Little Men Are Big In The NFL

There is an influx of little men in the 2010 NFL season expected to make significant impact. Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers has been making an impact with his team since 2005. He excels on special teams, but also makes a contribution on offense as well as a 5'6" running back.


Dexter McCluster is said to stand 5'8" , though some say he is shorter, and weighs 170 pounds. He was drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010. Though he is listed as a kick returner, running back, and wide receiver, the Chiefs are expected to use him in a variety of ways.


Brandon Banks reportedly stands 5'7" and weighs just 149 pounds. He joined the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent rookie this year, and has done well returning punts. He scored on an electric 77-yard return, but has a propensity to fumble. He coughed up the ball three times in preseason.


Trindon Holliday tips the scales at 5'5" and 165 pounds. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 draft by the Houston Texans. Considered one of the fastest men ever in college football, he hurt his thumb in the preseason and will miss the rest of the year.


This recent influx of tiny players is nothing new for the league, but has been seen less and less over the past few decades. The 1980's had Joe Morris, Stump Mitchell and Lionel "Train"James, three smaller running backs. Morris was listed at 5'7" and played with the New York Giants from 1982 to 1988. He went to the Pro Bowl twice, ran for over 1,000 yards three times, and led the NFL with 21 touchdown runs in 1985. He ran for a career best 1,516 yards the next year, helping the Giants get to Super Bowl XXI. He scored once in the New York victory over the Denver Broncos. He attempted to play for the Cleveland Browns in 1991, then retired.


His younger brother Jamie, also listed at 5'7", played three years in the NFL. He once carried the ball a whopping 45 times for 152 yards in a game for the Washington Redskins during the 1988 season. It is still an NFL record for the most carries in a single game.


The Redskins loved to use small running backs in that era. Reggie Brooks stood 5'8", and gained 1,063 yards during his 1993 rookie year. Keith Griffin also stood 5'8", and was an important reserve who helped the team capture Super Bowl XXII.


James, like Sproles, stood 5'6" and played for the San Diego Chargers from 1984 to 1988. He led the NFL in kickoff returns and yards as a rookie before playing his way into the starting lineup the next year. He led the league with a then NFL record 2,535 all purpose yards. He had 1,027 yards receiving, which was then a record for a running back, on 86 catches. He once gained 345 yards in a single games as well.


Mitchell, who played with the Saint Louis Cardinals from 1981 to 1989, was said to have been shorter than his listed height of 5'9". He led the NFL in kickoff return yards as a rookie, and became a 1,000 yard running back five years later after averaging a NFL best 5.5 yards per carry.


Buddy Young is easily the most famous small player in pro football history, standing just 5'4" and weighing 175 pound. He join the New York Yankees of the All American Football Conference, the precursor to the NFL Colts franchise, in 1947.


Known as "The Bronze Bullet", Young was considered one of the greatest football players of that era. He was an All-American in his freshman year at the University of Illinois after equalling several of Red Grange's school records, including touchdowns scored in a single season. Like many players, he then had to joined the military to serve because of World War 2 after his freshman season.


When he fulfilled his obligations in 1946, he spurned offers to turn pro and returned to Illinois. Young then helped them win the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl. He was also an All-American in track. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.


Young was a trailblazer, being one of a few African-American players to play professional football then. He joined the Yankees and formed one of the more electrifying backfield tandems in pro football with Spec Sanders and gained a career best 712 yards on 116 carries, a 6.1 yards per carry average, as a rookie playing fullback. Young was also a superb return specialist. In his first year, he scored a touchdown on both a punt return and kickoff return. He was fifth in the AAFC in total yards, and was named Second Team All-AAFC that season.


The Yankees became the New York Yanks in 1950, then became the Dallas Texans in 1952, and he stayed with the team even though bigotry in Texas was so bad that season the team had to play many of their home games in Hershey, Pennsylvania and Akron, Ohio. He still led the NFL with 23 kick returns for 643 yards for a team that failed to win a single game.


The Texans became the Baltimore Colts the next year, and Young was still with the team. He returned 11 kicks for 378 yards, a career high 34.4 yards per return average, and scored on a 104 yard return. It was the second longest return in NFL history at the time, and is still the 13th longest ever.


He made his lone Pro Bowl squad in 1954. His last season as a player was in 1955. He then retired and became the first Colt to have his jersey retired. He continued to break new ground after retirement. Young became the first African-American to be hired as an executive by the NFL, and later was named Director of Player Relations.


Buddy Young was a tough man who preferred to play without a face mask and hardly any pads. He was the fastest player in the FL at one time, and once tied the 60-yard indoor dash record of 6.1 seconds. He even beat a race horse in a 100 yard dash while with the Colts.


The shortest player in NFL history was Jack "Soapy" Shapiro of the the 1929 Staten Island Stapletons. He stood five foot and a half inch, weighing just 119 pounds. Though he is officially recognized to have played blocking back in one game, records in those days were poorly kept. Shapiro clams he was with the team three regular season games and two exhibition games, playing in three games total.


There have been diminutive quarterbacks that excelled in the NFL. Eddie LeBaron supposedly stood 5'9", but reportedly was closer to 5'7", and weighed 168 pounds. The tenth round draft choice lasted 11 seasons in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl four times.


Davey O'Brien stood 5'7", weighing 151 pounds, and was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939 after winning the Heisman Trophy. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie before suddenly retired to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and there is an award named after him that is annually given to the best quarterback in college football.


Doug Flutie was the 1984 Heisman Trophy winner. Because he appeared to be shorter than his listed height of 5'9", the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the 11th round. Flutie opted to play a season in the United States Football League before giving the NFL a try. He started with the Chicago Bears, who had traded for his rights, but did not last eve two years with them before being moved to the New England Patriots. After winning eight of 13 starts over three years, he was released.


Finding no job offers he liked in the NFL, he went to the Canadian Football League and played with three teams over eight years. After winning three CFL championships, and setting numerous records, he returned to the NFL for eight more seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl once. He converted the first successful drop kick in over 65 years during the 2006 season.


There are countless other stories of small men who were superb in the NFL. In 2009, there were 27 players listed at 5'8" or shorter on rosters. Men like Darrell Green and Barry Sanders were Hall of Famers from the 1990's, while others like Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Kevin Faulk, Jim Leonhard, and Bob Sanders star in the game today.


The expression that the size of the heart overcomes the size of the body is modeled by these people. With the inevitable growth of the human race each generation that is shown by the fact that a man rarely under 300 pounds plays in the NFL trenches anymore, these little guys give hope to the ordinary man who still hangs onto childhood dreams of having the ability to play the game.


They keep us grounded as they soar in the eyes of appreciation. For it is these David's that walk in the land of Goliath not needing a sling shot to win.

The Washington Redskins Final Cuts Point To The Future

In a day where two Heisman Trophy winners, several Pro Bowl players, quite a few former first round draft picks, and even a Rhodes Scholar were directed to the unemployment line, the Washington Redskins trimmed their roster down to the 53 players they feel best give them a chance to win a championship.

There were few surprises in the final cuts, with the exception of possibly guard Chad Rinehart and C/ G Erik Cook. Rinehart was listed as the reserve right guard to newly acquired Artis Hicks, and some thought the recent release of second-year pro Edwin Williams signified the move to 2010 seventh round pick Cook as the new incumbent to aging center Casey Rabach. They opted to keep Kory Lichtensteiger, who was drafted by head coach Mike Shanahan in his last season as head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Though the Redskins appear dangerously thin along the offensive line right now, after cutting five men in a few days, there is a good chance they could soon be scouring the waiver wire for reinforcements.

Here is a list of players the Redskins released :

Chad Rinehart : When Washington drafted him in the third round of the 2008 draft, many thought the team had a steal. He started four games in 2009 before breaking his leg. His days may have been numbered after being arrested for public intoxication eight months ago.

Willie Parker : "Fast Willie" was plodding by the time the Redskins hired him a few months ago. The two-time Pro Bowler enjoyed three 1,000 yard seasons and two Super Bowl wins after making the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2004. He had a great career, yet it is possible someone still signs him this year.

Bobby Wade : Wade was trying to make his fifth team since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 draft by the Chicago Bears. A solid slot receiver who carried the ball 12 times for the Bears in one season, we might not have seen the last of the 29-year old receiver. It says a lot that the 93-year old Joey Galloway beat him out for a roster spot.

Tyrone Carter : Carter had a great collegiate career, winning the Jim Thorpe and Jack Tatum Awards, before becoming a fourth round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2000. After three years with the Vikings, and one with the Jets, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and stayed there as mostly a reserve the next six year. After being cut, the Redskins signed him ten days ago before releasing him. He was a member of two world championship squads in Pittsburgh.

Carey Davis : He made the Atlanta Falcons squad as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2004, then joined the Indianapolis Colts later that season. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, lasting three years with them, and earned a Super Bowl ring. He might find a squad in need of a blocking fullback.

