWTON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 8 seasons, all with Panthers (2011-present)
Career statistics: 123 games played/.597 completion percentage/231.5 pass yards per game/1.5 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 15.9
Super Bowl championships: None
JULIUS PEPPERS, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 17 seasons (2002-18)
Years with Panthers: 10 seasons (2002-09, 2017-18)
Career statistics: 266 games played/32 turnovers/159.5 sacks/6 touchdowns
Statistics with Panthers: 154/16/97.0/3
Average Value/16: 10.7
Super Bowl championships: None
STEVE SMITH, WIDE RECEIVER-KICK RETURNER
Career: 16 seasons (2001-16)
Years with Panthers: 13 seasons (2001-13)
Career statistics: 219 games played/4.7 pass receptions per game/14.3 yards per reception/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Panthers: 182/4.6/14.6/0.4
Average Value/16: 10.5
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: For a franchise that hasn’t been around all that long, this foursome can compete with many of the rest.
Next man up: Linebacker Thomas Davis.
Honorable mention: Quarterback Jake Delhomme, offensive tackle Jordan Gross, center Ryan Kalil, running back DeAngelo Williams.
Decatur/Chicago Staleys-Bears
DICK BUTKUS, LINEBACKER
Career: 9 seasons, all with Bears (1965-73)
Career statistics: 119 games played/49 turnovers/sacks NA/1 touchdown
Average Value/16: 12.8
NFL/Super Bowl championships: None
MIKE DITKA, TIGHT END
Career: 12 seasons (1961-72)
Years with Bears: 6 seasons (1961-66)
Career statistics: 158 games played/2.7 pass receptions per game/13.6 yards per reception/0.3 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Bears: 84/3.8/14.3/0.4
Average Value/16: 9.9
NFL championships: 1 (1963)
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1971)
SID LUCKMAN, QUARTERBACK
Career: 12 seasons, all with Bears (1939-50)
Career statistics: 128 games played/.518 completion percentage/114.7 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 4 (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
WALTER PAYTON, RUNNING BACK
Career: 13 seasons, all with Bears (1975-87)
Career statistics: 190 games played/22.8 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/0.7 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 14.1
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1985)
Bottom line: Butkus, Ditka, Payton. There may be a better Mount Rushmore somewhere, but this is the one I want in a tag-team match.
And regrettably, there’s no member of the legendary ’85 defense on it, either.
As for Sid Luckman, hard to believe that he’s still the greatest quarterback in franchise history nearly 70 years later, isn’t it?
Next man up: Halfback-kick returner Gayle Sayers.
Honorable mention: Defensive end Richard Dent, defensive tackle Dan Hampton, fullback-linebacker Bronko Nagurski, center-linebacker Bulldog Turner, linebackers Bill George and Mike Singletary.
Cincinnati Bengals
KEN ANDERSON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 16 seasons, all with Bengals (1971-86)
Career statistics: 192 games played/.593 completion percentage/171.0 pass yards per game/1.0 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.4
Super Bowl championships: None
BOOMER ESIASON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 14 seasons (1984-97)
Years with Bengals: 10 seasons (1984-92, 1997)
Career statistics: 187 games played/.570 completion percentage/202.8 pass yards per game/1.3 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Bengals: 134/.565/202.6/1.4
Average Value/16: 12.7
Super Bowl championships: None
A.J. GREEN, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Bengals (2011-present)
Career statistics: 111 games played/5.4 pass receptions per game/14.8 yards per reception/0.6 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 9.9
Super Bowl championships: None
ANTHONY MUNOZ, OFFENSIVE TAKCLE
Career: 13 seasons, all with Bengals (1980-92)
Career statistics: 185 games played/6 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 15.0
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: As the franchise GOAT, Anthony Munoz is the rarest of offensive lineman.
Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason are the only quarterbacks to lead their teams to Super Bowl appearances.
And with no apology to Chad Ochocinco, A.J.Green is the most dominant receiver in Bengals history.
Next man up: Defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
Honorable mention: Offensive tackle Willie Anderson, running back Corey Dillon, wide receiver Chad Johnson, cornerback-kick returner Lemar Parrish, cornerback Ken Riley.
Cleveland Browns
JIM BROWN, FULLBACK
Career: 13 seasons, all with Browns (1975-87)
Career statistics: 190 games played/22.8 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/0.7 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 14.1
NFL championships: 1 (1964)
LEN FORD, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 9 seasons (1950-58)
Years with Browns: eight seasons (1950-57)
Career statistics: 99 games played/20 fumble recoveries/sacks NA/1 touchdown
Statistics with Browns: 88/19/NA/1
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 3 (1950, 1954, 1955)
OTTO GRAHAM, QUARTERBACK
Career: 6 seasons, all with Browns (1950-55)
Career statistics: 72 games played/.557 completion percentage/187.5 pass yards per game/1.2 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 3 (1950, 1954, 1955)
LOU GROZA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE-KICKER
Career: 17 seasons, all with Browns (1950-1959, 1961-67)
Career statistics: 268 games played/7 fumble recoveries/264 field goals/.549 field-goal percentage
Average Value/16: 4.9*
NFL championships: 4 (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)
Bottom line: Millennials may be shocked to hear this, but the Browns owned pro football back in the day. No, really.
In fact, Jim Brown is the greatest running back ever, while Otto Graham ranks as the best quarterback of the pre-expansion era.
Next man up: Offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
Honorable mention: Flanker Gary Collins, guard Gene Hickerson, running back-kick returner Leroy Kelly, tight end Ozzie Newsome, quarterback Frank Ryan, tackle Dick Schafrath.
