Some NFL legends played in the wrong era—before TV deals ballooned, free agency exploded, and quarterbacks started making $50 million a year. These guys were game-changers, tone-setters, and do-it-all warriors who, if they played today, would be commanding massive contracts, endorsement deals, and probably their own line of energy drinks.
Whether they were overlooked during their careers or just weren’t valued the way they would be now, these 20 underrated NFL stars would be absolute royalty in today’s game. Let’s give them the financial flowers they deserved then—but would absolutely get now.
20. Mark Bortz – Chicago Bears
Offensive guards rarely get love, but Bortz helped anchor one of the most dominant lines in NFL history. In today’s guard-friendly paydays, he’d be pulling in top-tier money.
19. Ken Riley – Cincinnati Bengals
With 65 career interceptions, it’s wild he wasn’t more recognized in his time. If he played today, every analytics nerd would be campaigning for him to be a $20 million shutdown corner.
18. Drew Hill – Houston Oilers
Hill was ahead of his time in the pass-heavy “Run and Shoot” offense. In today’s wide-open NFL, he’d be racking up yards and guaranteed millions.
17. Mike Kenn – Atlanta Falcons
Five Pro Bowls and an ironman streak at left tackle? Today’s front offices would be throwing blank checks at him to protect their franchise quarterback.
16. Joe Delamielleure – Buffalo Bills
He was part of the famous “Electric Company” that helped O.J. Simpson go wild. In the modern game, interior linemen like Joe get paid—and he’d cash in big.
15. Steve Tasker – Buffalo Bills
Special teams aces don’t usually get rich, but Tasker would be a rare exception. With his versatility and game-changing plays, he’d be a fan-favorite and a cap-space priority.
14. Roger Craig – San Francisco 49ers
Craig was doing Christian McCaffrey things before CMC was born. Dual-threat backs are the rage now—he’d be the face of a franchise and a sneaker deal.
13. L.C. Greenwood – Pittsburgh Steelers
He got overshadowed on the Steel Curtain, but he was a relentless pass rusher in his own right. If sacks were tracked back then, he’d have cashed in like a modern-day T.J. Watt.
12. Otis Taylor – Kansas City Chiefs
Big, fast, and flashy—Taylor would be a superstar in today’s receiver-driven league. He had highlight-reel plays before highlight reels even existed.
11. Lemar Parrish – Washington / Cincinnati
Eight Pro Bowls as a corner and returner, and still underappreciated. He’d be a multi-role threat today making more money than some QBs.
10. Pat Swilling – New Orleans Saints
Swilling was a sack machine and a key part of the legendary Dome Patrol. Edge rushers get paid big today, and he’d be right up there with the highest.
9. Ricky Watters – San Francisco 49ers / Philadelphia Eagles
He had over 10,000 rushing yards and nearly 5,000 receiving yards but still doesn’t get his due. If he played in 2024, he’d be holding out for a record-breaking deal.
8. Louis Wright – Denver Broncos
Lockdown corners are football gold today, and Wright was one of the best in the ‘70s. He’d be getting Jalen Ramsey money with ease.
7. Sterling Sharpe – Green Bay Packers
If injuries didn’t cut his career short, we’d be talking about him like we talk about Davante Adams. With his skillset, he’d be the highest-paid wideout in the league.
6. Dave Butz – Washington
Massive, durable, and a run-stuffing wall on the defensive line. In today’s game, every defensive coordinator would beg their GM to break the bank for him.
5. Chuck Howley – Dallas Cowboys
The only Super Bowl MVP from the losing team? That’s legendary energy. He was an elite linebacker who’d be worth every penny today.
4. Henry Ellard – Los Angeles Rams
He quietly stacked nearly 14,000 receiving yards without the fanfare. Put him in today’s pass-happy NFL and he’s a fantasy football god with a max contract.
3. Joe Klecko – New York Jets
He could play anywhere on the defensive line and dominate. In today’s era of versatile D-linemen, Klecko would be a prized (and very rich) free agent.
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2. Ken Anderson – Cincinnati Bengals
He was ahead of his time as an efficient, accurate quarterback. Today’s QB market would reward his style with a $250 million extension and a few national commercials.
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1. John Riggins – Washington
He was a workhorse with personality, toughness, and playoff dominance. Today, he’d be the face of a franchise and a marketing juggernaut—and his bank account would reflect it.
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