Darrion Scott : He was drafted in the third round of the 2004 draft by the Vikings. He earned a starting job at defensive end in 2006 and held onto it until the end of the next year, getting 9.5 sacks. He was cut after 2007 after being injured. He hasn't played in the NFL since, and may be heading back to the UFL.

Howard Green : Drafted in the sixth round of the 2002 draft by the Houston Texans, he played one game that year for the Ravens. He then joined the New Orleans Saints for two years, starting in 12 games one year. He went to the Seattle Seahawks in 2007, ands lasted two year while getting his only career sack. He played 12 games with the Jets last year, and was brought into the Redskins camp because of his experience at nose tackle.

Ryan Torain : Torain was drafted by Shanahan in the the 5th round in 2008 with the Broncos. He got a start, running effectively for 68 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown, before suffering a season ending injury. He hasn't played since.

Rob Jackson : He was the Redskins seventh round pick in 2008, and spent two years as a reserve defensive end with two different numbers on his jersey.

Robert Henson : Henson was drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 draft. He got in six games, recording one tackle. With his job on the line in the last 2010 preseason game, he stood out until he was injured. He might help someones special teams somewhere, or is headed for the UFL. He is on the Injured/ Waived list.

Ramzee Robinson : He was Mr. Irrelevant in 2007, and made the Detroit Lions for two years. He split time between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles last year.

Lee Vickers : Vickers is a mammoth tight end who has bounced around practice squads with the Steelers, Eagles, and Giants since 2006. He played in nine games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, starting two games and catching two balls.

William Robinson : An undrafted free agent offensive tackle who spent time on the Seahawks practice squad in 2008 and part of 2009 before the Redskins claimed him. He appeared in one game last year.

Richard Bartel : He went undrafted in 2007, then spent almost two years on the Cowboys practice squad before the Jacksonville Jaguars put him on their practice squad. He spent last year on the Browns practice squad.

Curtis Gatewood : He played six games as an undrafted free agent rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, and hasn't played since.

Clint Oldenburg : After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 draft by the New England Patriots, he appeared in two games for the Jets that year and hasn't played since. He is on the Injured/ Waived list.

Erik Cook : He was drafted by Washington in the seventh round of the 2010 draft.

Terrence Austin : OK, Galloway is not 93, he is going to be 39 in a month. Still ancient for an NFL wide receiver. Austin was drafted in the seventh round and was solid most of camp, but fell victim to the numbers game despite leading the team with 10 catches for 146 yards and a score in preseason games. He should get a look by other teams.

Selvish Capers : Capers was drafted in the seventh round by the Redskins in 2010.

Anderson Russell : He was an undrafted free agent rookie from Ohio State University trying to make the team as a safety.

Shay Hodge : He was a free agent rookie wide receiver.



It is also time to pay tribute to a few ex-Redskins let go by other teams recently, thus probably signaling the end to their football careers. Many gave the Redskins many good times, and will not soon forgotten.



Jon Jansen : He was a second round draft pick of Washington in 1999. He started every game played until he missed one in 2006, then he played just one game the next season. After starting 11 of 14 in 2008, he went to the Detroit Lions and started two games last year. A gritty right tackle who played well enough to make "The Hogs" proud Jansen was a Redskin.

Ladell Betts : a second round pick by the Redskins in 2002, he spent his first four seasons as an oft-injured reserve halfback. After Clinton Portis went down early in 2006, Betts picked up the slack as the feature back by grinding out 1,154 yards on the ground while getting another 445 on 53 receptions. All were career high marks, as was his five touchdowns. He spent the next three years as an oft-injured reserve before being released at the end of 2009. He recently tried to make the New Orleans Saints, but was let go.

Patrick Ramsey : He was the Redskins first round draft pick in 2002. Starting five games as a rookie, he led the NFL in yards per completion. The offensive scheme of then-head coach Steve Spurrier left Ramsey exposed to big hits. He lost his starting job by 2005, after two injury filled years, then was released. He spent the next three years as a little used reserve for the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions before being recently cut by the Saints.

Colt Brennan : After a illustrious collegiate career, Washington drafted him in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. Though he never got into a regular season game, many fans cheered for him in exhibition games. He was released after 2009, and was just cut trying to make the Oakland Raiders.

Nick Novak : A local product from the University of Maryland, Novak joined the team as a free agent rookie after incumbent John Hall was injured. His first game saw him have a game-winning kick against the rival Dallas Cowboys. When Hall healed, he was released after the fifth game and later replaced the injured Neil Rackers for the Arizona Cardinals for five games.

He came back to Washington the next year to replace an injured Hall again,and kicked a 47-yard field goal to beat Dallas again. He was released after six games, replaced by Shaun Suisham. After being out of the league a year, he won the starting job for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 and was replaced by Connor Barth after six games. He has been out of the league since, and was recently waived by the San Diego Chargers. In the vagabond world of the NFL kicker, we will probably see Novak again.

Randy Thomas : Though released a week ago by the Miami Dolphins on an injury settlement, after lasting one week in camp, Thomas is worthy of mention. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1999 draft. After four solid seasons, he and three teammates joined the Redskins in 2003. He played right guard next to Jansen, and they were very effective as a duo. He played 5 total games in 2007 and 2009 due to injuries, so the team released him. He started in all 143 games he played over 11 years.

Marko Mitchell : Known as the last draft pick Vinny Cerrato ever made for the Redskins, he showed some promise in the teams 2009 training camp and caught four balls that year before being released at seasons end. He was recently cut by the Minnesota Vikings.

Predictions For The 2010 NFL Season

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys

Pros : Continuity and depth. This is the year it all has to come together for Wade and the 'Boys. A good running game can take them deep into the playoffs.

Cons : As usual, the trenches and defensive safety are areas of concern. The Dallas cornerbacks need to be extra special in 2011 for the team to go far.

Players To Watch : Felix Jones, Anthony Spencer, Miles Austin, Cornerbacks corp

Key Games : Week 3 @ Houston, Week 6 @ Minnesota, Week 9 @ Green Bay, Week 12 New Orleans, Week 13 @ Indianapolis, Week 17 @ Philadelphia

Predicted Finish : 11 - 5


2. Philadelphia Eagles

Pros : Explosive and consistent play with wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and tight end Brent Celek. An above average defensive line who can get at the opposing quarterback. Can go far if the offensive line plays up to potential.

Cons : Besides Asante Samuel, probably in his last year with the team, the secondary is a question. The pass rush needs to be as good as it was under the late great defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Rookie Brandon Graham could hold the key here. The running game is questionable, especially behind blockers not at full health. Kolb must show why Reid went with him to throw to their Big 3.

Players To Watch : Kevin Kolb, LeSean McCoy, Defensive Secondary, Offensive Line

Key Games : Week 1 Green Bay, Week 9 @ Indianapolis, Week 11 New York Giants, Week 13 Houston, Week 16 Minnesota, Week 17 Dallas

Predicted Finish : 10 - 6


3. New York Giants

Pros : The wide receivers are a deep and young group with loads of potential. The offensive line, though aging, is still one of the better units in the game. The secondary is solid.

Cons : The running game needs to hold up all year, or they will lean on quarterback Eli Manning too much.The defensive line is more of an uncertainty than it has been in years. Can the addition of aging linebacker Keith Bulluck bolster a mediocre group?

Players To Watch : Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, Keith Bulluck, Terrell Thomas, All wide receivers

Key Games : Week 2 @ Indianapolis Colts, Week 5 @ Houston, Week 7 @ Dallas, Week 14 @ Minnesota, Week 15 Philadelphia, Week 16 @ Green Bay

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7


4. Washington Redskins

Pros : When healthy, quarterback Donovan McNabb can lead a team to wins. The Redskins have two good tight ends in Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. A new era free of Vinny Cerrato.

Cons : The running game is a huge question, the wide receivers, besides Santana Moss, are huge questions. The linebackers must show they are up to task in the newly installed 3-4 defense. Albert Haynesworth must play to his abilities. Depth most everywhere is an issue.

Players To Watch : Donovan McNabb, Chris Cooley, Running Backs Committee, Offensive Line, Albert Haynesworth, Mike Shanahan, Anthony Armstrong

Key Games : Week 1 Dallas, Week 5 @ Green Bay, Week 6 Indianapolis Colts, Week 12 Minnesota, Week 15 @ Dallas, Week 17 New York Giants

Predicted Finish : 7 - 9


NFC North


1. Green Bay Packers

Pros : Aaron Rodgers coming of age, Defensive Unit, Youthful Upside

Cons : Offensive Line, Running Back Depth, Lack of Postseason Experience

Players To Watch : Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Clay Matthews Jr., B.J. Raji, Ryan Grant, Charles Woodson, Jemichael Finley

Key Games : Week 1 @ Philadelphia, Week 7 Minnesota, Week 8 @ New York Jets, Week 9 Dallas, Week 11 @ Minnesota, Week 15 @ New England Patriots

Predicted Finish : 13 - 3


2. Minnesota Vikings

Pros : Big Playmaking Abilities Of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, The Return of Pat Williams, Offensive Line

Cons : A backup behind Peterson is unknown, Wide receiver quality and depth, Safeties are average, Depth most everywhere is an issue.