Dallas Cowboys
TROY AIKMAN, QUARTERBACK
Career: 12 seasons, all with Cowboys (1989-2000)
Career statistics: 165 games played/.615 completion percentage/199.6 pass yards per game/1.0 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 12.7
Super Bowl championships: 3 (2002, 2003, 2005)
BOB LILLY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE-END
Career: 14 seasons, all with Cowboys (1961-74)
Career statistics: 196 games played/19 turnovers/sacks NA/4 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 12.1
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1971)
EMMITT SMITH, RUNNING BACK
Career: 15 seasons (1990-2004)
Years with Cowboys: 13 seasons (1990-2002)
Career statistics: 226 games played/21.8 run-pass touches per game/4.4 run-pass yards per touch/0.8 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Cowboys: 201/22.6/4.4/0.8
Average Value/16: 13.0
Super Bowl championships: 3 (2002, 2003, 2005)
ROGER STAUBACH, QUARTERBACK
Career: 10 seasons, all with Cowboys (1969-71, 1973-79)
Career statistics: 131 games played/.570 completion percentage/173.3 pass yards per game/1.2 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 15.6
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1971, 1977)
Bottom line: The Cowboys have had their share of legends, but this Hall of Fame foursome is etched in diamond.
Next man up: Wide receiver Michael Irvin.
Honorable mention: Guard-offensive tackle Larry Allen, halfback Tony Dorsett, defensive tackle Randy White, tight end Jason Witten, linebackers Chuck Howley and DeMarcus Ware.
Denver Broncos
STEVE ATWATER, SAFETY
Career: 10 seasons, all with Broncos (1989-98)
Years with Broncos: 9 seasons (1989-97)
Career statistics: 167 games played/24 interceptions/5.0 sacks/1 touchdown
Statistics with Broncos: 155/24/5.0/1
Average Value/16: 9.7
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1997, 1998)
TERRELL DAVIS, RUNNING BACK
Career: 7 seasons, all with Broncos (1995-2001)
Career statistics: 78 games played/23.4 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/0.8 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 16.2
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1997, 1998)
JOHN ELWAY, QUARTERBACK
Career: 16 seasons, all with Broncos (1983-98)
Career statistics: 234 games played/.569 completion percentage/220.0 pass yards per game/1.3 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.9
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1997, 1998)
VON MILLER, LINEBACKER
Career: eight seasons, all with Broncos (2011-present)
Career statistics: 120 games played/11 turnovers/98.0 sacks/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 14.1
Super championships: 1 (2015)
Bottom line: This franchise made a name off the "Orange Crush" defense, so it was only fair that a second rep be from that side of the ball.
We chose Steve Atwater, the designated hitter for two Super Bowl championship teams. Linebackers Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg weren’t far behind, though.
Next man up: Tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Honorable mention: Gradishar, Mecklenburg, cornerback Champ Bailey, defensive end Rich Jackson, quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver-kick returner Rick Upchurch.
Portsmouth Spartans/Detroit Lions
JACK CHRISTIANSEN, SAFETY-KICK RETURNER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Lions (1951-58)
Career statistics: 89 games played/46 interceptions/sacks NA/13 touchdowns
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 3 (1952, 1953, 1957)
BOBBY LAYNE, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons (1948-62)
Years with Lions: nine seasons (1950-1958)
Career statistics: 175 games played/.490 completion percentage/153.0 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Lions: 97/.490/162.0/1.2
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 3 (1952, 1953, 1957)
BARRY SANDERS, RUNNING BACK
Career: 10 seasons, all with Lions (1989-98)
Career statistics: 153 games played/22.3 run-pass touches per game/5.3 run-pass yards per touch/0.7 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 15.7
Super Bowl championships: None
JOE SCHMIDT, LINEBACKER
Career: 13 seasons, all with Lions (1953-65)
Career statistics: 155 games played/41 turnovers/sacks NA/3 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 13.1*
NFL championships: 2 (1953, 1957)
Bottom line: Three faces come from the 1950’s glory days, which is all you need to know about this franchise since then.
Jack Christensen was the last man in as the ringleader of Chris' Crew, the first celebrated secondary in pro football, not to mention a lethal punt returner.
Next man up: Offensive tackle-guard Lou Creekmur.
Honorable mention: Safety-kick returner Lem Barney, tailback-defensive back Dutch Clark, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, safety-punter-kick returner Yale Lary, tight end Charlie Sanders.
Green Bay Packers
BRETT FAVRE, QUARTERBACK
Career: 20 seasons (1991-2010)
Years with Packers: 16 seasons (1992-2007)
Career statistics: 302 games played/.620 completion percentage/237.9 pass yards per game/1.7 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Packers: 255/.614/241.8/1.7
Average Value/16: 13.9
NFL championships: 1 (2006)
FORREST GREGG, OFFENSIVE TACKLE-GUARD
Career: 16 seasons (1956-71)
Years with Packers: 15 seasons (1956-1970)
Career statistics: 193 games played/eight fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: *11.4
NFL championships: 5 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
Super Bowl championships: 3 (1966, 1967, 1971)
DON HUTSON, END
Career: 11 seasons, all with Packers (1935-45)
Career statistics: 116 games played/4.2 pass receptions per game/16.4 yards per reception/0.9 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 2 (1936, 1944)
BART STARR, QUARTERBACK
Career: 16 seasons, all with Packers (1956-71)
Career statistics: 196 games played/.574 completion percentage/126.1 pass yards per game/0.8 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: *12.1
NFL championships: 5 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1966, 1967)
Bottom line: You expect us to pick four guys from the franchise with the most league titles (13) in pro football history? The one with almost as many Hall of Fame players (28) as Katy Perry has toothbrushes?
Thinkin' we need Mount McKinley here.
Next man up: Aaron Rodgers, quarterback.
