Quarterback Tom Brady was retired during the 2022 NFL offseason for just 40 days before opting to return for a 23rd season that could (maybe?) be his last, tight end Rob Gronkowski recently decided to hang up his cleats and defensive tackle Aaron Donald inked a massive contract extension this summer to make him the game’s highest-paid non-QB after considering retirement himself. It all got us thinking about where these legends of the game stack up all time at their respective positions.
We asked 50 experts, reporters and analysts to name the NFL’s greatest player of all time at every position. The goal was to narrow the field to just one GOAT at quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and even kicker. We already named the best ever at every offensive position, and now we’re continuing on with seven defense and special-teams positions.