The 15 Best Offensive Linemen in NFL History

The legacy of the NFL is built on the strength, skill, and determination of its players, with offensive linemen playing a crucial but often underappreciated role.

This listicle highlights some of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, showcasing the athletes who dominated the field with their exceptional talent. Whether through their sheer athletic ability, durability, or leadership on and off the field, these Hall of Fame inductees have set the standard for excellence in their positions.

15. Art Shell

Art Shell is a legendary offensive tackle, known for his three Super Bowl wins (XI, XV, XVIII) and eight Pro Bowl appearances. He was the first African-American head coach in modern NFL history. Shell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

14. Willie Roaf

Willie Roaf is renowned for his dominant career as an offensive tackle. He played for the Saints and Chiefs, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and seven First Team All-Pro honors. Roaf was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

13. Ron Yary

Ron Yary, a legendary offensive tackle, played 15 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. He was a six-time First-team All-Pro and played in seven consecutive Pro Bowls. Yary was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

12. Mike Webster

Mike Webster, known as “Iron Mike,” was a pivotal figure in the Steelers’ success, winning four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, XIV) and earning seven All-Pro selections. He played 245 games over 17 seasons, retiring in 1991. Webster was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1997.

11. Gene Upshaw

Gene Upshaw was a dominant left guard for the Oakland Raiders, playing in three Super Bowls across three decades. He won two Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Upshaw’s leadership and skill made him a legendary figure in NFL history.

10. Forrest Gregg

Forrest Gregg, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, played 16 seasons, winning six NFL championships and Super Bowl VI. He was renowned for his durability, playing 188 consecutive games. Gregg’s legacy extends beyond his playing career as a successful NFL coach.

9. Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas is renowned for his durability and skill as an offensive tackle. He played 10,363 consecutive snaps, earning ten Pro Bowl selections and six First-team All-Pro honors. Thomas retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.

8. Larry Allen

Larry Allen is widely regarded as one of the greatest guards in NFL history. He played for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro honors. Allen was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2013.

7. John Hannah

John Hannah, known as “Hog,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. He played for the New England Patriots from 1973 to 1985, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and seven First-team All-Pro honors. Hannah was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

6. Orlando Pace

Orlando Pace, a dominant left tackle, anchored the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time First-team All-Pro, winning Super Bowl XXXIV. Pace was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

5. Jim Parker

Jim Parker, known as “Jumbo Jim,” was a legendary offensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts. He won two NFL championships and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. Parker excelled as both a tackle and guard, earning eight All-Pro selections.

4. Bruce Matthews

Bruce Matthews had a remarkable 19-year NFL career, playing for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. He started 292 games, never missing one due to injury, and was a 14-time Pro Bowl selection. Matthews was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

3. Walter Jones

Walter Jones is renowned for his dominance as a left tackle, playing 13 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro, earning a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

2. Jonathan Ogden

Jonathan Ogden, a legendary Baltimore Ravens tackle, was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro. He won Super Bowl XXXV and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Ogden is widely regarded as one of the greatest tackles in NFL history.

1. Anthony Munoz

Anthony Munoz is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. He played 13 seasons with the Bengals, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and numerous All-Pro honors. Munoz was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.