Green Bay Packers 2.0
PAUL HORNUNG, HALFBACK-KICKER
Career: nine seasons, all with Packers (1957-62, 1964-66)
Career statistics: 104 games played/9.8 run-pass touches per game/5.1 run-pass yards per touch/0.6 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.8
NFL championships: 4 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966)
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1966)
RAY NITSCHKE, LINEBACKER
Career: 15 seasons, all with Packers (1958-72)
Career statistics: 190 games played/48 turnovers/sacks NA/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 10.1*
NFL championships: 5 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1966, 1967)
AARON RODGERS, QUARTERBACK
Career: 14 seasons (2005-present)
Career statistics: 165 games played/.648 completion percentage/260.3 pass yards per game/2.0 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 16.5
Super Bowl championship: 1 (2010)
JIM TAYLOR, FULLBACK
Career: nine seasons, all with Packers (1957-62, 1964-66)
Career statistics: 104 games played/9.8 run-pass touches per game/5.1 run-pass yards per touch/0.6 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.8
NFL championships: 4 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966)
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1966)
Bottom line: Couldn’t have Paul Hornung without Jim Taylor or Taylor without Hornung, the yin and the yang of the famed Packers ground game.
Yep, we can just hear coach Vince Lombardi now ... "What we’re trying to get is a seal here and a seal here — and try to run this play in the alley!"
Next man up: Defensive end Willie Davis.
Honorable mention: Cornerback Herb Adderley, guard-kicker Jerry Kramer, center Jim Ringo, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, defensive end Reggie White, safeties Bobby Dillon and Willie Wood.
Houston Texans
ARIAN FOSTER, RUNNING BACK
Career: 8 seasons (2009-16)
Years with Texans: seven (2009-15)
Career statistics: 80 games played/21.6 run-pass touches per game/5.1 run-pass yards per touch/0.85 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Texans: 76/22.4/5.1/0.9
Average Value/16: 13.1
Super Bowl championships: None
DEANDRE HOPKINS, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 6 seasons, all with Texans (2013-present)
Career statistics: 95 games played/5.6 pass receptions per game/14.1 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 9.6
Super Bowl championships: None
ANDRE JOHNSON, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 14 seasons (2003-16)
Years with Texans: 12 seasons (2003-14)
Career statistics: 193 games played/5.5 pass receptions per game/13.4 yards per reception/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Texans: 169/6.0/13.4/0.4
Average Value/16: 11.4
Super Bowl championships: None
J.J. WATT, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 8 seasons, all with Texans (2011-present)
Career statistics: 104 games played/14 turnovers/92.0 sacks/4 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 16.6
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Legends are made in the playoffs, except this franchise has just three playoffs victories in its rather brief and inglorious history.
Some postseason success is needed to reach new heights here.
Next man up: Quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Honorable mention: Guard Duane Brown, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts
PEYTON MANNING, QUARTERBACK
Career: 17 seasons (1998-2010, 2012-15)
Years with Colts: 13 seasons (1998-2010)
Career statistics: 266 games played/.653 completion percentage/270.5 pass yards per game/2.0 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Colts: 208/.649/263.6/1.9
Average Value/16: 16.8
Super Bowl championships: 2 (2006, 2015)
GINO MARCHETTI, DEFENSIVE END-OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 14 seasons (1952-64, 1966)
Years with Colts: 13 seasons (1953-64, 1966)
Career statistics: 104 games played/14 turnovers/sacks NA/3 touchdowns
Statistics with Colts: 149/14/NA/2
Average Value/16: 13.8(
NFL championships: 2 (1958, 1959)
JIM PARKER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE-GUARD
Career: 11 seasons, all with Colts (1957-67)
Career statistics: 135 games played/6 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 13.1*
NFL championships: 2 (1958, 1959)
JOHNNY UNITAS, QUARTERBACK
Career: 18 seasons (1956-73)
Years with Colts: 17 seasons (1956-72)
Career statistics: 211 games played/.546 completion percentage/190.7 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Colts: 206/.547/193.0/1.4
Average Value/16: 12.1*
NFL championships: 3 (1958, 1959, 1968)
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1970)
Bottom line: Don’t you just hate it when a franchise skips town (in the dead of night, in this case) and steals years of tradition with it? Yeah, us, too.
Gino the Giant, Jumbo Jim and Johnny U belong to Baltimore, not Naptown.
Next man up: Halfback-flanker-kickoff returner Lenny Moore.
Honorable mention: Split end Raymond Berry, linebacker Mike Curtis, defensive tackle Art Donovan, defensive end Dwight Freeney, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, tight end John Mackey.
Jacksonville Jaguars
TONY BOSELLI, OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 7 seasons, all with Jaguars (1995-2001)
Career statistics: 91 games played/5 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 12.8
Super Bowl championships: None
MARK BRUNELL, QUARTERBACK
Career: 17 seasons (1994-2011)
Years with Jaguars: 9 seasons (1995-2003)
Career statistics: 193 games played/.595 completion percentage/166.2 pass yards per game/1.0 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Jaguars: 120/.604/214.2/1.2
Average Value/16: 13.7
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2009)
JIMMY SMITH, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 12 seasons (1992, 1995-2005)
Years with Jaguars: 11 seasons (1995-2005)
Career statistics: 178 games played/4.8 pass receptions per game/14.3 yards per reception/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Jaguars: 171/5.0/14.3/0.4
Average Value/16: 12.6
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1992)
FRED TAYLOR, RUNNING BACK
Career: 13 seasons (1998-2010)
Years with Texans: seven (2009-15)
Career statistics: 153 games played/18.5 run-pass touches per game/5.0 run-pass yards per touch/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Texans: 140/19.4/5.0/0.5
Average Value/16: 12.1
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Taylor was known as "Fragile Fred", yet he was healthy enough to be the No. 1 ground gainer in franchise history. Somehow, he played in only one Pro Bowl game — as an injury replacement, no less.
Now excuse us while we put him on the mountain and throw some of those Pro Bowl voters off it.
Next man up: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Honorable mention: Defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, defensive tackle Marcus Stroud.
Kansas City Chiefs
BOBBY BELL+, LINEBACKER
Career: 11 seasons, all with Texans-Chiefs (1963-74)
Career statistics: 211 games played/35 turnovers/sacks NA/9 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 12.7
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1969)
LEN DAWSON+, QUARTERBACK
Career: 19 seasons (1957-75)
Career statistics: 211 games played/.571 completion percentage/136.1 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Texans-Chiefs: 183/.572/155.8/1.