Players To Watch : Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, The Williams' Duo at defensive tackle, Jared Allen, Brett Favre

Key Games : Week 1 @ New Orleans, Week 5 @ New York Jets, Week 6 Dallas, Week 7 @ Green Bay, Week 8 @ New England, Week 11 Green Bay, Week 16 @ Philadelphia

Predicted Finish : 11 - 5


3. Detroit Lions

Pros : Improved Running Game, Young Stars On The Rise, Improved Defense

Cons : Offensive Line/ Depth, Strong Safety, Linebacker Depth

Players To Watch : Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Jahvid Best, Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Louis Delmas, Brandon Pettigrew

Key Games : Week 2 Philadelphia, Week 3 @ Minnesota, Week 4 @ Green Bay, Week 6 Indianapolis Colts, Week 12 Minnesota, Week 15 @ Dallas, Week 17 New England Patriots

Predicted Finish : 5 - 11


4. Chicago Bears

Pros : Running Game, Return of Brian Urlacher, Veteran Leadership

Cons : Aging trenches, Aging Defense, Wide Receiver Quality/ Depth, Secondary Questions

Players To Watch : Mike Martz/ Jay Cutler Relationship, Matt Forte, Greg Olsen, Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor

Key Games : Week 2 @ Dallas, Week 3 Green Bay, Week 4 @ New York Giants, Week 10 Minnesota, Week 14 @ New England Patriots, Week 15 @ Minnesota, Week 16 New York Jets, Week 17 @ Green Bay

Predicted Finish : 5 - 11



NFC South


1. New Orleans Saints

Pros : A dynamic offense with multiple weapons, Possibly the best aerial attack in all of football, An opportunistic defense

Cons : The trenches are inconsistent and can be run over, repeating as champion is extremely difficult

Players To Watch : Drew Brees, All of the weapons Brees disperses the ball to, Jonathan Vilma, Defensive secondary

Key Games : Week 1 Minnesota, Week 8 Pittsburgh,, Week 12 @ Dallas, Week 13 @ Cincinnati, Week 15 @ Baltimore

Predicted Finish : 13 - 3


2. Atlanta Falcons

Pros : Quarterback Matt Ryan's improvement, Offensive line, Improved defensive secondary, Good running game if Michael Turner stays healthy

Cons : The defensive line must get better, especially Jamaal Anderson, Linebackers good at run defense, average versus the pass, Another receiver needed to step up and bookend Roddy White

Players To Watch : Roddy White, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Curtis Lofton, Thomas DeCloud, Tony Gonzales, Dunta Robinson

Key Games : Week 1 @ Pittsburgh, Week 3 @New Orleans, Week 6 @ Philadelphia, Week 7 Cincinnati, Week 10 Baltimore, Week 12 Green Bay, Week 16 New Orleans

Predicted Finish : 8 - 8


3. Carolina Panthers

Pros : A great rushing attack, above average linebackers, the dynamic skills of Steve Smith

Cons : The trenches are iffy, especially on defense, The secondary could have issues, A new QB controversy might soon be brewing, Another receiver is needed to compliment Smith

Players To Watch : Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart, Jon Beeson, Richard Marshall, Matt Moore

Key Games : Week 1 @ New York Giants, Week 3 Cincinnati, Week 6 New Orleans, Week 11 Baltimore, Week 16 @ Pittsburgh

Predicted Finish : 7 - 9


4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pros : Young defensive line with potential, Young receivers with big upsides, developing quarterbacks, Underrated offensive line

Cons : Inexperienced almost everywhere,including the coaching staff. Rebuilding seems to be a few seasons away

Players To Watch : Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, The young defensive tackle trio of Roy Miller, Brian Price, and Gerald McCoy, Kellen Winslow Jr.

Key Games : Week 3 Pittsburgh, Week 5 @ Cincinnati, Week 6 New Orleans, Week 12 @ Baltimore, Week 17 @ New Orleans

Predicted Finish : 3 - 13



NFC West


1. San Francisco 49ers

Pros : Their Big 3 of Vern Davis, Mike Crabtree, and Frank Gore offer a diversive offensive punch, An underrated defense that seemingly gets better each game

Cons : The offensive line is young and unknown, another year of gambling on Gore's surgically repaired knees with only a fragile Brian Westbrook as a proven reserve, Quarterback Alex Smith's consistency still an issue of unknown entity.

Players To Watch : Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Will Ted Ginn Jr. bookend Crabtee?

Key Games : Week 2 New Orleans, Week 6 Oakland, Week 12 @ Arizona, Week 13 @ Green Bay, Week 15 @ San Diego, Week 17 Arizona

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7


2. Arizona Cardinals

Pros : Excellent wide receiver corps, even after losing Anquan Boldin. Influx of veteran linebackers. Effective running back by committee,

Cons : Neither quarterback has softened the cries for Kurt Warner to return. Defensive secondary has questions on deep coverage, especially at cornerback. Pass rush may be effective, but run defense is a possible issue. Still no really effective tight end.

Players To Watch : Larry Fitzgerald, Darnell Dockett, Beanie Wells/ Tim Hightower, Joey Porter, Adrian Wilson, Early Doucet, Steve Breaston, Quarterback situation/ productivity

Key Games : Week 4 @ San Diego, Week 5 New Orleans, Week 9 @ Minnesota, Week 12 San Francisco, Week 16 Dallas, Week 17 @ San Francisco

Predicted Finish : 8 - 8


3. Seattle Seahawks

Pros : New coach, new attitude. Experience at the quarterback, running back, and wide receiver positions. Very underrated back seven on defense. Special teams could get a few nice returns.

Cons : Trenches on both sides of the ball could be a big problem. Besides reserves Golden Tate and Deon Butler, no real deep threats on offense.

Players To Watch : Aaron Curry, Russell Okung, John Carlson, Lofa Tatupu, Earl Thomas, Mike Williams

Key Games : Week 2 @ Denver, Week 3 San Diego, Week 9 New York Giants, Week 11 @ New Orleans, Week 14 @ San Francisco

Predicted Finish : 5 - 11


4. Saint Louis Rams

Pros : New franchise quarterback. Good run game. Decent defensive front seven. Improved offensive line

Cons : Defensive secondary might have issues. Noi wide receivers that strike fear in opponents. Tight end spot not highly productive. Young offensive tackles.

Players To Watch : Steven Jackson, Sam Bradford, James Laurinaitis, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Rodger Saffold, Mardy Gilyard

Key Games : Week 6 San Diego, Week 10 @ San Francisco, Week 12 @ Denver, Week 13 @ Arizona, Week 14 @ New Orleans, Week 16 San Francisco

Predicted Finish : 2 - 12



AFC East

1. New England Patriots

Pros : Tom Brady at full health and in a contract year. Multiple weapons at Brady's disposal. An above average offensive line. Good depth at most positions.

Cons : A linebacker corp good against the run, questionable versus the pass. A young defensive secondary still learning. Unknown depth at wide receiver, in case Wes Welker isn't close to a hundred percent. Defensive line full of role players. A grueling schedule.

Players To Watch : Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Running backs committee, Inside linebacker duo of Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes

Key Games : Week 1 Cincinnati, Week 2 @ New York Jets, Week 6 Baltimore, Week 7 @ San Diego Chargers, Week 8 Minnesota, Week 10 @ Pittsburgh, Week 12 Indianapolis, Week 13 NY Jets, Week 15 Green Bay

Predicted Finish : 12 - 4


2. New York Jets

Pros : Improvement at wide receiver. An effective offensive line. Multiple blitz packages that confound opponents. Cocky grit that starts at the coaching staff. Excellent cornerbacks. Good linebackers versus the run.

Cons : Questionable safety play. Running game an unknown commodity. Loss of Calvin Pace forces an old Jason Taylor to play more than expected. Defensive line depth questionable. Need to sign star cornerback Derrelle Revis. Quarterback Mark Sanchez's propensity for the turnover.


Players To Watch : Running Backs Duo of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, Offensive Line, Dustin Keller, David Harris, Jason Taylor, Mark Sanchez, The return of wide receiver Santonio Holmes after suspension

Key Games : Week 1 Baltimore, Week 2 New England, Week 5 Minnesota, Week 8 Green Bay, Week 11 Houston, Week 12 Cincinnati, Week 13 @ New England, Week 15 @ Pittsburgh

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7


3. Miami Dolphins

Pros : Up and coming defense. Steady and experienced running backs. Strong kicking game. Acquisition of Brandon Marshall to bolster receivers corp.

Cons : Offensive line is questionable between the tackles. Safeties are average versus the deep ball. Outside linebackers are average. Return game has digressed from last year with loss of Ted Ginn Jr.

