The Most Underrated NFL Players of All Time

The NFL has had many stars over the years, like Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, and Peyton Manning. These names are well-known even to casual fans. However, not all players get the recognition they deserve, even if their contributions were just as important. Some players quietly excelled on the field, often overshadowed by bigger names or flashier stars. Here, we’ll shine a light on some of the most underrated players in NFL history and explore why they deserve more credit for their accomplishments.

1. Fred Taylor (Running Back)

Fred Taylor played most of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite rushing for over 11,000 yards in his career, Taylor often flew under the radar. He wasn’t flashy or outspoken, but his consistent performance on the field was remarkable. Injuries kept him from gaining more fame, but when he was healthy, Taylor was one of the best running backs of his time.

Taylor’s biggest challenge was playing in Jacksonville, a smaller NFL market, which meant he didn’t always get national attention. Despite this, his ability to break tackles and find the end zone made him a nightmare for defenses.

2. Ken Anderson (Quarterback)

Ken Anderson was the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1971 to 1986. He led the league in passing yards twice and won the NFL MVP award in 1981. Anderson also took the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance.

So why isn’t he more famous? Part of the reason is that Anderson played before the modern passing game exploded. His numbers, while excellent for his time, don’t look as impressive compared to today’s quarterbacks. However, his accuracy, leadership, and ability to read defenses were ahead of his era.

3. London Fletcher (Linebacker)

London Fletcher’s career spanned 16 years, during which he played for the Rams, Bills, and Washington. He never missed a game, playing in an incredible 256 consecutive games. Fletcher finished his career with over 2,000 tackles, ranking among the best linebackers in NFL history.

Despite his consistency and durability, Fletcher rarely got the spotlight. He was often overlooked for Pro Bowl selections, even though his stats were better than many players who made the cut. Fletcher’s leadership and work ethic were invaluable to his teams, making him one of the most underrated defenders in NFL history.

4. Hines Ward (Wide Receiver)

Hines Ward was a key part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ success in the 2000s, helping them win two Super Bowl championships. Known for his toughness and ability to block, Ward wasn’t just a receiver—he was a complete football player.

Ward’s 1,000 career receptions and 12,000+ receiving yards are impressive, but he never got the same attention as other receivers like Randy Moss or Terrell Owens. His lack of flash and showmanship likely contributed to his underrated status. Still, Ward’s ability to deliver in clutch moments, especially in big games, cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

5. Coryell “Air Coryell” Offense Pioneers

Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow were part of the San Diego Chargers’ “Air Coryell” offense in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While Dan Fouts is in the Hall of Fame, he doesn’t get the same level of admiration as other quarterbacks from that era, like Joe Montana or Terry Bradshaw.

Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow, both Hall of Famers, were key contributors to the revolutionary offense that emphasized deep passing and spread formations. Despite their impact on shaping modern football, they often go unnoticed in conversations about all-time greats.

6. Priest Holmes (Running Back)

Priest Holmes had one of the most dominant three-year stretches in NFL history while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. From 2001 to 2003, Holmes rushed for nearly 5,500 yards and scored 61 total touchdowns. In 2003, he set the NFL record for most touchdowns in a single season with 27.

Despite his incredible production, Holmes’ career was relatively short due to injuries. This, combined with playing in Kansas City during a time when the team didn’t have much playoff success, made him less of a household name.

7. Isaac Bruce (Wide Receiver)

Isaac Bruce was a key part of the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.” He finished his career with over 15,000 receiving yards, ranking fifth all-time. Bruce caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIV, a moment that should have cemented his place among the greats.

However, Bruce often played in the shadow of his teammate Torry Holt, as well as other star receivers of his era like Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison. Despite this, Bruce’s consistency and ability to perform in big moments make him one of the most underrated wide receivers ever.

8. Rodney Harrison (Safety)

Rodney Harrison was a hard-hitting safety who played for the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots. He was a key piece of the Patriots’ defense during their Super Bowl-winning seasons in the early 2000s.

Harrison’s physical style of play and leadership were invaluable, but his aggressive reputation sometimes led to fines and criticism. As a result, he didn’t always get the recognition he deserved. Harrison retired with over 30 interceptions and 30 sacks, making him the only player in NFL history to achieve that feat.

9. Brian Mitchell (Return Specialist/Running Back)

Brian Mitchell is one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history. He ranks second all-time in all-purpose yards, trailing only Jerry Rice. Mitchell’s ability to change games with his punt and kickoff returns was unparalleled.

Despite his unique skill set and game-changing plays, Mitchell rarely gets mentioned among the NFL’s elite. Return specialists don’t always get the respect they deserve, but Mitchell’s impact on field position and momentum cannot be overstated.

10. Drew Pearson (Wide Receiver)

Drew Pearson was a star for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. Known as “Mr. Clutch,” Pearson made several game-winning plays, including the famous “Hail Mary” catch in 1975.

Although Pearson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, it took decades for him to get there. For years, his contributions to the Cowboys’ success were overshadowed by other players from that era.

Why Do Players Get Overlooked?

Many factors can cause a player to be underrated. Some play for smaller-market teams that don’t get much media coverage. Others are overshadowed by flashier teammates or have careers shortened by injuries. Sometimes, their contributions don’t show up on stat sheets, even though they make a huge impact on the game.

Conclusion

The NFL is full of incredible athletes, but not all of them get the recognition they deserve. Players like Fred Taylor, Ken Anderson, and London Fletcher may not be the first names that come to mind when discussing NFL legends, but their contributions were vital to their teams.

By looking beyond the headlines and highlights, we can better appreciate the talent and hard work of these underrated players who helped shape the game we love today.