Average Value/16: 12.
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1969)
TONY GONZALEZ, TIGHT END
Career: 17 seasons (1997-2013)
Years with Chiefs: 12 seasons (1997-2008)
Career statistics: 270 games played/4.9 pass receptions per game/11.4 yards per reception/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Chiefs: 190/4.8/11.9/0.4/
Average Value/16: 9.0
Super Bowl championships: None
DERRICK THOMAS, LINEBACKER
Career: 11 seasons, all with Chiefs (1989-99)
Career statistics: 169 games played/20 turnovers/126.5 sacks/4 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 13.1.
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Remember that famous photo of Len Dawson in Super Bowl I, the one that shows him taking a drag on a cigarette at halftime?
Well, whaddya say we have smoke come out of his mouth on the mountain, sort of like those Camel and Winston signs on Times Square a while back?
Next man up: Running back Jamaal Charles.
Honorable mention: Defensive tackle Buck Buchanan, running back Priest Holmes, offensive tackle Jim Tyrer, guard Will Shields, safeties Eric Berry, Deron Cherry and Johnny Robinson.
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
LANCE ALWORTH+, FLANKER
Career: 11 seasons (1962-72)
Years with Chargers: 9 seasons (1962-70)
Career statistics: 137 games played/4.0 pass receptions per game/18.9 yards per reception/0.6 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Chargers: 111/4.4/19.4/0.7
Average Value/16: 9.0
Super Bowl championships: None
DAN FOUTS, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons, all with Chargers (1973-87)
Career statistics: 181 games played/.588 completion percentage/237.8 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 14.3
Super Bowl championships: None
JUNIOR SEAU, LINEBACKER
Career: 20 seasons (1990-2009)
Years with Chargers: 13 seasons (1990-2002)
Career statistics: 268 games played/36 turnovers/56.5 sacks/1 touchdown
Statistics with Chargers: 200/31/47.0/1
Average Value/16: 12.8.
Super Bowl championships: None
LADANIAN TOMLINSON, RUNNING BACK
Career: 11 seasons (2001-11)
Years with Chargers: nine (2001-09)
Career statistics: 170 games played/22.3 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/1.0 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Chargers: 141/24.2/4.8/1.1
Average Value/16: 16.3
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Lance Alworth had four dominant seasons after the merger, but he led the AFL in receptions in three of them. The Greatest Charger of All Time (GCOAT) has to be here.
Not much separates Dan Fouts and Philip Rivers except this — one is in the Hall of Fame, while the other is a borderline call at the moment.
Next man up: Rivers.
Honorable mention: Wide receiver Charlie Joiner, defensive end-linebacker Leslie O’Neal, guard Walt Sweeney, tight ends Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow, offensive tackles Ron Mix and Russ Washington.
Cleveland/St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams
ISAAC BRUCE, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 16 seasons (1994-2009)
Years with Rams: 14 seasons (1995-2005)
Career statistics: 223 games played/4.6 pass receptions per game/14.9 yards per reception/0.4 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Rams: 197/4.8/15.0/0.4
Average Value/16: 10.4
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1999)
DEACON JONES, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 14 seasons (1961-74)
Years with Rams: 11 seasons (1961-71)
Career statistics: 191 games played/17 turnovers/sacks NA/0 touchdowns
Statistics with Rams: 151/14/NA/0
Average Value/16: 11.2
NFL-Super Bowl championships: None
NORM VAN BROCKLIN, QUARTERBACK-PUNTER
Career: 12 seasons (1949-60)
Years with Rams: nine seasons (1949-57)
Career statistics: 140 games played/.536 completion percentage/168.7 pass yards per game/1.2 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Rams: 104/.533/154.9/1.1
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 2 (1951, 1960)
KURT WARNER, QUARTERBACK
Career: 12 seasons (1998-2009)
Years with Rams: 6 seasons (1998-2003)
Career statistics: 124 games played/.655 completion percentage/260.8 pass yards per game/1.7 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Rams: 53/.664/272.6/1.9
Average Value/16: 17.2
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1999)
Bottom line: Any number of Southern California stars would look good here, defensive tackle Merlin Olsen especially.
We just couldn’t turn down a current Hall of Famer (Kurt Warner) and a future one (Isaac Bruce) who hooked up for the Super Bowl XXIV game-winner in the final minutes.
Next man up: Olsen.
Honorable mention: Offensive end-halfback Elroy Hirsch, guard Tom Mack, tackle Orlando Pace, defensive end Jack Youngblood, running backs Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk.
On the way: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Miami Dolphins
LARRY CSONKA+, FULLBACK
Career: 12 seasons (1968-79)
Years with Dolphins: eight seasons (1968-74, 1979)
Career statistics: 146 games played/13.7 run-pass touches per game/4.5 run-pass yards per touch/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Dolphins: 106/15.1/4.6/0.5
Average Value/16: 11.6
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1972, 1973)
BOB GRIESE+, QUARTERBACK
Career: 14 seasons, all with Dolphins (1967-80)
Career statistics: 161 games played/.562 completion percentage/155.9 pass yards per game/1.2 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.8
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1972, 1973)
DAN MARINO, QUARTERBACK
Career: 20 seasons, all with Dolphins (1983-99)
Career statistics: 242 games played/.594 completion percentage/253.6 pass yards per game/1.7 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 14.3
Super Bowl championships: None
ZACH THOMAS, LINEBACKER
Career: 13 seasons (1996-2008)
Years with Dolphins: 12 seasons (1996-2007)
Career statistics: 184 games played/25 turnovers/20.5 sacks/4 touchdowns
Statistics with Dolphins: 168/24/19.5/4
Average Value/16: 13.5
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Ideally, there would be a spot for a member of the 1972 "No-Name Defense," also known as the 53 Defense.