Players To Watch : Chad Henne, Running back duo of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, Brandon Marshall, Anthony Fasano, Vontae Davis, Defensive line

Key Games : Week 2 @ Minnesota, Week 3 New York Jets, Week 4 New England Patriots, Week 6 @ Green Bay, Week 7 Pittsburgh, Week 8 @ Cincinnati, Week 9 @ Baltimore, Week 14 @ New York Jets, Week 17 @ New England

Predicted Finish : 7 - 9


4. Buffalo Bills

Pros : Deep, versatile, talented running backs corp. Young, improving offensive line. Strong defensive secondary.

Cons : Erratic quarterback play. Questionable wide receiver play, beyond Lee Evans. Mediocre outside linebackers. Iffy defensive line depth.

Players To Watch : C.J. Spiller, Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Donte Whitner, Jarius Byrd, Paul Posluszny

Key Games : Week 2 @ Green Bay, Week 3 @ New England, Week 4 New York Jets, Week 7 @ Baltimore, Week 11 @ Cincinnati, Week 12 Pittsburgh, Week 13 @ Minnesota, Week 16 New England, Week 17 New York Jets

Predicted Finish : 3 - 13



AFC North


1. Baltimore Ravens

Pros : Big, strong, effective offensive line. Very good running backs. Experienced and productive receivers. Quickly developing star at quarterback. Very experienced defense led by future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.

Cons : Secondary issues in depth and quality. Wide receiver depth until Donte Stallworth returns midseason.

Players To Watch : Anquan Boldin, Ray Rice, Ed Reed, Todd Heap, Defensive front seven, Monstrous offensive tackle duo of Michael Oher and Jared Gaither, Joe Flacco

Key Games : Week 1 @ New York Jets, Week 2 @ Cincinnati, Week 4 @ Pittsburgh, Week 6 @ New England, Week 3 Pittsburgh, Week 14 @ Houston, Week 15 New Orleans, Week 17 Cincinnati

Predicted Finish : 11 - 5


2. Cincinnati Bengals

Pros : Good wide receiver depth and rising star tight end. Excellent starting cornerbacks. Above average offensive line. Underrated defensive line.

Cons : Mediocre safeties. Defensive depth in back seven. Few players experienced in winning.

Players To Watch : Jermaine Gresham, Cedric Benson, Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph, Carson Palmer, Wide receiver corp, Bernard Scott

Key Games : Week 1 @ New England, Week 2 Baltimore, Week 9 Pittsburgh, Week 10 @ Indianapolis, Week 12 @ New York Jets, Week 13 New Orleans, Week 14 @ Pittsburgh, Week 16 San Diego Chargers, Week 17 @ Baltimore

Predicted Finish : 11 - 5


3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pros : Experienced defense led by Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau.Good experienced depth at wide receiver. Improved offensive line. Solid special teams. Excellent depth at quarterback.

Cons : The loss of star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger 4 weeks. Defensive line depth. Running back questions.

Players To Watch : Quarterback situation, Mike Wallace, Bryant McFadden, Lawrence Timmons, Flozell Adams, Rashard Mendenhall

Key Games : Week 2 @ Tennessee, Week 4 Baltimore, Week 8 @ New Orleans, Week 9 @ Cincinnati, Week 10 New England, Week 13 @ Baltimore, Week 14 Cincinnati, Week 15 New York Jets

Predicted Finish : 10 - 6


4. Cleveland Browns

Pros : Rebuilding on fly with proven vets mixed in. Improved offensive line, linebackers, quarterbacks, and tight end. Versatility in rushing attack.Good cornerback depth. Excellent special teams.

Cons : Questions at wide receiver persist. Safeties have mediocre depth behind unknown starters. Overall offensive line depth

Players To Watch : Jake Delhomme, Ben Watson, Joshua Cribbs, Jerome Harrison/ James Davis, T.J. Ward

Key Games : Week 3 @ Baltimore, Week 4 Cincinnati, Week 6 @ Pittsburgh, Week 7 @ New Orleans, Week 9 New England, Week 10 New York Jets, Week 16 Baltimore, Week 17 Pittsburgh

Predicted Finish : 4- 12




AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts

Pros : Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, Multiple weapons at Manning's disposal, A roster full of veterans who know how to win

Cons : Questionable depth virtually everwhere. Mediocre, at best, defensive tackles. Below average special teams return game.

Players To Watch : Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai / Donald Brown, Pierre Garcon / Austin Collie / Anthony Gonzales, Dwight Freeney

Key Games : Week 1 @ Houston, Week 2 New York Giants, Week 9 @ Philadelphia, Week 10 Cincinnati, Week 11 @ New England, Week 12 San Diego, Week 13 Dallas

Predicted Finish : 12 - 4


2. Houston Texans

Pros : Effective offense, especially in the passing game. Nice defensive line. Decent depth at wide receiver. Nice return game.

Cons : The four game suspension of 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing hurts the defense and linebackers corp. Questions in the secondary, especially at cornerback. Offensive line worries, especially inside.

Players To Watch : Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Matt Schaub

Key Games : Week 1 Indianapolis, Week 3 Dallas, Week 8 @ Indianapolis, Week 9 San Diego, Week 11 @ New York Jets, Week 17 New York Giants

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7


3. Tennessee Titans

Pros : Strong running game. Developing quarterback with good legs. Strong offensive line on right side. Solid placekicker. Iconic head coach

Cons : Mediocre defense. Average wide receivers. Lack of big play types on both sides of the ball. Mediocre return game on special teams.

Players To Watch : Chris Johnson, Vince Young, Cortland Finnegan, Rod Baronas, Kenny Britt, Jake Scott

Key Games : Week 2 Pittsburgh, Week 5 @ Dallas, Week 7 Philadelphia, Week 8 @ San Diego, Week 12 @ Houston, Week 14 Indianapolis, Week 17 @ Indianapolis

Predicted Finish : 6 - 10


4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pros : Up and coming young offensive tackles. Strong play at halfback. Improvement at linebacker. Underrated cornerbacks.

Cons : Questions at interior on both sides of the trenches. Mediocre safeties. Lack of a deep / home run threat.

Players To Watch : Maurice Jones-Drew, Mike Thomas, Aaron Kampman, Kirk Morrison

Key Games : Week 2 @ San Diego, Week 3 Philadelphia, Week 4 Indianapolis, Week 8 @ Dallas, Week 15 @ Indianapolis

Predicted Finish : 3 - 13



AFC West


1. San Diego Chargers

Pros : Good depth at wide receiver, outside linebacker, cornerback, and tight end. Roster full of experienced veterans. High scoring offense.

Cons : The defensive line is underwhelming. Inside linebackers are mediocre. Strong safety below average. Huge need to re-sign Marcus McNeil and Vincent Jackson to bolster offense.

Players To Watch : Philip Rivers, Ryan Matthews, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman, Darrell Stuckey, Hold out situation of McNeil and Jackson

Key Games : Week 4 Arizona, Week 7 New England, Week 9 @ Houston, Week 12 @ Indianapolis, Week 16 @ Cincinnati, Week 17 @ Denver

Predicted Finish : 10 - 6


2. Oakland Raiders

Pros : New quarterback with good leadership skills. Above average rushing game. Improved and above average back seven on defense. Good special teams. Deep and experienced depth at defensive tackle.

Cons : Questionable trench play on both sides of ball. Young wide receivers still developing. Inconsistent blocking must solidify, especially on pass plays.

Players To Watch : Jason Campbell, Michael Bush / Darren McFadden, Rolondo McClain, Tyvon Branch, Zach Miller, Nnamdi Asomugha

Key Games : Week 4 Houston, Week 5 San Diego, Week 6 @ San Francisco, Week 7 @ Denver, Week 11 @ Pittsburgh, Week 13 @ San Diego, Week 16 Indianapolis

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7


3. Denver Broncos

Pros : Experienced defense bolstered by veteran additions. Solid secondary. Good kicking game. Underrated offensive line.

Cons : The running game is a huge question. The wide receiver corp is mediocre. Lacking targets and big play types on offense. Mirrors that worked last year may be shattered this season.

Players To Watch : Kyle Orton, Champ Bailey, Robert Ayers, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, Brian Dawkins

Key Games : Week 3 Indianapolis, Week 5 @ Baltimore, Week 6 New York Jets, Week 11 @ San Diego, Week 15 @ Oakland, Week 16 Houston, Week 17 San Diego

Predicted Finish : 6 - 10


4. Kansas City Chiefs

Pros : Good running back depth. Improved wide receivers corp. Young squad developing nicely. Above average special teams.

Cons : Offensive line still needs work. Defensive line needs to play to their abilities consistently. Linebacker unit not strong pass defending. Very inexperienced team.

