Ranking the Best NFL Players of the 1970s

The 1970s were an exciting decade for the NFL, full of legendary players who changed the game and left a lasting impact. Here is a list of the top 20 players who stood out during that time, each making their mark in unique ways.

20. Mike Webster

Mike Webster was an outstanding center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his strength and leadership. He made it to the Pro Bowl nine times and led the Steelers’ offense during their Super Bowl wins. Webster’s toughness and dependability made him one of the best offensive linemen of the decade.

19. Ted Hendricks

Ted Hendricks, known as “The Mad Stork,” played linebacker for the Baltimore Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Oakland Raiders. He was famous for his height, versatility, and ability to disrupt plays. Hendricks won four Super Bowls and was one of the top linebackers of the decade.

18. John Hannah

John Hannah was an incredible guard for the New England Patriots, making the Pro Bowl eight times during his career. He was well-known for his powerful run-blocking skills and was a key part of the Patriots’ offense. Hannah’s strong play made him one of the best guards in NFL history.

17. Dan Dierdorf

Dan Dierdorf was an important offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals, recognized for his excellent pass-blocking skills. He made it to the Pro Bowl six times and was named All-Pro multiple times. Dierdorf’s consistency and leadership made him one of the best tackles of the decade.

16. Dave Casper

Dave Casper, also known as “The Ghost,” was a star tight end for the Oakland Raiders. He made the Pro Bowl five times and is famous for the “Ghost to the Post” play in the 1977 playoffs. Casper’s size, great hands, and ability to make big plays made him one of the best tight ends of the 1970s.

15. Willie Brown

Willie Brown was a key cornerback for the Oakland Raiders, known for his coverage and leadership skills. He made five Pro Bowl appearances and helped the Raiders win Super Bowl XI. One of the most memorable moments of the 1970s was Brown’s interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI.

14. Jack Youngblood

Jack Youngblood was an integral defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams from 1971 to 1984. He was known for his toughness, playing through injuries during the 1979 playoffs. Youngblood made it to seven Pro Bowls and was one of the most respected players of the decade.

13. Gene Upshaw

Gene Upshaw was a key offensive lineman for the Oakland Raiders, known for his blocking skills and strong leadership. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and helped the Raiders win Super Bowl XI. Upshaw’s contributions on the offensive line played a big part in the Raiders’ success during the 1970s.

12. Art Shell

Art Shell was an amazing offensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders, earning eight Pro Bowl selections during his career. He was a key part of the Raiders’ offensive line and helped the team win Super Bowl XI. Shell’s blocking skills and leadership made him one of the best offensive linemen of the 1970s.

11. Ken Stabler

Ken “The Snake” Stabler was the quarterback for the Oakland Raiders and led the team to victory in Super Bowl XI. He was named NFL MVP in 1974 and was known for staying calm under pressure. Stabler’s ability to lead comebacks made him one of the most clutch quarterbacks of the 1970s.

10. Mel Blount

Mel Blount was a key cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his physicality on the field. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. Blount’s strong play led to rule changes in the NFL, and he was a key part of the Steelers’ defense.

9. O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, achieving this milestone in 1973. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection for the Buffalo Bills and won the NFL MVP award in 1973. Simpson’s speed and power made him one of the best running backs of the decade.

8. Jack Ham

Jack Ham was a versatile linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his intelligence and ability to make plays. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. Ham’s contributions were crucial to the success of the Steelers’ defense in the 1970s.

7. Lynn Swann

Lynn Swann was a star wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, famous for his amazing catches and big-game performances. He was named Super Bowl X MVP and helped the Steelers win four Lombardi trophies in total. Swann’s athletic skills and clutch plays made him one of the most exciting players of the decade.

6. Franco Harris

Franco Harris was a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, helping the team win four Super Bowls. He was named Super Bowl IX MVP and retired as the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher. Harris is best known for the “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most famous plays in NFL history.

5. Jack Lambert

Jack Lambert was a fierce linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his intensity and leadership. He made nine Pro Bowl teams and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. Lambert played a major role in the Steelers’ four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s.

4. Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach, also known as “Captain America,” was the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He led the team to five Super Bowls, winning two of them (Super Bowls VI and XII). Staubach was famous for his cool demeanor and ability to make big plays, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

3. Joe Greene

Joe Greene, known as “Mean Joe,” was the heart of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense. He made it to the Pro Bowl an outstanding 10 times and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award twice. Greene’s dominance on the defensive line was a major reason the Steelers won four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

2. Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s, becoming the first quarterback to do so. He was named Super Bowl MVP twice and was known for his strong arm and even stronger leadership. Bradshaw’s clutch performances earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

1. Walter Payton

Walter Payton, also known as “Sweetness,” was an invaluable running back for the Chicago Bears. He rushed for 16,726 yards in his career and was named NFL MVP in 1977. Payton’s skill, toughness, and leadership made him one of the most iconic players of the entire decade.