We went so far as to consider Bob Mathewson, a situational linebacker for whom the scheme was named.
We just couldn’t do it at the expense of Zach Thomas, the best player at that side of the ball in Dolphins history.
Next man up: Guard Larry Little.
Honorable mention: Defensive tackle Manny Fernandez, safety-punt returner Jake Scott, defensive end-linebacker Jason Taylor, centers Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson, wide receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper.
Minnesota Vikings
CRIS CARTER, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 16 seasons (1987-2002)
Years with Vikings: 12 seasons (1990-2001)
Career statistics: 234 games played/4.7 pass receptions per game/12.6 yards per reception/0.6 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Rams: 188/5.3/12.3/0.6
Average Value/16: 10.2
Super Bowl championships: None
ALAN PAGE, DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 15 seasons (1967-81)
Years with Vikings: 12 seasons (1967-78)
Career statistics: 218 games played/25 turnovers/sacks NA/3 touchdowns
Statistics with Vikings: 160/20/NA/2
Average Value/16: 15.5
NFL-Super Bowl championships: None
ADRIAN PETERSON, RUNNING BACK
Career: 12 seasons (2007-present)
Years with Vikings: 10 (2007-16)
Career statistics: 149 games played/20.8 run-pass touches per game/5.0 run-pass yards per touch/0.8 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Vikings: 123/21.6/5.1/0.8
Average Value/16: 13.5
Super Bowl championships: None
FRAN TARKENTON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 18 seasons (1961-78)
Years with Vikings: 13 seasons (1961-66, 1972-78)
Career statistics: 246 games played/.570 completion percentage/191.1 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Vikings: 177/.577/187.0/1.4
Average Value/16: 14.6
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Cris Carter and teammate Randy Moss rank one-two in every major category in Vikings history, but we couldn’t take both at the expense of three certain picks.
Carter was the choice for no other reason than he spent five more seasons in purple and gold.
Next an up: Moss.
Honorable mention: Defensive end Carl Eller, running back Chuck Foreman, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive tackle John Randle, offensive tackle Ron Yary.
Boston-New England Patriots
TOM BRADY, QUARTERBACK
Career: 19 seasons, all with Patriots (2000-present)
Career statistics: 269 games played/.640 completion percentage/262.1 pass yards per game/1.9 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 16.0
Super Bowl championships: 6 (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018)
ROB GRONKOWSKI, TIGHT END
Career: nine seasons (2010-18)
Career statistics: 115 games played/4.5 pass receptions per game/15.1 yards per reception/0.7 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.4
Super Bowl championships: 3 (2014, 2016, 2018)
JOHN HANNAH, GUARD
Career: 13 seasons, all with Patriots (1973-85)
Career statistics: 183 games played/10 fumble recoveries/1 touchdown
Average Value/16: 12.9
Super Bowl championships: None
RICHARD SEYMOUR, DEFENSIVE END-TACKLE
Career: 12 seasons (2001-12)
Years with Patriots: eight seasons (2001-08)
Career statistics: 164 games played/10 turnovers/57.5 sacks/1 touchdown
Statistics with Patriots: 183/10
Average Value/16: 12.9
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Given all that Super Bowl hardware, there had to be a long line of all-time greats to get a mountain pass, right? Well, surprise, surprise.
Gisele Bündchen or Bridget Moynahan? Now that would be a tough decision.
Next man up: Linebacker Andre Tippett.
Honorable mention: Guard Logan Mankins, center John Morris, kicker Adam Vinatieri, cornerbacks Mike Haynes and Ty Law, wide receivers Stanley Morgan, Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
New Orleans Saints
MORTEN ANDERSEN, KICKER
Career: 25 seasons (1982–2004, 2006-07)
Years with Saints: 13 seasons (1982-94)
Career statistics: 382 games played/565 field goals/.797 field-goal percentage
Statistics with Saints: 196/302/.776
Average Value/16: 4.6
Super Bowl championships: None
DREW BREES, QUARTERBACK
Career: 18 seasons (2001-18)
Years with Vikings: 13 seasons (2006-18)
Career statistics: 264 games played/.673 completion percentage/282.0 pass yards per game/2.0 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Saints: 205/.685/302.9/2.1
Average Value/16: 16.3
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2009)
MARQUES COLSTON, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 10 seasons, all with Saints (2006-15)
Career statistics: 163 games played/4.9 pass receptions per game/13.7 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 9.9
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2009)
PAT SWILLING, LINEBACKER
Career: 12 seasons (1986-96, 1998)
Years with Saints: seven seasons (1986-1992)
Career statistics: 185 games played/17 turnovers/107.5 sacks/1 touchdown
Statistics with Saints: 107/10/76.5/1
Average Value/16: 13.3
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: Hey, look — a kicker! Not just any kicker, mind you, but a seven-time Pro Bowler who still ranked first in games played, first in field goal attempts, second in field goals and second in points in league history a decade after his retirement.
Next man up: Linebacker Rickey Jackson.
Honorable mention: Guard Jahri Evans, tight end Jimmy Graham, defensive end Cameron Jordan, quarterback Archie Manning, linebacker Sam Mills, offensive tackle Willie Roaf.
New York Giants
FRANK GIFFORD, HALFBACK-FLANKER-DEFENSIVE BACK
Career: 12 seasons, all with Giants (1952-62, 64)
Career statistics: 136 games played/8.9 run-pass touches per game/7.5 run-pass yards per touch/0.3 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 9.5*
NFL championships: 1 (1956)
ELI MANNING, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons, all with Giants (2004-present)
Career statistics: 232 games played/.603 completion percentage/241.3 pass yards per game/1.6 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.2
Super Bowl championships: 2 (2007, 2011)
LAWRENCE TAYLOR, LINEBACKER
Career: 13 seasons, all with Giants (1981-93)
Career statistics: 184 games played/20 turnovers/132.5* sacks/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 15.8
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1986, 1990)
MICHAEL STRAHAN, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 15 seasons, all with Giants (1993-2007)
Career statistics: 216 games played/19 turnovers/141.5 sacks/3 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 10.6
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2007)
Bottom line: Full disclosure — I am not the president of the Eli Manning fan club. I’m not even a member.