Players To Watch : Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, Thomas Jones / Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Glen Dorsey / Tyson Jackson / Tamba Hali

Key Games : Week 1 San Diego, Week 5 @ Indianapolis Colts, Week 6 @ Houston, Week 9 @ Oakland, Week 10 @ Denver, Week 14 @ San Diego

Predicted Finish : 5 - 11






WildCard

Philadelphia @ New Orleans
Minnesota @ San Francisco

Pittsburgh @ San Diego
Cincinnati @ Baltimore


Division Playoffs

New Orleans @ Green Bay
Minnesota @ Dallas

Pittsburgh @ New England
Baltimore @ Indianapolis



Conference Championships

Dallas @ Green Bay
Baltimore @ New England

Super Bowl XLV
Baltimore @ Green Bay


Most Valuable Player : Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Offensive Player of the Year : Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
Defensive Player of the Year : Patrick Willis, San Francisco
Offensive Rookie of the Year : Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati
Defensive Rookie of the Year : Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
Coach of the Year : Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers

Matt Leinart Wants Reasons To Why The Arizona Cardinals Dislike His Weak Arm

Matt Leinart never had a chance, even when chances were repeatedly handed to him. The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner was the tenth overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, a draft considered a weak quarterback class. Vince Young and Jay Cutler headline the group, followed by career backups like Tavaris Jackson, Charlie Whitehurst, Kellen Clemens, Brodie Croyle, and Bruce Gradkowski.

Leinart has outperformed all except Young, Jackson, and Cutler, but not by much in cases like Gradkowski. Not the results the Arizona Cardinals were looking for, so they signed 2007 Pro Bowler Derek Anderson after Kurt Warner retired. Anderson was a sixth round draft pick in 2005 now on his third team.

As I predicted upon his signing, Anderson has won the starting job as quarterback of the Cardinals. Now Leinart is crying to the media exclaiming the Arizona coaches never gave him an explanation as to why they went with someone other than him.

Welcome to the NFL Prima donna, a world that sometimes touches a reality many of Earth experience.

Leinart was known as the pretty boy in college, a guy who some were trying to put in the category of future Hall of Famer Tom Brady as far as good looks combined with winning games. He led his Alma mater, USC, to a BSC Championship and AP Championship and some NFL scouts thought his game would translate to the pros.

Unfortunately, like many Heisman winners, his game soon was shown to not have what it takes to be an effective NFL player. Even in the modern where rules are heavily slanted to the quarterbacks favor. Some will say his party boy attitude early in his career derailed his progress, but the real reasons run deeper.

One huge reason is his lack of an NFL arm. The Cardinals run an offensive system where a strong arm with accuracy is needed to succeed. Leinart has neither. To have Anderson, coming off a terrible 2009 season, and a not much better 2008, replace him as he learns a new system on the fly speaks volumes.

Leinart wants a reason, and perhaps the truth will set him free. He was an overrated, overhyped college athlete surrounded by immensely talented teammates. The best comparison to him might be Todd Marinovich, a weak armed lefty drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1991 draft. The 6'4" Marinovich, an inch shorter than Leinart, was a USC product who partied his way out of the league after just two years.

Though it appears likely Leinart is destined to be playing his last year in Arizona this season before embarking on a journeyman career bouncing around the league, some think his skill set better fits the dink/ dunk game of the West Coast offense. It is forseeable he ends up in Seattle next year, rejoining college coach Pete Carrol, though it is improbable he could unseat incumbent Matt Hasselbeck or even move on top of Charlie Whitehurst in the depth chart.

Perhaps not all is lost for Leinart. There certainly no guarantees Anderson excels or even stays healthy a full season. It is likely he will be given yet another chance to redeem himself. What he does with it, if given the chance, is also unknown. Yet all signs point to disappointment.

Something he has been since entering the NFL.

The ALMOST All-Time Green Bay Packers

Titletown, USA

Most every football fan knows this refers to the Green Bay Packers. Their 12 championships are more than any other professional football team ever. There have been 21 Packers to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, second only to their main rival the Chicago Bears.

They have played the Bears 178 times, winning 82 and tying six. This is one of the oldest and best rivalries going in the game today, and the Packers are the third oldest team in NFL history. There is a difference of just 116 points scored between the two.

The Packers actually trace back to semi-pro teams in 1896. Curley Lambeau is one of the founders of the professional franchise, borrowing money from his employer, Indian Packing Company, to get uniforms and equipment. The Green Bay Packers are the oldest team by use of nickname and origin in the NFL today.

They were fist referred to as the "Indians", but played their first game known as the "Packers". Their first team colors were navy blue and gold, after Lambeau's Alma mater Notre Dame. Lambeau briefly considered changing the team name to the "Blues".

They changed to their current colors of green and gold in 1950, and then started using the "G" emblem on their helmet in 1961. Despite having the smallest television market in a town of barely over 102,000 people, the fans are considered amongst the most loyal and rabid.

The history that emanates from this team, from Lambeau, who the Packers named their stadium after, to "Blood" McNally, to Don Hutson, the man who many say invented the pass pattern, to Vince Lombardi, the man who the NFL named their championship trophy after, to Bart Starr and even Brett Favre, the lineage is unlike any other franchise.

Now with rising star Aaron Rodgers leading a young roster chock full of talent, Packers fans are looking forward to continue filling up the largest trophy case in the NFL.



Quarterback : Cecil Isbell


Isbell was the Packers first round draft pick in 1938, the seventh overall selection. He was used as a halfback mostly at first, because Hall of Famer Arnie Hebner was the primary quarterback. Hall of Fame head coach Curly Lambeau alternated them often, as well as played them together.

Leading the NFL with a 5.2 yards per carry average, Isbell was named a Pro Bowler his rookie year. He led the team in rushing and passing, helping them get to the NFL Championship game before losing to the New York Giants.

He led the team in rushing again the next year, making the Pro Bowl again. Green Bay faced the Giants again in the championship game and won 27-0. He split time at quarterback with Herber until the end of the 1940 season, when Herber retired.

Now the primary quarterback in 1941, Isbell led the NFL in attempts, completions, completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns,, touchdowns and interception percentage, yards gained per pass attempt, completion, and per game played, as well as quarterback rating. He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro. His 1,479 passing yards was an NFL record at the time.

He broke that record with another Pro Bowl season the next year by tossing for an NFL leading 2,021 yards. He also led the NFL in touchdown passes, completions, touchdown percentage, yards gained per attempt, passing yards per game, quarterback rating, and a career long 73 yard pass.

Hall of Fame receiver Don Hutson was his primary target, grabbing 17 scores, a record that stood 42 years, out of his 24 touchdowns total. Hutson also caught 74 of Isbell's 146 completions, and 1,211 of Cecil's passing yards.

Isbell then suddenly retired from the game, stating he wanted to leave at the top of his game.He went on to become a head coach at the college and professional ranks. His four Pro Bowls is tied with Hall of Famer Bart Starr as the second most by a Packers quarterback, and his 61 touchdown passes still rank sixth best in team history.

He is a member of both the Packers and College Football Hall of Fames, as well as the NFL 1930's All-Decade Team alongside Herber. Cecil Isbell is the only quarterback on that team not yet inducted into Canton, but four Pro Bowls in his five year career shows he was great.

Lynn Dickey, Don Majkowski, and Tobin Rote deserve mention.






Fullback : John Brockington


Brockington was the Packers first round draft pick in 1971, the ninth player chosen overall. He quickly became the main staple of Green Bay's offensive attack, running for 1,105 yards at a career best 5.1 yards per carry.

He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press, the only Packer to ever acquire this honor. He won the NFC Rookie of the Year Award by the UPI, and was also named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro that year. He gained over 1,000 yards the next year on a career best 274 carries and nine total touchdowns, getting to his second Pro Bowl.

The 1973 season was his last as both a Pro Bowler and 1,000 yard rusher. He set career highs with 1,144 yards and 81.7 yards rushing per game. Though he churned out 833 yards the next year, it became apparent the amount of carries has piled up on him.

After running for 840 yards the next two years, he was cut after the first game of the 1977 season. The Kansas City Chiefs picked him up for ten games as a reserve, and he retired at the end of the year.

John Brockington is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, and his 5,024 career yards rushing with the Packers still ranks third best in team history. He three Pro Bowls is tied with Hall of Famer Clarke Hinkle as the second most by any Packers fullback.

Though Hinkle and Jim Taylor are Hall of Famers who are thought to be the best fullbacks in Green Bay history, Brockington was a special player in his own right.

William Henderson, Howie Ferguson, Ted Fritsch, Edgar Bennett, Frank Balasz, Gerry Ellis, and Ed Jankowski deserve mention.





Halfback : Ahman Green


Green was a third round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 1998. He spent two years there mostly riding the bench, carrying the ball 61 times total before being traded to the Packers.

Green Bay put him to work immediately as their featured back, and he churned out five consecutive seasons where he gained over 1,000 yards on the ground. He also went to the Pro Bowl four straight years. He also caught 267 passes over those five years, displaying what a complete weapon he was for the team.

No other player gained as many yards in those five seasons than he did. He also was explosive, running for touchdowns from 98 and 90 yards out. He is one of just two players in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards or more.

After an injury plagued 2006 season that saw him play just five games, Green rebounded the next year with his sixth 1,000 yard season in seven years. He then joined the Houston Texans for two injury riddled years before rejoining he Packers in 2009 to add depth to a depleted backfield.

Though he played just eight games as a reserve, he gained enough yards to become the Packers all-time leader in rushing yards and carries. No Packers halfback has appeared in more Pro Bowls that his four. His 350 receptions are the most by any running back, and ranks seventh on the teams list.

A lot was made of the fact Green fumbled 34 times as a Packer, but he only fumbled one more time with 40 more carries than Hall of Famer Jim Taylor, who is considered the greatest fullback in team history. Ahman Green may very well be the best halfback the team ever had. He recently joined the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League.


Billy Grimes, Vern Lewellen, Joe Laws, Tom Moore, Larry Buhler, Dick Weisgerber, Hank Bruder, Donny Anderson, Dorsey Levins, Terdell Middleton, Andy Uram, Travis Jervey, Brent Fullwood, and Jimmy Lawrence all deserve mention.




Wide Receiver : Billy Howton


Howton was the Packers second round draft pick in 1952. He became a star right away, leading the league with career best marks of 1,231 receiving yards and total yards from scrimmage, 102.6 receiving yards per game, and a 90 yard reception. He also averaged a career high 23. 2 yards on 52 catches, scoring 13 times, and making the Pro Bowl squad.

Despite playing just eight games because of injuries the next year, he went back to the Pro Bowl in 1955. He led the NFL with 1,188 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and 99 yards receiving per game in 1956, as well as averaging 21.6 yards per catch on a career best 55 receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and garnered a First Team All-Pro nod.

He replicated the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors the next season, and made his final Pro Bowl squad in 1957. He joined the Cleveland Browns for the 1959 season before joining the fledgling Dallas Cowboys in their expansion year in 1960.

He stayed with the Cowboys for four years, catching 161 passes over that time. He retired with 503 career receptions for 8,459 yards after 1963, and both were NFL records at the time.

Though he was the very first NFLPA president, and a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, Howton has yet to be close to induction into Canton though it appears very evident he is worthy.




Wide Receiver : Sterling Sharpe


Sharpe was the Packers first round draft pick in 1988, the seventh pick overall. He started immediately and grabbed 55 balls. He led the NFL with 90 catches the next season, attaining his first Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro nods. He made the Pro Bowl again the next year.

The 1992 season may have been his best. He led the league with 108 catches for a career best 1,461 yards and 13 scores. He also averaged an NFL best 91.3 yards receiving per game. His 108 catches were an NFL record at the time.

He won the Triple Crown for receivers by leading the league in catches, yards, scores, becoming just the 6th player to ever accomplish this. All previous players to have done this are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and only Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers has done this since. He was also named to the Pro Bowl as well as First Team All-Pro.

He broke that record with 112 the next year, becoming the first player to have consecutive seasons of over 100 receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl and got his third nod as First Team All-Pro.

His last year as a Pro Bowler was in 1994, which happened to also be his last as a player. He led the league with 18 touchdown catches on 94 receptions. He injured his neck so severely that year that he was forced to retire.

Not only is Sharpe a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, his 595 receptions for 8.134 yards were team records until Donald Driver surpassed those marks in 2009. The Packers have had a ton of legendary wide receivers, and Sterling Sharpe certainly ranks near the top.

Lavvie Dilweg, Boyd Dowler, Carroll Dale, John Jefferson, Tom Nash, Tillie Voss, Milt Gantenbein, Harry Jacunski, Carl Mulleneaux, Javon Walker, Roell Preston, Steve Odom, Max McGee, Robert Brooks, and Antonio Freeman all deserve mention.





Tight End : Paul Coffman


Coffman made the Packers squad as a free agent rookie in 1978, but did not accumulate any statistics in the 16 games he played that year. He earned the starting job the next year and snagged a career high 56 passes.

He made the first of his three consecutive Pro Bowls after the strike shortened season of 1982. His best season may have been in 1983, when he set career high marks of 814 receiving yards, eleven touchdowns, and a 15.1 yards per catch average.

He left the Packers after 1985 to join the Kansas City Chiefs. After 17 catches over two years, he joined the Minnesota Vikings and suited up for eight games before retiring at the end of the 1988 season.

His 322 catches for 4,223 yards and 39 scores are far and away the most ever by any Packers tight end in the franchises history. His three Pro Bowls is tied as the most by a tight end in Green Bay history. It is safe to say Paul Coffman is the best to have ever played the position for them.

Mark Chmura, Bubba Franks, Ron Kramer, Rich McGeorge, and Keith Jackson deserve mention.





Center : Charley Brock

Charley with Curley Lambeau

Brock was drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 1939 draft, the 24th player chosen overall. He was named to the Pro Bowl and scored off of an interception in his rookie year as Green Bay won the championship.

He made the Pro Bowl again the next season, then saw time at halfback and fullback over the next two years. He intercepted a career best 6 balls in 1942, and also scored off of a fumble recovery while making his last Pro Bowl.

After Green Bay won the 1944 NFL Championship, he was named First Team All-Pro in 1945 after leading the NFL with 122 yards off interceptions and two returns for score. He also led the league with 52 yards off of 5 fumble recoveries.

Brock retired after the 1947 season with 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries in his career. His three Pro Bowls is the second most by a center in Packers franchise history behind Hall of Famer Jim Ringo.

Not only is Brock a member of both the Packers and Nebraska University Football Hall of Fames, he is on the NFL 1940's All-Decade Team. He is one of the best all around players in team history.

Larry McCarren, Frank Winters, Bo Svendsen, Tom Greenfield, Ken Bowman, Nate Barragar, and Mike Flanagan all are worthy of mention.





Guard : Gale Gillingham


Gillingham was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 1966 NFL Draft, the 13th player chosen overall. He earned the starting job at left guard late in the year, unseating Pro Bowler and Packers Hall of Famer Fuzzy Thurston.

After helping Green Bay win the famous "Ice Bowl" game against the Dallas Cowboys, he helped the Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the first championship game between the NFL and American Football League. It is now commonly known as Super Bowl I.

The Packers repeated as champions the next year as well, as Gillingham started in every game. He would start in every game the team played until 1976, except for 12 games due to injury in 1972.

He made his first Pro Bowl in 1969, as well as garnering First Team All-Pro honors. After repeating that feat the next season, he made the Pro Bowl in 1971 before being injured in the second game of 1972 and missing the rest of the season.

Gillingham returned to the Pro Bowl in 1973 and the following year before deciding to retire at the end of 1976. He is a member of the teams Hall of Fame, and his five Pro Bowls are the most by any Packers guard in franchise history.

Though Packers historians clamor for the induction of ex-guard Jerry Kramer's induction into Canton, Gale Gillingham certainly should be considered as well.





Guard : Jerry Kramer


Kramer was drafted in the fourth round of the 1958 draft by the Packers. He spent his rookie year as a reserve, mostly playing special teams. He earned the starting job the next year, which was also this first of Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi as a head coach. Kramer held onto his starters job until he retired.

He was named First Team All-Pro for the first time in 1960, and was an integral part of Packers teams that won NFL Championships 1961, 1962, and 1965. He made the Pro Bowl and was honored as First Team All-Pro in 1962 and 1963.

What made those two years particularly special was the fact Kramer served as the primary placekicker as well. He led the NFL in field goal percentage in 1962, made 16 out of 34 field goal attempts the next year, and made 81 out of 85 extra point attempts over that time. He would not kick again until his final season.

He played just two games in 1964 because of injury, but rebounded to be named First Team All-Pro in both 1966 and 1967, as well as make the 1966 Pro Bowl squad. He retired after the 1968 season, where he went four for nine on field goals and nine out of ten on extra points.

Jerry Kramer is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the NFL 50th Anniversary Team, the NFL 1960's All-Decade Team, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Senior Bowl 50th All-Time Anniversary Team. He has been a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a whopping ten times. He is the only member of the NFL's 50th Anniversary All-Time team not yet inducted into Canton.

He awaits his induction still, one that should have happened several decades ago, because he is one of the greatest guards in Packers history.

Buckets Goldenberg, Fuzzy Thurston, Gust Zarnas, Bill Lueck, Paul Tinsley, Marco Rivera, Lon Evans, and Ross Letlow deserve mention.





Tackle : Dick Wildung


Wildung was the Green Bays first round draft pick in 1943, the eighth overall selection, but he served in the military until 1946 before joining the Packers.

After playing guard his first two seasons, getting a safety playing defensive tackle as well, Green Bay moved him to left tackle in 1948. He stayed there the rest of his career, but missed the 1952 season because of injury.

He made his lone Pro Bowl in 1951, then retired after 1953. He was inducted into both the Packers and College Football Hall of Fame. Though he was a Packer for just seven years, his impact lasted much longer.