His 116-114 career record through the 2018 season was a lot like the man himself — blah.
Yet he’s one of a dozen quarterbacks with as many as two Super Bowl victories on their resumes.
For better or worse, this mountain wouldn’t look right without him.
Next man up: Center-linebacker Mel Hein.
Honorable mention: Running back Tiki Barber, offensive tackle Roosevelt Brown, quarterback Y.A. Tittle, safety Jimmy Patton, safety-defensive halfback Emlen Tunnell, linebackers Harry Carson and Sam Huff.
New York Jets
MARK GASTINEAU, DEFENSIVE END
Career: 10 seasons, all with Jets (1979-88)
Career statistics: 137 games played/nine turnovers/74.0* sacks/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 10.6
Super Bowl championships: None
CURTIS MARTIN, RUNNING BACK
Career: 11 seasons (1995-2005)
Years with Jets: 9 seasons (2001-09)
Career statistics: 168 games played/23.8 run-pass touches per game/4.4 run-pass yards per touch/0.6 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Jets: 123/23.8/4.4/0.5
Average Value/16: 12.0
Super Bowl championships: None
DON MAYNARD+, FLANKER-WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 15 seasons (1958, 1960-73)
Years with Titans-Jets: 13 seasons (1960-72)
Career statistics: 186 games played/3.4 pass receptions per game/18.7 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Jets: 172/3.6/18.7/0.5
Average Value/16: 12.3
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1968)
JOE NAMATH+, QUARTERBACK
Career: 12 seasons (1966-77)
Years with Jets: 11 seasons (1965-76)
Career statistics: 140 games played/.501 completion percentage/197.6 pass yards per game/1.2 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Jets: 136/50.2/198.9/1.25
Average Value/16: 13.2
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1968)
Bottom line: No sane J-E-T-S Jets-Jets-Jets fan would dare argue with this foursome. I guarantee it.
Next man up: Cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Honorable mention: Defensive tackle-end Joe Klecko, wide receiver George Sauer, offensive tackles Winston Hill and Marvin Powell, centers Kevin Mawae and Nick Mangold.
Oakland Raiders
MARCUS ALLEN, RUNNING BACK
Career: 16 seasons (1982-97)
Years with Raiders: 11 seasons (1982-92)
Career statistics: 222 games played/16.3 run-pass touches per game/4.9 run-pass yards per touch/0.7 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Raiders: 145/17.5/5.0/0.7
Average Value/16: 11.7
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1983)
TIM BROWN, WIDE RECEIVER-KICK RETURNER
Career: 17 seasons (1988-2004)
Years with Raiders: 16 seasons (1988-2003)
Career statistics: 255 games played/4.3 pass receptions per game/13.7 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Raiders: 240/4.5/13.8/0.4
Average Value/16: 9.5
Super Bowl championships: None
KEN STABLER+, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons (1970-84)
Years with Raiders: 10 seasons (1970-79)
Career statistics: 184 games played/.598 completion percentage/151.8 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with Raiders: 130/.599/146.8/1.2
Average Value/16: 11.4
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1976)
GENE UPSHAW+, GUARD
Career: 15 seasons, all with Raiders (1967-81)
Career statistics: 217 games played/5 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 11.1
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1976, 1980)
Bottom line: Tim Brown sticks out as the lone member of the group without a Super Bowl ring.
Here’s what he does have — nearly 600 more pass receptions and 5,000 more yards than Fred Biletnikoff, another Hall of Famer who’s next on the franchise all-time list.
Good enough for us.
Next man up: Defensive end Howie Long.
Honorable mention: Biletnikoff, wide receiver Cliff Branch, cornerback Willie Brown, tight end Dave Casper, center Jim Otto, offensive tackle Art Shell, guard Steve Wisniewski.
Phi-Pit Eagles-Steelers/Philadelphia Eagles
CHUCK BEDNARIK, LINEBACKER-CENTER
Career: 14 seasons, all with Eagles (1949-62)
Career statistics: 169 games played/41 turnovers/sacks NA/1 touchdown
Average Value/16: 8.8*
NFL championships: 2 (1949, 1960)
JASON PETERS, OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 14 seasons (2004-11, 2013-present)
Years with Eagles: 9 seasons (2009-11, 2013-present)
Career statistics: 192 games played/6 fumble recoveries
Statistics with Eagles: 127/2
Average Value/16: 11.5
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2017)
STEVE VAN BUREN, HALFBACK-KICK RETURNER
Career: 8 seasons, all with Eagles (1944-51)
Career statistics: 83 games played/16.4 run-pass touches per game/4.7 run-pass yards per touch/0.9 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 2 (1948, 1949)
REGGIE WHITE, DEFENSIVE END-TACKLE
Career: 15 seasons (1985-98, 2000)
Years with Eagles: 8 seasons (1985-2002)
Career statistics: 232 games played/23 turnovers/198.0 sacks/2 touchdowns
Statistics with Eagles: 121/13/124.0/2
Average Value/16: 16.7
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1996)
Bottom line: The challenge was to pick a member of the Super Bowl LII championship team, which lacked star quality.
We went with Jason Peters, the longtime anchor of the offensive line and a virtual shoo-in for the 2010’s All-Decade Team.
Next man up: Safety Brian Dawkins.
Honorable mention: Offensive tackle Bob Brown, wide receiver Harold Carmichael, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, offensive end-defensive end Pete Pihos, quarterbacks Nick Foles, Donovan McNabb and Norm Van Brocklin.