Tackle : Bob Skoronski


Skoronski was drafted in the fifth round of the 1956 draft by the Packers. He won the staring job at left tackle right away that season. He had to leave the team until 1959 because he served in the military during the Korean Conflict. It was also the first season Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi was head coach.

After playing as a reserve that year, he earned back his starting job in 1960 and would hold onto it until he retired after the 1968 season. Skoronski was so reliable that he missed just two games in his whole career.

He was an integral part of a offensive line blocking for Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr. Green Bay won championships five times between 1961 to 1967. Skoronski was named to his lone Pro Bowl in 1966.

Not only is he a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, but Bob Skoronski is one of the best left tackles the franchise has ever had.

Baby Ray, Ernie Smith, Bill Lee, Paul Kell, Howard "Cub" Buck, Charles Schultz, Greg Koch, and Ade Schwammel deserve mention.







Defensive Tackle : Dave Hanner


Hanner was a fifth round draft pick by the Packers in 1952. He was a Pro Bowler by 1953, again getting the honor for the last time in 1953.

He was steady and versatile in his 13 seasons with Green Bay, playing both tackle positions. He was also extremely athletic, getting four career interceptions and a safety. He missed just four games in his entire career.

Not only was he reliable, but Hanner was a winner. He played on two Packers teams that won league championships. When he retired at the end of the 1964 season, he became an assistant coach immediately and was part of two Super Bowl winning teams. He stayed with the team until 1996, filling roles like defensive coordinator and scout.

Dave "Hawg" Hanner is a member of both the Packers and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fames. He is also remembered for sacking Chicago quarterback Ed Brown for a safety, helping secure Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi's first career victory with a 9-6 decision over the Bears.





Defensive Tackle : Bob Brown


Brown was drafted in the first round of the 1964 AFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, and in the 13th round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

He did not play until 1966, joining the Packers as a reserve. Green Bay won the Super Bowl that season, and repeated the next year. After playing in just six games because of injury in 1968, he earned a starting job the next year and held onto it until he left the team after 1973.

The best year of his career was in 1972, when he sacked Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini for a safety and was later was named to his only Pro Bowl. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1974, then joined the Cincinnati Bengals the next year. He stayed with them for two years before retiring.

Brown was a consistent force, only missing the eight games in 1968. He is one of just three Packer defensive tackles to go to the Pro Bowl. Hall of Famer Henry Jordan and "Hawg" Hanner are the others. It is safe to say Bob Brown is one of the best defensive tackles in team history.

Mike McCoy and Ron Kostelnik deserve mention.





Defensive End : John Martinkovic


Martinkovic was drafted in the sixth round of the 1951 draft by the Washington Redskins. He soon joined the Packers and earned a starting job as a rookie. He scored two touchdowns in 1952.

He made the first of his three consecutive Pro Bowls in 1953 and was considered one of the top defensive ends of the 1950's. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1957 and retired at the end of the season.

Not only is he a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, but he is one of the best defensive ends in franchise history.





Defensive End : Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila


Gbaja-Biamila was drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 draft by the Packers. He appeared in seven games, during his rookie season, getting 1.5 sacks.

He was named a starter the next year and got 13.5 sacks. He has 12 in 2002, and took an interception 72 yards for a touchdown. The 2003 season saw him go to his only Pro Bowl after getting 10 sacks. He followed that up by matching his career high total of 13.5 sacks the next year.

Not only is Gbaja-Biamila recognized as the first to have three straight seasons double digit sack totals, but also the first to do it four consecutive seasons.

In 2007, the Packers used him as a pass rush specialist and he added 9.5 sacks. After being able to suit up for just seven games the next year because of injury, the Packers released him.

Gbaja-Biamila is the Packers all-time leader in sacks with 74.5 total. He has yet to officially retire, but he was one of the finest defensive ends in Green Bay history.

Ab Wimberly, Ezra Johnson, Allen Moore Robert Brown, and Lionel Aldridge deserve mention.





Outside Linebacker : Dave Robinson


Robinson was drafted in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft by the Packers, and in the third round of the AFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He opted to play in Green Bay.

He spent his rookie year as a reserve, but earned a starting job the following season. After helping the Packers win the 1965 season, the 1966 season was his first as a Pro Bowler as the Packers won the first Super Bowl. He earned his second Pro Bowl the next year, as Green Bay won their third straight championship.

After making his last Pro Bowl in 1969, he stayed on with the Packers until 1973 when he was traded to the Washington Redskins. He played two years with them before retiring. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and Gator Bowl Hall of Fame.

Dave Robinson is a member of the NFL's 1960's All-Decade Team, and he has been seriously considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times. He may be the best outside linebacker the team has ever had.





Middle Linebacker : Bill Forester


Forester was drafted in the third round of the 1953 draft by the Pack, the 31st player chosen overall. He started at middle guard in his rookie year, a position later turned into middle linebacker by Hall of Famer Bill George.

After playing left outside linebacker in 1954, he played the following two years at middle guard and picked off four balls each season. Green Bay then permanently moved him to the right outside linebacker spot in 1957 and matched his career high mark of four interceptions.

He made the Pro Bowl for four straight years from 1959 to 1962, earning First Team All-Pro honors the last three years. He also tallied his only points in 1959, off of a safety.

When Forester retired after 1962, he had 21 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries in his 11 seasons. It was the most ever by a Packers linebacker at the time, and still ranks third best. His four Pro Bowls are the most ever by any linebacker in franchise history.

He is a member of the teams Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. Forester was also nominated for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a few times, but has failed to get in as of yet.

When Vince Lombardi became head coach of Green Bay, part of the Hall of Famers winning formula was built around Forester on defense. The Packers went to three straight NFL Championship games in Forester's last three seasons as a player, winning in his last two years.

He is one of the best linebackers the team ever had.

Ed Neal, Clayton Tonnemaker, and Jim Carter also deserve mention.




Outside Linebacker : Fred Carr


Carr was drafted in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft by Green Bay, the fifth player chosen overall. He spent his first two seasons as a back up to Pro Bowler and Packers Hall of Famer Lee Roy Caffey before earning the starters job in 1970.

He would start in every Packers game from then until he retired after 1977. Carr made his first Pro Bowl in 1970, then went back in 1972 and 1975. He was named MVP of the 1970 Pro Bowl, becoming the first to win it in the modern day AFC-NFC Pro Bowl and just the third Packer ever to win the award.

Not only is Fred Carr a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, his three Pro Bowls are tied with Dave Robinson and Roger Zatkoff as the most ever by a Green Bay outside linebacker. He might be the best one the team ever had.

Lee Roy Caffey, John Anderson, Bryce Paup, Tim Harris, Dan Currie, Deral Teteak, George Koonce, Bob Forte, Mike Douglass, and Roger Zatkoff also deserve mention.





Strong Safety : LeRoy Butler


Butler was drafted in the second round of the 1990 draft and spent his rookie season as a reserve. He still picked off three passes and was starting at cornerback the next year.

The Packers moved him to strong safety in 1992, where he would stay the rest of his career. Butler picked off a career best six passes in 1993, 90 tackles, and took a fumble recovery 25 yards for a score. He was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl that year.

He attained those honors again in 1996, where Green Bay won Super Bowl XXXI. He swiped 5 balls, taking one 90 yards for a score, and had a career high 6.5 sacks. He was also named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in each of the following two years.

When Butler played nine games because of injury in 2001, he retired. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame and the NFL 1990's All-Decade Team. He is the only Packers strong safety to be named to four First Team All-Pro honors, and his 38 interceptions rank fourth best in franchise history.

Hank Gremminger and Mark Murphy deserve mention.






Free Safety : Bobby Dillon


Dillon was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1952 draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 28th player chosen overall. He attended college at Texas University, and is inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor and to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

He earned a starting job immediately for the Packers, picking off four passes in his rookie year. Then he became even more of a nightmare to opposing teams in 1953, grabbing nine interceptions for 112 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career off of a 49 yard return of an interception. Dillon accomplished this despite playing in just 10 of the 12 games that year.

The 1954 season saw him swipe seven more balls, scoring another touchdown as well. He was named to his first First Team All-Pro honor that season. He was named to the first of his four consecutive Pro Bowls and another First Team All-Pro nod the next season after getting nine interceptions for 153 yards.

Dillon gained an NFL-leading and career best 244 yards off of seven interceptions in 1956, scoring another touchdown and was named to First Team All-Pro again.

He tied his career best mark of nine interceptions in 1957, scoring a touchdown off of a 55 yard return in his 180 total yards. He was named to his last Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors in 1958, after picking off 6 balls for 134 yards and scoring his fifth and final career touchdown.

Dillon retired at the end of the 1959 season year and still holds the Packers franchise record for career interceptions and interception return yardage. He is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall Of Fame.

Bobby got a lot of early notoriety early in his career because he was blind in one eye. Since it is more than obvious this did not detract from his play, Dillon's exploits on the field are his real mark on the game.

He averaged over six interceptions a year for his career. There are a few factors that may have kept Bobby from inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame thus far. One is that he played on some bad Packers teams. The only season that he played on a winning team was his last, which also happened to be Vince Lombardi's first year in Green Bay.

Another reason may be that he played just 8 seasons. Those detractors would get some argument from me on these facts. There is the obvious fact of the impact Bobby had on the gridiron. His amazing nose for the ball is not matched by many to have ever played the game.

When he retired, he ranked second all time in NFL history with his 52 career interceptions That mark was tied by Jack Butler of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also retired in 1959. Both are now presently tied for 23rd all time.

There are only four safeties in NFL history with more interceptions than Bobby Dillon (Ronnie Lott's first five seasons were spent at cornerback). If you add these facts up, it eradicates the arguments of his teams won-loss record or his amount of seasons played. Bobby Dillon deserves his inductions into Canton.

Darren Sharper, Chuck Cecil, Irv Comp, and Johnnie Gray are worthy of mention.




Cornerback : Bob Jeter


Jeter was the Packers second round draft pick in 1960, the 17th player overall, after a stellar career at Iowa University. He ran for 194 yards on nine carries in their 1959 Rose Bowl win over California University to procure a National Championship title.

He joined Green Bay in 1963 after military service. Though he spent his first two years as a reserve, he did catch two balls He earned the starting job in 1965 and helped the Packers win the NFL Championship.

After leading the NFL with two touchdowns off of a team leading five interceptions for 142 yards in 1966 that helped Green Bay win the first Super Bowl ever, the Packers repeated as champions the following year with Jeter's eight interceptions leading the team in that category.

He was named to the Pro Bowl and garnered First Team All-Pro honors that season. After a strong 1968 season, he went to his last Pro Bowl the next year.

Green Bay traded him to the Chicago Bears just before the 1971 season, and he played three more years and then retired. His 23 interceptions still rank as the fourth most ever by a Packers cornerback and he is a member of the teams Hall of Fame.




Cornerback : Willie Buchanon


Buchanon was drafted in the first round of the 1972 draft, the seventh player chosen overall, and he stood out immediately. He picked off four passes and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, the only Packer to have won this award.

Despite playing just six games the next year because of injury, he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He repeated that honor the next season in 1974. He played in two games the following season due to injury but would not miss another game in the subsequent six years.

Perhaps his best year was in 1978, where he had a career best nine interceptions. Four came in one game against the San Diego Chargers, which tied a still standing NFL record. He was named to his final Pro Bowl and his only First Team All-Pro honor.

The Chargers were coached by Don Coryell, who was Buchanon's coach in college. Coryell traded for him, where Buchanon started in three of the four years he was with the team. He recovered three fumbles in one game, which tied a still standing NFL record.

After starting in just one of the nine games played in the strike shortened season of 1982, he retired. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the Packers All-Time team, the California State Junior College Hall of Fame, the Oceanside High School Hall of Fame, and the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Jesse Whittenton, Ken Ellis, and Mark Lee deserve mention.




Kicker : Chester Marcol


Marcol was drafted in the second round of the 1972 draft by the Packers. He exploded in his rookie year, attempting 48 field goals and making 33. Both led the NFL and are team records, and he was named NFC Rookie of the Year by the UPI. His 48 attempts are still the second most in NFL history, and the 128 points he had that year led the league and was the only time he eclipsed the century mark.

He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro that year, an honor he duplicated two years later when he led the NFL with 94 points as well as 39 field goal attempts and 25 makes. He is the only Packers kicker to be named to the Pro Bowl.

His last year in the NFL was an interesting one. In the 1980 season opener against the Chicago Bears, he had made two field goals as the game went to overtime tied 6-6. As he attempted a game-winner from 42 yards out, it was blocked. The ball went right back to Marcol, who scooted 25 yards for the winning points.

He was released after five games, but the Houston Oilers signed him for one game. It was against the Packers in Green Bay. Marcol chipped in four points for the Oilers victory. He retired after the game.

The 521 points he scored for Green Bay is still the third most by a kicker, and sixth overall. His 128 point season still ranks seventh best in team history, and he is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.

Don Chandler, Chris Jacke, Ryan Longwell, and Tiny Engebretson deserve mention.




Punter : Donny Anderson


Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft, the seventh player chosen overall. Not only was he a punter, but Anderson was a halfback. He did little of both in his rookie year, as Green Bay won Super Bowl I. He did chip in with a touchdown off a 77 yard punt return.

Gone was the Hall of Fame tandem of Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung in 1967. Elijah Pitts, their other star running back, was in the twilight of his career. Anderson was third on the team in rushing yards and receptions as the Packers repeated as champions. He also punted 65 times, having one blocked for the only time in his career.

The 1968 season was his only Pro Bowl year. He punted the ball 59 times, and had 1,095 all-purpose yards. Perhaps his best season was in 1970, when he ran for a career best 853 yards, caught 36 balls, and punted a career high 81 times.

He was traded to the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1972 and had one of his better years the next season. He ran in a career best ten touchdowns and caught a career high 41 balls and three more scores. He retired after the 1974 season.

Donny Anderson is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Texas Tech Hall of Fame. He still ranks third best in punt attempts, and fourth in punt yardage.

What makes his feats as punter even better was the fact he was the Packers main running back for years, which shows tremendous grit, athleticism, and durability to still be able to end up with a career average of 39.6 yards per punt.

David Beverly, Don Bracken, Max McGee, Josh Bidwell, Craig Hentrich, Max McGee, Jug Girald, and Don Chandler deserve mention.




Kick Return Specialist : Travis Williams


Travis was a fourth round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 draft. He played just five seasons in the NFL, but his impact has him on top of the leagues record books to this very day.

He returned four kickoffs for a touchdown as a rookie, which is the most by a rookie in NFL history. It is also tied with Cecil Turner as the most ever by any player in one season. He averaged an amazing 41.1 yards per kickoff return, which led the NFL., and is the highest average ever by anyone for one year. As a running back, he scored twice more, while helping the Packers win Super Bowl II.

In 1969, Williams scored on a 96 yard kickoff return, while leading the NFL with 1,517 all purpose yards. He also returned the first eight punt returns of his career, and scored on a 83 yard return while averaging a career best 23.6 yards per return. He also led the Packers with 536 rushing yards, and ran for four more touchdowns. He also led the Packers with 27 receptions, while scoring three times.

Williams got hurt in the seventh game of the 1970 season, and missed the rest of the year. He joined the Los Angeles Rams the next year, and led the NFL with a 29.7 kickoff return average on 25 attempts. He also scored on a 105 yard return, which is tied for 3rd longest All-Time in NFL history. He then retired after that season.

His 6 kickoff returns are the most in NFL history, tied with 4 others. He also has the longest kickoff return in Rams history. He averaged 27.5 yards on 102 kickoff returns in his career.

Steve Odom, Dave Hampton, Al Carmichael, Robert Brooks, and Roell Preston deserve mention.



Punt Return Specialist : Desmond Howard


Desmond was a first round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 1992. He was used primarily as a kickoff returner as a rookie, but did manage to score a touchdown off of one of his six punt returns.

In 1994, Howard had his best year as a wide receiver. He established career bests with 40 catches for 727 yards at an 18.2 average for five touchdowns. He ended up with the Jacksonville Jaguars the next year, and returned 24 punts at a 10.3 average, then went to Green Bay the following season.

Though he only played one season for the Packers, it was a memorable season. He led the NFL with 58 punt returns for 875 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 92 yard return. His 875 yards are an NFL single season record, and he even helped propel the Packers into Super Bowl XXXI with a punt return touchdown in the playoffs.

He ended up being the Super Bowl MVP, when he took a kickoff return 99 yards for a score to help Green Bay win. His 90 punt return yards are a Super Bowl record, and his 244 all purpose yards tied a Super Bowl record. He is the only special teams player to ever be named Super Bowl MVP.

Howard then went to the Oakland Raiders. He led the NFL in 1997 with 61 kickoff returns. He led the NFL in punt return touchdowns in 1998, when he took two in. He split the 1999 season between Green Bay and Detroit, but did score on a 68 yard punt return for the Lions in five attempts.

He made his lone Pro Bowl team the next year with Detroit, as he averaged 14.7 yards on 31 punt returns and had 1,401 yards on 57 kickoff returns. He scored his last special teams touchdown that year with a league leading 95 yard punt return. In 2001, Howard set career highs with 1,446 yards on 57 kickoff returns, to go with a 25.4 average. After an injury plagued 2002, he retired.

Desmond Howard was labeled another Heisman Trophy winning flop in the NFL after his first four years, but he shed that label when it was all said and done. He is the only special teams player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl MVP Award.

He had eight career touchdowns on punt returns, which is tied for the third most in NFL history. He once returned 10 kickoffs in a game, which is tied for the most in NFL history.


Billy Grimes, Antonio Chatman, Phil Epps, Will Blackmon, Walter Stanley, Al Carmichael, Johnnie Gray, Ken Ellis, Jon Staggers, and Steve Odom deserve mention.