Pittsburgh Pirates/Phi-Pit Eagles-Steelers/Chi-Pit Cardinals-Steelers/Pittsburgh Steelers
TERRY BRADSHAW, QUARTERBACK
Career: 14 seasons, all with Steelers (1970-83)
Career statistics: 168 games played/.519 completion percentage/166.6 pass yards per game/1.3 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.0
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
JOE GREENE, DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 13 seasons, all with Steelers (1969-81)
Career statistics: 181 games played/17 turnovers/sacks NA/zero touchdowns
Average Value/16: 12.1
NFL-Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
JACK LAMBERT, LINEBACKER
Career: 11 seasons, all with Steelers (1974-84)
Career statistics: 146 games played/45 turnovers/*8.0 sacks/zero touchdowns
Average Value/16: 14.9
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
BEN ROETHLISBERGER, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons, all with Steelers (2004-present)
Career statistics: 216 games played/.644 completion percentage/260.2.6 pass yards per game/1.7 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 13.7
Super Bowl championships: 2 (2005, 2008)
Bottom line: Franco Harris should have had a spot for the "Immaculate Reception" alone. It was the play that triggered the Stillers dynasty.
Except that the "Steel Curtain" was the heart of those legendary teams and deserved more faces on the mountain.
Besides, we didn’t want to be the one to tell "Jack Splat" that he didn’t cut it.
Pittsburgh Pirates/Phi-Pit Eagles-Steelers/Chi-Pit Cardinals-Steelers/Pittsburgh Steelers 2.0
JACK HAM, LINEBACKER
Career: 12 seasons, all with Steelers (1971-82)
Career statistics: 162 games played/53 turnovers/3.0* sacks/2 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 14.6
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978,l 1979)
FRANCO HARRIS, FULLBACK
Career: 13 seasons (1972-84)
Years with Steelers: 12 seasons (2001-09)
Career statistics: 173 games played/18.8 run-pass touches per game/4.4 run-pass yards per touch/0.5 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Steelers: 165/19.3/4.5/0.6
Average Value/16: 12.9
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
ROD WOODSON, CORNERBACK-KICK RETURNER
Career: 17 seasons (1997-2013)
Years with Steelers: 10 seasons (1997-2006)
Career statistics: 238 games played/71 interceptions/13.5 sacks/17 touchdowns
Statistics with Steelers: 134/38/13.5/10
Average Value/16: 14.1
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2000)
MIKE WEBSTER, CENTER
Career: 17 seasons, all with Steelers (1974-90)
Years with Steelers: 15 seasons (1974-88)
Career statistics: 245 games played/6 fumble recoveries
Statistics with Steelers: 220/5
Average Value/16: 11.1
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
Bottom line: Geez, talk about an embarrassment of riches. Jack Ham, Mike Webster and Rod Woodson would be candidates for the all-time Mount Rushmore at their positions.
Most franchises could only dream to have a Fab Four as good as this one.
Next man up: Guard Alan Fanaca.
Honorable mention: Linebacker Greg Lloyd, safety Troy Polamalu, defensive end-tackle Ernie Stautner, wide receivers Antonio Brown and Lynn Swann, centers Dermontti Dawson and Maurkice Pouncey.
San Francisco 49ers
RONNIE LOTT, SAFETY-CORNERBACK
Career: 14 seasons (1981-94)
Years with 49ers: 10 seasons (1981-90)
Career statistics: 192 games played/63 interceptions/8.5* sacks/5 touchdowns
Statistics with 49ers: 129/51/*5.5/10
Average Value/16: 15.6
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989)
JOE MONTANA, QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons (1979-90, 1992-94)
Years with 49ers: 13 seasons (1979-90, 1992)
Career statistics: 192 games played/.632 completion percentage/211.2 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with 49ers: 167/.637/210.3/1.5
Average Value/16: 14.0
Super Bowl championships: 4 (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989)
JERRY RICE, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 20 seasons (1985-2004)
Years with 49ers: 16 seasons (1985-2000)
Career statistics: 303 games played/5.1 pass receptions per game/14.8 yards per reception/0.7 touchdowns per game
Statistics with 49ers: 238/5.4/15.0/0.7
Average Value/16: 14.5
Super Bowl championships: 3 (1988, 1988, 1989, 1994)
STEVE YOUNG QUARTERBACK
Career: 15 seasons (1985-1999)
Years with 49ers: 13 seasons (1985-1997)
Career statistics: 169 games played/.643 completion percentage/196.0 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Statistics with 49ers: 150/.658/199.4/1.5
Average Value/16: 16.9
Super Bowl championships: 3 (1988, 1989, 1994)
Bottom line: Leo Nomellini was as kick-butt a two-way tackle as ever played the game. Only Jerry Rice had more All-Pro (six) and Pro Bowl (10) seasons in Niners history.
Who’s the odd man out, though?
There ain’t no justice.
Next man up: Nomellini.
Honorable mention: Running back Roger Craig, cornerback-flanker Jimmy Johnson, halfback-flanker Hugh McElhenny, wide receiver Terrell Owens, fullback Joe Perry, linebacker Patrick Willis.
Seattle Seahawks
WALTER JONES, OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 12 seasons, all with Seahawks (1997-2008)
Career statistics: 180 games played/3 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 11.2
Super Bowl championships: None
STEVE LARGENT, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 14 seasons, all with Seahawks (1976-89)
Career statistics: 200 games played/4.1 pass receptions per game/16.0 yards per reception/0.5 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 11.2
Super Bowl championships: None
RICHARD SHERMAN, CORNERBACK
Career: eight seasons (2011-present)
Years with Seahawks: 7 seasons (2011-17)
Career statistics: 119 games played/32 interceptions/2.0 sacks/3 touchdowns
Statistics with Seahawks: 105/32/1.0/3
Average Value/16: 13.1
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2013)
RUSSELL WILSON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 7 seasons, all with Seahawks (2012-present)
Career statistics: 112 games played/.642 completion percentage/228.8 pass yards per game/1.75 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 16.3
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2013)
Bottom line: Several worthy candidates could represent the "Legion of Doom" defense here, but we picked the one who epitomized the boisterous bunch better than anyone. That would be "Uncle Sherm," of course, the loudest voice on and off the field.
Better put him and the quarterback at opposite ends to keep the peace, though.
Next man up: Linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Honorable mention: Guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, running backs Shaun Alexander and Marshawn Lynch, safeties Kenny Easley and Earl Thomas.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MIKE ALSTOTT, FULLBACK
Career: 11 seasons, all with Buccaneers (1996-2006)
Career statistics: 158 games played/10.5 run-pass touches per game/4.4 run-pass yards per touch/0.4 touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: 5.8
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2002)
DERRICK BROOKS, LINEBACKER
Career: 14 seasons, all with Buccaneers (1995-2008)
Career statistics: 224 games played/29 turnovers/13.5 sacks/7 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 13.6
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2002)
WARREN SAPP, DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 13 seasons (1995-2007)
Years with Buccaneers: 9 seasons (1995-2003)
Career statistics: 198 games played/16 turnovers/96.5 sacks/3 touchdowns
Statistics with Buccaneers: 140/12/77.0/3
Average Value/16: 14.2
Super Bowl championships: 1 (2002)
LEE ROY SELMON, DEFENSIVE END-TACKLE
Career: nine seasons, all with Buccaneers (1976-84)
Career statistics: 121 games played/10 turnovers/23.0* sacks/1 touchdown
Average Value/16: 11.5
NFL championships: None
Bottom line: For a franchise that has been around since the Carter administration, this Mount Rushmore is OK. Just OK?
When your offense has been worse than OK all these decades, it’s OK to be OK. OK?
Next man up: Cornerback Ronde Barber.
Honorable mention: Safety John Lynch, linebacker Hardy Nickerson, running back-fullback James Wilder.
On the way: Wide receiver Mike Evans.
Houston Oilers-Tennessee Titans
EARL CAMPBELL, RUNNING BACK
Career: 8 seasons (1978-85)
Years with Oilers: seven seasons (1978-84)
Career statistics: 115 games played/20.1 run-pass touches per game/4.4 run-pass yards per touch/0.6 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Oilers: 91/23.0/4.4/0.8
Average Value/16: 12.7
Super Bowl championships: None
BRUCE MATTHEWS, GUARD-CENTER-OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Career: 19 seasons, all with Oilers-Titans (1983-2001)
Career statistics: 296 games played/10 fumble recoveries
Average Value/16: 11.4
Super Bowl championships: None
STEVE MCNAIR, QUARTERBACK
Career: 13 seasons (1995-2007)
Years with Oilers-Titans: 11 seasons (1995-2005)
Career statistics: 161 games played/.601 completion percentage/194.4 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Years with Oilers-Titans: 139/.595/195.3/1.1
Average Value/16: 13.2
Super Bowl championships: None
WARREN MOON, QUARTERBACK
Career: 17 seasons (1984-2000)
Years with Oilers-Titans: 10 seasons (1984-1993)
Career statistics: 208 games played/.584 completion percentage/237.1 pass yards per game/1.4 pass touchdowns per game
Years with Oilers-Titans: 141/.579/238.9/1.4
Average Value/16: 13.6
Super Bowl championships: None
Bottom line: We nearly resorted to Rock Paper Scissors to decide the final spot. In the end, Warren Moon edged out franchise rushing leader Eddie George, mostly because of his Hall of Fame bust in Canton.
We chose Earl Campbell over George because he was the more dominant back even if his career wasn’t nearly as long.
Bruce Matthews? A case could be made for the seven-time All-Pro as the Greatest Oiler-Titan of All Time, maybe even the most versatile O-lineman ever.
Next man up: George.
Honorable mention: Defensive end Elvin Bethea, linebacker Robert Brazile, defensive tackle-end Ray Childress, running back Chris Johnson, guard Mike Munchak.
Boston Braves-Redskins/Washington Redskins
SAMMY BAUGH, QUARTERBACK-TAILBACK-PUNTER
Career: 16 seasons, all with Redskins (1937-52)
Career statistics: 165 games played/.565 completion percentage/132.6 pass yards per game/1.1 pass touchdowns per game
Average Value/16: NA
NFL championships: 2 (1937, 1942)
DARRELL GREEN, CORNERBACK-PUNT RETURNER
Career: 20 seasons, all with Redskins (1983-2002)
Career statistics: 295 games played/54 interceptions/1.0 sack/8 touchdowns
Average Value/16: 8.0
Super Bowl championships: 2 (1987, 1991)
ART MONK, WIDE RECEIVER
Career: 16 seasons (1980-95)
Years with Redskins: 14 seasons (1980-93)
Career statistics: 224 games played/4.2 pass receptions per game/13.5 yards per reception/0.3 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Redskins: 205/4.3/13.5/0.3
Average Value/16: 9.6
Super Bowl championships: 3 (1982, 1987, 1991)
JOHN RIGGINS, FULLBACK
Career: 14 seasons (1971-79, 1981-85)
Years with Redskins: nine (1976-79, 1981-85)
Career statistics: 175 games played/18.1 run-pass touches per game/4.2 run-pass yards per touch/0.6 touchdowns per game
Statistics with Redskins: 114/18.5/4.0/0.7
Average Value/16: 9.7
Super Bowl championships: 1 (1982)
Bottom line: We had a soft spot for the Hogs, the offensive linemen who did the dirty work for four Super Bowl teams. Hence, three-time All-Pro guard Russ Grimm was seriously considered for the final spot.
But we just couldn’t punk Art Monk, who was too productive for too long not to be here.
Next man up: Grimm.
Honorable mention: Defensive end Gene Brito, running back Larry Brown, linebacker Chris Hanburger, safety Ken Houston, offensive tackle Joe Jacoby, wide receiver Charley Taylor, quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.